I ran this post in April on La Dolce Vita and with the holiday weekend coming up, thought it was worth a repeat.
I have a few trips on the horizon so naturally I’ve got my mind on what I’ll want to pack. I love being super efficient and try to pack as light as possible. I find that if an item has multiple uses, is comfortable and can be layered, it will find a spot in my suitcase. I’m starting to put together the pieces now that will take me through weekends away and serve as an anchor for longer trips come summer.
Accessories are always key to my outfit planning, so I choose them carefully. If they have the versatility to go from beach to town, they usually make the cut. Currently, I’m looking for subtle tweaks on the staples I always need…sunglasses, hat, sandals and a bag. When selecting sunglasses, I look for frames that fold fairly flat so they don’t add extra bulk to my bag. A cat eye looks cool to me right now, especially these with a neutral tortoise rim. I’m also interested in updating my natural colored straw hat this season and think black looks pretty sharp. I’m all about brown sandals and accessories this season and love how they pair with black and white. As far as totes, I think I’ve found the perfect straw bag. It looks equally good on the beach as it does in a restaurant. This one’s a keeper.
Focusing on a color story makes packing a breeze. It forces me to eliminate items that I may love but don’t serve a purpose on a trip. I consistently start with black and white as an anchor, then add a pop of color. It’s a formula that’s easy to streamline and has served me well over the years. A pair of no-fuss white jeans and tailored black shorts act as the base for endless easy looks. I’ll toss in a few black and white tops that can be rolled and don’t rely on an iron to look good. A knit tank in a bright color adds texture and a hefty dose of chic. Keeping jewelry to the bare minimum, I’ll opt for something that’s elegant, simple but interesting like this mismatched pair from Melissa Joy Manning.
On top of those essentials, I’ll add a swimsuit and cover-up. If the cover-up can double as a top over white jeans, that’s a huge bonus. I always like to have a dress on hand and choose one that can go from day to night and is travel friendly, meaning it’s printed and can be rolled into a small space in the suitcase. I’ll pack another flat sandal that dresses things up a notch, but is still casual enough to wear with shorts or jeans. I love this understated style from Jimmy Choo which also comes in white. A lightweight pouch that can be used as a catch-all in a big tote but still attractive enough to function as a clutch is another essential.
All of these pieces are lightweight, take up minimal space and fit nicely into my streamlined packing formula. The only other items I’d add are a tee-shirt, tank and a wrap, in case it’s chilly. The best part about pre-planning and having a strategy on what to pack, is once I’m at my destination, I don’t have to waste time conjuring up outfits. With an edited selection of fantastic pieces that I know work numerous ways, every look is a winner.
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