A Fashionista's Guide to Packing Like a Pro

We’ve all been there, sitting on our suitcase trying to zip it closed. Praying the bag doesn't go over the airline's weight limit. Confining a vacay wardrobe down to a little bag is all part of a fashionista's worst nightmare, but it doesn't have to be! As your summer trips are approaching, the last thing you need is to fall back into your outrageous packing habits. Here are some packing tips I’ve learned over the years to make the most of your space without sacrificing your outfits.

You probably don’t need that many shoes

Chances are, you’re bringing a pair of shoes that could easily be substituted for another. Trust me, you don’t need two different styles of white sneakers for a week out of town. Don’t waste bag space by packing shoes you don't need. Instead, pick a pair of shoes from each category to pack. For example, pack one pair of sneakers, sandals, and heels. For cold destinations, swap your sandals out for boots. Try to bring different neutral color shoes if possible. I typically aim to bring a brown, black, and white pair, so that I have a pair of shoes for every outfit. Another good shoe tip for space-saving is to stuff shoes with your socks so they don't take up more space in your bag. They’ll also keep leather shoes from creasing or losing their shape!

Go easy on the denim

Denim is bulky and takes up a lot of space in your bag that could be used for other things. Chances are, you can get away with repeating the same jeans with different tops multiple times, especially for extended trips. So, if you were planning to bring a second pair of jeans in the same cut, maybe leave your extra mom jeans at the house to make room for some more blouses.

Packing Cubes and Ziplocks are your best friend

Packing Cubes have changed the game for maximizing space in your suitcase. They even make it easier to find things while on vacation and to repack your bag when it’s time to come home. I recommend rolling clothes! It compacts them more and keeps them from wrinkling. Typically, I will pack workout clothes and loungewear like this, but I like to keep my other outfits together. That is where zip locks come in! I like to curate outfits ahead of time to make things easier for me when I arrive. I pack these individual outfits into large zip locks with accessories and all. This is awesome for shorter trips where you won't be mixing and matching, so you won't have to remember what goes with what. Remember to try on your outfits ahead of time! If it isn't what you imagined when you reach your destination, it's too late.

Wear your biggest pieces on the way

As obvious as it sounds, remember to wear your bulkiest items on the trip there. This includes sweats, jackets, and your biggest shoes. That way, you will have more space in your bag for other things.

Go Crazy with Accessories

Feel free to bring all your favorite jewelry and hair accessories, since they practically take up no space. So while you may have to sacrifice a garment or two, you can bring as many necklaces as your heart desires. I recommend a mini caboodle to keep all your jewelry together. They’re great for organization and take up very little room. You can also place it all in a purse you’re packing so that it takes up no extra space. 

Whether your trip is three days or three weeks, I hope these tips can help you be more efficient with your packing. It’s important that you figure out what works for you, and you should never have to sacrifice your outfits for a bag.