How to Pack a Minimalist AND Fabulous Wardrobe for Travel
“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”- Coco Chanel -
Minimalism. Ok so I am not going to talk about extreme minimalism here. I like nice things, ok? So let’s keep this real.
If you met me five years ago, you would have seen big hoop earrings, leopard print shirts and all kinds of colors on my outfits (I grew up in LA…lol). Once I hit my 30s though, I began to realize that all the trendy pieces were exhausting to shop for. I thought I was showing my personality through loud prints and accessories, but in reality, I was masking it more than anything.
Then, I started to really appreciate minimalist fashion. There are many Youtube videos that show how you can build a capsule wardrobe for each season, and let me tell you, I AM A FAN. Why? Because you only need a few basic, neutral items to look chic all year round.
This is especially true when it comes to packing for a trip. Do you ever find yourself overstuffing your suitcase taking your whole closet with you? I’ve been there. It’s not fun taking so much stuff only to use less than half of what you packed. After all, you need to leave some room for souvenirs during your trip.
Let me share these three tips on how you can pack a minimalist yet super chic wardrobe for traveling abroad:
TIP #1 STICK TO NEUTRALS
I am sure you’ve heard this from many fashion blogs, but trust me, it works. You can always add a pop of color with fun accessories but by sticking to neutrals such as black, nude, white and grey, you have more opportunities to play around. After all, you may find some cool vintage accessories while you are shopping so treat your outfit like a blank canvas that you can paint on.
Tip #2 REMEMBER THIS COMBO: 2–5–2–2–2 (my personal secret combo!)
Whether I spend 1 week or 2–3 weeks in Europe, I usually have one carry-on and a personal item. I don’t check in any bags. How do I do it? I stick to this combo:
2 coats/blazers/jackets (depending on the season you are traveling)
5 shirts/blouses/tops
2 jeans/leggings
2 shoes (boots/flats… and please NO sneakers)
2 bags (black/nude)
I know, I know, sometimes I do break the rule and pack 1–2 extra shirts and leggings but I really try my hardest to do this. I used to pack like crazy and take 1–2 large bags that I had to check in, but I realized I’d end up wearing less than half of what I packed.
Take a look at what you plan to do during your trip and the weather. Try to plan your outfits ahead of time for each day and see how you can mix and match. Again, if you stick with TIP #1 and stick to neutrals, you can literally have 10 different outfits with just 5 shirts 2 pants.
TIP #3 BUY TRAVEL SIZE ESSENTIALS
Go to your nearest Target or look on Amazon for travel size lotion, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste and even makeup (Sephora!). This way, you pack just enough to last 1–2 weeks (and if you plan to stay longer, buy at the duty-free shop at the airport if you run out or local drugstores). I usually end up using most of these travel size toiletries and throw them away before I come home. So I have more room for souvenirs or come back with a lighter luggage.
EXTRA TIP: GET YOURSELF A SET OF PACKING CUBES, YOU WILL THANK ME LATER
Packing cubes make it super easy to pack and unpack! And many sets come with laundry pouches and shoe pouches so you can stay super organized and keep the dirty laundry away from your clothes!
Above all else, have fun and be fabulous! :)
