PACK LESS, WEAR MORE

The starting point in packing for any trip is to have a strategic plan. The destination clearly leads the direction, but after that I focus on the color palette. I turn off the noise of distractions on the ideology of what to wear to the beach, the city, a weekend or wherever, and adhere to packing the pieces I’m most comfortable wearing. I’m not one to shop for new things for a trip and prefer to work with what I own.  I’ll consider ways to style them making them appropriate for the setting. Everything is tried on and must be compatible with more than one piece, preferably more. Making due with the items I’ve packed actually creates more stylish looks than if I had tried to pair the perfect shoe with the dress, pant, skirt, etc. Sometimes slightly mismatched or surprising combinations yield the best results. Ultimately, when I travel, I like having less to choose from. It forces me to wear pieces in creative ways.

In today’s packing guide, I’m focusing on the color palette I wear most often at home – black, white and a neutral. Familiarity makes getting dressed quick and assures comfort. Variations on these pieces act as the core of a multitude of looks. I’d add in a pair of sneakers, a hat, and a small day/dinner bag.

Ayede black sandal, Loewe tote, Prada sandals, Bondi Born swimsuit, Dries Van Noten striped dress, Alex Mill white pants, Sea crochet shorts, Matteau striped shirt, Commando slip, Dries Van Noten white tank top, Eterne tank top and skirt, Another Tomorrow black shirt,

White pants – either trouser style or denim – are the starting point of both casual and dressier looks. For day time, I’d slip on a pair of comfortable walking sandals and a tank, layer a cotton shirt over for extra coverage as needed and wear it either open or tied at the waist. Another day, I’d just wear the shirt with the pants tucked in for a more polished look. Dressing up, I’d add a special top, like this one shoulder silk piece.

Aeyde black sandal, Alex Mill white pants, LOULOU Studio silk top, Matteau striped shirt (also in blue), Birkenstock 1774 sandals, Dries Van Noten white tank top, Eterne tank top, Marie Lichtenberg necklacePoolside, I’d wear this striped coverup unbelted over a chic swimsuit with flats and a hat. Later the dress will be layered over a black slip type dress with a pair of black sandals and a simple bag.

Valentino sandal, Loewe tote, Prada sandals, Bondi Born swimsuit, Dries Van Noten striped dress, Commando slip, Loro Piana hat

Warm days running around, I’d toss on a pair of shorts – plain or something with a little personality like these. A tucked in lightweight shirt adds a more pulled together vibe while tanks or tees make a very casual statement. Flat sandals, sneakers a tote and hat complete either of the looks.

Sea crochet shorts, K Jacques sandals, Leset tee, Loro Piana hat, Another Tomorrow black shirt, Marni tote, Eterne tank top

A slim straight skirt goes far in styling options and is a must. Paired with a matching tank and you’ve got a clean, minimalist look. Top with a blazer for something more polished or take a classic shirt and tie it at the waist.

Ayede black sandal, Prada sandals, Matteau striped shirt, Eterne tank top and skirt, necklace, Toteme linen blazer