As a frequent traveler I have mastered the art of light packing. I always surprise my girlfriends but the trick is to only pack what you really need. I re-wear as much as possible, and since my clothes all tend to be neutrals anyway it’s easy to stick to one color palette (usually blacks, denim and gray or white for me). Sticking to one color palette allows you to bring minimal shoe options which really take up the space.
To kick off the year I invested in a new lightweight carry-on bag. I had been stalking this Tumi bag around the web for sometime and finally pulled the trigger after finding the exact style I wanted on Lord & Taylor–they have some great carry-on options–like this cutie (plus they won me over with the free shipping and no tax). I have been wanting a rolling bag with four wheels since teasing my guy about his mini rolling suitcase in college–and on this last trip I have to say, four wheels is clutch. It’s so easy to maneuver that thing around and as a shortie, it’s easier to lift this lighter bag up into the overhead compartments.
I’ve shared my top packing tips before but since I get so many questions about traveling and since packing just a carry-on for January east coast temps can be tricky I thought I’d give a little more insight into what essentials I brought for my week away in New York and how to master the art of packing light.
I’m sure you know to wear your heaviest coat and shoes on the plane but for me the most important thing is to really plan out your looks and edit, edit, edit one more time before heading to the airport. I’ve had my luggage stolen before and it’s so not fun to have your favorite possessions taken from you so I just don’t bring them anymore. Even for fashion week I try not to over pack–and instead just dress for the weather and what’s true to my style / what I know I will be comfortable in.
One of the best ways to save room in your suitcase is, if traveling with a friend, to share as much as you can or want to. I like to coordinate who will bring the blow dryer / curling iron / face wash or maybe you might want to even share coats like we did. We both wore my two heavier winter coats on the plane and rotated them throughout the week so we felt like we weren’t wearing the same thing everyday.
If you think you will be shopping while at your destination be sure to save a little room. Sometimes I like to bring old pjs that I can toss at the end of the week–making room for anything new.
When it comes to my toiletries I save my small sized beauty samples throughout the year and bring them along on my trips. It’s fun to test new products while traveling and I usually bring along a moisturizing face mask for the night after my flight. This new Tumi suitcase has great storage for toiletries–I had plenty of room for all of my beauty essentials, curling iron and a pair of shoes in this zipped section.
The Look | Equipment Sweater (similar). IRO Pants (similar detailed style), Beanie (similar) + Booties (similar + fun fringe pair). Tumi Suitcase (also love this cute carry-on option + this sleek larger suitcase).
My Packing List for a Week in New York (in January):
– wear one pair of blue denim on the plane with your bulkiest jacket and shoes (I wore sneakers)
– also wear on the plane: scarf and beanie / hat
– 1 pair of black denim, 1 pair of leather pants (for evenings out / meetings)
– 2-3 cashmere sweaters for layering
– 2-3 v-neck tees and tanks for layering as well
– 1 nice boot option, 1 comfortable walking boot
– pjs and toiletries
Thank you to ShopStyle for collaborating on this travel feature!
Photography by Alexandria Gibbs
