Building on my 3 Shoe Rule from a few weeks ago, this week I am talking clothing packing tips. The bottom line is, in order to nail carry-on packing, you must plan your pieces carefully so that everything coordinates. Consider pieces that do double duty. Lightweight sweaters that layer over blouses and shirts but can be worn under thicker sweaters. Dresses that button or zip up the front to be worn as cardigans and jackets. Think it’s impossible? Not at all! In order to allow these pieces maximum mix and match potential, go for a clear color scheme. It doesn’t have to be limited. but picking a few key colors will really help in decision making and interchangeability.
This is the first time I have done 8 Pieces, 12 Looks, and there are a few things to consider. The first is that color scheme. Since we are still in the holidays and we are packing for a winter getaway, festive red seems like the bold color of choice. Complimentary stars, plaid and stripes still stays on the ‘winter’ and ‘holiday’ theme without being literal ski cabin. I threw in one brightly colored sweater to reduce the sameness, but by sticking to red for pants and shoes, the bright sweater easily matches back.
The next thing to consider is that obviously shoes are not part of the 8 pieces. We are building upon the 3 Shoe Rule by restricting the number of clothing items and understanding that each of the shoes you pick plays a unique role in each outfit. Jeans and a blouse can go from casual to dressy simply by changing the heel, hence why we are able to create so many unique outfits!
The last thing to take in account when packing the 8 Pieces, 12 Looks way is that your heaviest outerwear should always be worn in travel. Whether its a leather jacket or a down parka, you wear that on the plane, train or boat even if you are roasting. Do not take up precious cargo space with it! This rule does not hold true with anything else. You wear one of your 3 pairs of shoes on the plane. One of the jeans, one of the blouses. I know you need room for all your makeup and everything you are going to buy on your trip, so the only exception I make to the rule is the outerwear. Looking for a great outerwear piece to go with the below 12 looks? I recommend this silver metallic down jacket.
Ready to pack easy? Let’s see the pieces!
1. Gap Multi Color Stripe Sweater (if you have room get the matching hat too!)
3. Zara Star Print Ruffle Neck Blouse
4. Zara Plaid Print Dress with tie straps
5. Gap velvet tuxedo stripe jeans
6. H&M velvet zip front mock neck dress (also available in black)
8. J.Crew red wool Martie pants
9. Sorel Buffalo Plaid winter boots
10. Tabitha Simmons strappy low heels (on sale)
11. Sam Edelman over the knee boots
Now lets see the 12 looks!
What do you think? Do you like this style of post? Let me know your feedback in the comments so that I can help create packing lists that help you in the future! Where is your next destination and what are your packing restraints? Let me help you!
