They say, those who cannot do, teach. Sometimes I find myself writing newsletters to teach myself the things about style that I don’t know and today is one of those days.
I don’t get to travel often but when I do I definitely get caught up in what I’m going to wear, what I should pack, what I should buy, etc.
This TikTok sound is too accurate;
“If I don’t have fireass outfits, I don’t even want to go”
BUT the competing thought in my head is that I should wear my current wardrobe, I don’t need to reinvent myself for a new location, and…also… I want to save my money to shop whilst on said vacation. I’m only human.
So when my family and I prepared for our 10 day trip to Denmark (we leave Thursday!) I wanted to make the most of my current wardrobe and not fall into the trap of spending money for the imaginary Copenhagen version of myself. I relied on an old trick of mine that I hesitate to share because it’s a little embarrassing. But here I am, I’m hoping you won’t judge me and, on the contrary, it might help someone.
I’m just a fashion girl, packing for an international trip for me and three kids, standing in front of the internet looking for help.
I obsessively watched 3-3-3 videos. I read lots of packing tips which generally include some version of; plan your outfits based on the weather/activity and then try them on and take pictures. Usually there is a tip to lean heavily on accessories. But, I’ll be honesty, I need something a little more turnkey than that.
Step One
Enter, livelovesara and her EXTENSIVE packing lists (found here). Sara is an OG Fashion Blogger and her site was bookmarked to my college computer. Admittedly it has been a while since I’ve referenced her website (it’s a touch spammy with ads) BUT I couldn’t forget that she created these awesome packing lists/capsule wardrobes with subsequent outfits. Just what the doctor ordered for this brain-dead packer!
I chose this Capsule Wardrobe post because, again in the spirit of radical honesty, I have a suede fringe jacket that I knew I wanted to pack AND a studded belt. But the point here isn’t to find a packing list/capsule wardrobe made with pieces you already own. Because…
Step Two
You're going to take a screenshot of her packing list or physically print it out and you are going to mark it up with your wardrobe notes. The list is a good guideline of how many pieces in their respective categories you’ll need.
This list has me packing 7 accessories, 6 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes and 1 jacket.
You’ll noticed that I completely took out two pairs of shoes and a top because, for one thing, I don’t want to pack 5 pairs of shoes and, for another, I don’t wear a lot of blousey shirts and her created outfits didn’t require it that much.
I also changed one purse to a baseball hat because I love wearing a hat as an accessory and this didn’t offer that option.
The point in marking it up is to make it yours. This list is a springboard for using your own favorite pieces and combinations. I’m maybe exposing myself too much to admit that I don’t always have the creativity to think of 10 outfits within a tight wardrobe capsule, but I don’t! However, these packing lists feel like someone just handed me the baton and all I need to do is cross the finish line.
Step Three
Now you can look at the outfits that Sara created and you can either try them on and see if it works or you can mentally work through the outfits and adjust them.
You’ll notice that I eliminated one outfit (the one with the aforementioned blouse) and I changed up one outfit by adding an additional layer. I tried each outfit on during a nap time one day just to make sure all the outfits felt comfortable and stylish enough to project ME. The entire process took about 15 minutes.
None of these outfits are mind boggling! None of them I couldn’t have thought of on my own! And, yet, I really needed the hand holding that was provided by the outfit templates. I won’t have the time to futz over my outfit each morning, nor will I want to. I want to be too busy eating every last Danish pastry I can get my paws on. And I’ll probably make some last minute adjustments based on what the weather is showing, etc (I’m writing this more than three days before I leave), but I’m pretty confident in what is going in my suitcase and leaving PLENTY of room for new items to come home with me.
There you have it! I hope this proves, if nothing else, PRACTICAL for some of you. And, please, if anyone else has a hack for vacation packing please share below!
My formula: Pack your most luxe basics. Favorite jeans yes. (IMO distressed is limiting. I bring dark or grey/black wash) Leather leggings if you’re me yes. Black slip skirt yes. Wide leg pull on pants fabric depends on weather. Best t-shirts and tanks. (Silk? Velvet? Absolutely) Your favorite black cashmere sweater (mine’s a v-neck) one pair of perfect black ankle boots that are not heavy on the foot. One pair cute sneakers. One perfect black blazer (mines an oversized theory and travels everywhere) Done. If you want a button down and you’re traveling with a man steal his. Then. I pack 3 silk scarves (Hermes for me. It’s a situation caused my my mother-in-law may she rest in chic peace). At least a half dozen pair of earrings (they take up no space) and at least 3 different lip moods. One sleek bag that can be worn cross body nothing bulky or too precious. Trust me. You will LOVE the way your vacation photos look and your bag weighs nothing. Carryon always. The great Leandra once wrote: STUFF RUINS TRIPS. I live by that mantra. Have a fabulous time!
My only tip is to bring a Longchamp nylon bag to fold up and use for the extra bag of clothes you'll be bringing back from shopping! (Just me??)