I shared my Travel Capsule from a recent trip, yet there is so much more to this topic. In preparation for a segment on KGW’s Portland Today, I wanted to give you even more details to help you pack for your next trip. When I wrote the first piece, I didn’t know about the upcoming TV spot, so I apologize for any redundancy.
Here is the video. There are always things I forget to say, so if you still have questions, add a comment or contact me and I’ll be happy to fill in the gaps.
When the airline regulations tightened, and we had to start paying to ship a bag, more of us got serious about packing light. I created a great capsule for a post about 8 years ago, when I packed 6 days in my carry-on. Somehow I lost sight of continuing to perfect this because the airline changed the sizes, and my trusty carry-on no longer quite fit. AND I often fly Southwest which allows you two FREE checked bags. I got lazy about downsizing.
Last summer I did a few videos and posted pictures with all my travel tips on my Style by Karen page. Throughout that series, I heard from women who packed 2-3 weeks in a carry-on. In contrast, I know women who overpack even for a few days (too many shoes) and they worry about the weight limits.
Here’s how to start. A color scheme is somewhat helpful, but not totally necessary. Make sure to check and re-check the weather forecast using several sources before you pack.
1. Start with 3 neutral bottoms. For example: denim, black or gray, khaki or olive, white. If you need to add, choose a skirt/shorts in one of the same colors. Or choose another pair of pants with a small print that will “read” as a solid but will add variety.
2. Start choosing tops. Try to pick things that will go with all the bottoms or at least 2.
3. Find 2 or 3 “third pieces” and again it’s helpful to choose something that goes with every bottom and most of the tops. This will give you maximum combinations. Denim jackets are always a good option, but sweaters take less space.
OTHER TIPS:
–Once you create a combination, snap a photo and keep referring to them as you build. If you are truly mixing and matching, you will lose track of how many outfits you have. Photos help! They also provide reference once you arrive at your destination. I take a photo of the top and all the various possibilities it can pair with.
–Lay out your jewelry with the outfits. Choose pieces that can go with everything. But also keep in mind that when you wear something more than one time, a piece of jewelry can make it look different. Jewelry is easier to pack than clothes.
–Try on each combination if it is something you haven’t worn recently. Things look great in theory laid out, but do not always look the same on.
–If flying, I wear the same outfit both ways, and usually my heaviest shoes. I always take a jacket or even a scarf because the temperatures vary so much on the plane. I have worn this shirt dress on probably a dozen trips. It feels like pajamas. You can wear it with/without leggings. The jacket is pretty worn/stretched out, but I keep it just for travel because it is so comfortable I could sleep in it. Well, I don’t sleep well on the plane, but that’s another story!
–We all have a tendency to pack too many shoes. Lay them out with the outfits and include in the photos.
I used the rolling method last summer. It made it easy to see all the pieces at a quick glance without going through stacks. (I had no space to unpack)
I’ve heard about the packing cubes and envelopes. One of my friends has been packing with these for years. It’s especially helpful when you are taking a trip where you have to wear two different outfits a day or have extreme temperature differences.
The Container Store and Amazon have lots of different options. These really allow you to compartmentalize. They compress your clothes and oh the space that is saved! As I was playing around with them, I was shocked at what I could stuff in one. This pack at REI is a great deal.
I like the envelope option the best because it allows you to pack things that wrinkle easily. You can layer shirts, sweaters in the medium size. Pants, jackets, even a suit in the larger size. When you get to the hotel, simply unpack the stack and put in a shelf or drawer.
I’d love to hear if you have tried any of these options and please share your tips!
One of the best purchases I made last year was a FAUX LEATHER BACKPACK. I often take a handbag and a small carry-on. I only wanted one piece. It was the perfect size and wasn’t too heavy. It held everything I needed and had great pockets/compartments. I also used the “bag in a bag” concept and put a small cross-body in it. Some days I only carried the cross body for my phone, sunglasses etc. Other days I had both as the back pack provided the additional space with an extra pair of shoes, raincoat etc.
One of the features I really liked was the shoulder strap so I did not have to wear as a backpack all the time.
Whew! Long post. Hopefully you gleaned some great tips and will travel light going forward!
