💌 Style Mail: The secret to packing like a stylist
Plus how you can ignore this & still pack intentionally
Sometimes I’m full of ideas for what to write about - and sometimes I’m not. Because between Substack & the (semi-retired) blog on my own website, I’ve been writing about style & fashion for the past 12 years. So, I often think, “do people really want to hear about this again?”
So, last week on Instagram, I asked what my followers wanted to hear about in the next Style Mail. And guess what they asked for most? Vacation packing tips.
And I think it’s because (unless you travel for work) packing isn’t something you do very often. And you can probably name at least a few times when you could have done it better. And you think there’s some big secret to doing it ‘right’. But here’s the thing - ‘right’ means different things for different people. You may want a mix & match wardrobe with fewer pieces, but more outfits. Or you may want an array of options so you can tweak things when you get there. Or your highest priority may be fitting things in a carryon.
So, rather than saying that these are the ‘right’ ways to pack - let’s just say that these are the methods I’ve used with clients for years. And the feedback I get is that they packed less than they normally do, felt great with what they chose & didn’t feel like they overpacked at all.
✍️ Style Scoop
I titled this post ‘the secret to packing like a stylist’ for a reason. And it’s not because all stylists recommend the exact same method. But there is something that all the stylists I know agree on - especially when you want a mix & match vacation wardrobe:
Pick a color palette.
Simply pick 2-3 colors as the foundation of your vacation wardrobe. Because that way, different pieces will go together in different ways. So, you can bring 3 tops & 3 bottoms - but that equates to many more than 3 outfits. Here’s what I mean.
The color palette for this vacation capsule is black, white & tan - as a super simple example of creating a color palette. It’s generally easier to start with 2 neutrals & then add a pop color (if you like) - but your palette is up to you & what you have in your wardrobe. And I also love starting with a print (like this matched set) & then pulling your color palette out of the print. Because it adds interest & keeps things cohesive.
The ideal is that each bottom will go with each top. But that’s an ideal that may not work in real life. So, with 3 tops & 3 bottoms, you may not end up with 9 outfits. But if each bottom works with 2 tops, you’ll end up with 6 outfits - which totally works for a long weekend away. And the best thing about choosing a tight color palette is that it’s easy to pick other items that go with everything. You can grab a couple pairs of comfortable shoes, a swimsuit, a versatile cardigan, etc. - and you’re good to go!
And if you’re going away for a longer period of time, you can add more pieces - just remember that each piece has to go with most everything else (including your shoes, layers, etc). You could add white jeans that work with every top. Or a tan tank that works with every bottom. So each piece you add makes 2-3 more outfits.
These are the outfits from a client’s lookbook that inspired this vacation capsule. I wasn’t getting this client ready for a trip - but I was showing her the versatility of this matching top & skirt set. And this client’s look book is featured in last month’s VIP newsletter - so now is a great time to upgrade to VIP for even more summer outfits & ideas (since once you sign up, you get immediate access to the archives!).
If you’re thinking, “but what if I like more color? And some stripes & texture?” Check out this mini vacation wardrobe.
Like I said - the color palette you choose is up to you & what’s in your closet. This one is red, light blue & off-white. But unless you’re a color & print mixing aficionado, I suggest that you include at least 1 neutral & a majority of solids, to maximize your mix & match options.
One thing I want to highlight is one of my ‘always’ packing tips. You’ll notice that in both of these capsules, the shoes, bags & third pieces go with every outfit. Shoes & jackets (& sometimes bags) tend to be your biggest & heaviest items - especially with warm weather travel. So you want to bring the most versatile options. My general rule is 2 comfortable shoes for walking, 1 evening/occasion shoe, 1 or 2 bags (like a crossbody & tote bag) & 1 or 2 third pieces. Click here for more of my ‘sometimes, always, never’ packing tips.
Ok, so now that you’re an expert in packing based on a tight color palette - you can ignore this advice if you want to. Because it’s not the only strategy.
I’ll never stray from the advice I just mentioned about shoes, jackets & bags - but if you want another general packing option, here’s a quick synopsis. Take the number of days you’re gone & divide by 2 - that’s how many bottoms you’re bringing. Then pick out 2 tops for each bottom. And that’s it! You basically lose the idea of mixing & matching with this method - but you might have more choices of what to pick from your closet. Read this for more details, plus a bunch of other tips.
If neither of these methods feel right for you, I have one more. It’s a little more organic - and it could be viewed as combination of the above two. This article demonstrates it with cold weather clothes - but the same principles apply any time of year.
And no matter how you pack, read about the two things will always help you create a concise trip wardrobe - especially if you’re a habitual overpacker.
💡 Client Spotlight
Most of my clients turn to me for creative guidance, ideas to expand their comfort zone & style inspiration in general. But some of my clients are already very creative & just want to streamline the process of shopping & creating outfits.
‘Jane’ is one of the latter. She’s an interior designer with a strong creative voice. And she’s completely clear on her style - it’s a mix of classic, tailored & edgy. She loves black & navy, is happy to wear heels & cool jackets are her style signature. I’ve been working with her for about 7 years - and she doesn’t need me to shop (she shops fine on her own). But she appreciates how I streamline the process.
Instead of her combing through stores to find amazing pieces to add to her wardrobe, I do it. So, she gets to walk into a fitting room that I’ve curated specifically for her. She tries things on & we prioritize just a handful of items to buy each time. And she knows that I already have outfit ideas in the back of my head.
And then when I’m in her closet, I get to play with her amazing accessories (she loves jewelry & scarves). And I spend the time creating outfits that she’d probably never spend on her own.
One of my favorite parts of working with a client for this long is that I get to witness her style evolution. Jane has shifted from louder pieces to more subtle ones. She went from an all black foundation to appreciating hits of dark brown. And now that she’s more visible in her career, she focuses on items & outfits that express her creativity, but still keep her talent as the center of attention.
Whether you’re looking to streamline creating a cohesive wardrobe - or you need clear guidance on what works for you - I’m happy to be your partner in the process. I’m currently scheduling new clients to start in September/October - you can read more about my new client framework here & click here to get the process started.
☝️ One more thing
The Senate is voting this week on cuts to public broadcasting, global health programs & foreign aid funds. You can read more details in this post from the 50501 Movement.
Please call your senator at 202-224-3121 or use 5 calls & tell them to vote NO on the Rescission.
Let’s Work Together!
I apologize for the outdated call to action at the end of the article. In the middle of the night, the Senate passed the rescission package that cuts funding to NPR, PBS, global aid and other things. It’s very sad.
Appreciate the well laid out pictures! Many people are visual learners, including myself, so this is helpful. 👏