What to Pack: 6 Steps for a Stylish Trip

I once packed 2 suitcases for my cousin’s weekend wedding in Canada. And I was proud of it. Overpacking was a badge of honor.

I grew up watching old black and white movies on Turner Classic Movies and the glamorous stars always traveled with huge trunks and jewels and men following them around solely for the honor of carrying their bags.

These days, airlines are far less accommodating to us overpackers. (Meanies!). They’re all like: “No, you can’t take that 75-pound bulging suitcase on the plane and also leave behind the huge bottles of hair products and look homeless for the rest of the trip.”

They’re bullies.

Eventually, I became a stylist, and met a brave and exotic creature called the carry-on traveler.

You may have heard of them.

They roll up their 3 t-shirts and stuff them into a bag the size of a thimble, and take only the pair of shoes on their feet.

So uncivilized.

But still, I had to LEARN how to pack. For myself and for them. Eventually, I developed my cluster system of mini wardrobe capsules, and realized that clusters were brilliant for travel.

They work for the overpacker and the backpacker. They make you look like you have men following you around to carry your bags, while still allowing you to take a manageable number of items.

They’re magic. And I break down how you can use them for travel in today’s video.

Fewer items. More options. Gorgeous outfits every single day.

Whether, like me, you’re a chronic overpacker forced to scale back because of the bullies, or the backpacking-around-Europe type (you guys scare me a little, not gonna lie), clusters work for everyone.

In this example, I used the most gorgeous fall styles from Veronica Beard to create 2 clusters and lots of cute outfits, exactly as I do with my clients.

I’m excited to introduce you to my favorite luggage set in this video, Level 8 Luggage.

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• Roadrunner Carryon
• Voyager
• Luminous

Features of Level 8

• Stylish and Modern Design: The luggage is described as super stylish, streamlined, and modern-looking.
• Lightweight: The luggage is incredibly lightweight, which is a major benefit, especially given airline weight restrictions.
• 360° Spinner Wheels: The wheels allow the luggage to practically “move itself,” making it extremely easy to maneuver.
• Fully Lined Interior: Both compartments of the luggage are fully lined, providing a more elegant packing experience and maximizing the use of space.
• Two Enclosable Compartments: The luggage features two completely enclosable compartments, helping to organize and protect items during travel.
• Accessories: Includes optional accessories like a suitcase protector and stylish packing cubes.
• Versatile Set Options: Available in sets, like the Luminous two-piece or three-piece set, which includes a large, medium, and carry-on suitcase.
• Wider Handle for Maneuverability (Voyager model): The Voyager set has a wider base for the handle, improving maneuverability.
• Tech-Friendly Design (Road Runner model): The Road Runner carry-on has an outside pocket designed for technology, like laptops and tablets, adding convenience for travelers.

Step 1: Look at Your Itinerary

The first step in packing is to review your itinerary. Knowing what you’ll be doing each day is crucial to planning your outfits. Are you sightseeing, going out for a fancy dinner, or attending an outdoor event? If your itinerary is flexible or not fully planned, consider general scenarios like “casual sightseeing,” “dressy evening,” or “outdoor activities” and plan outfits accordingly. This will help guide your packing so you know what kinds of outfits to bring.

Step 2: Identify the Outliers

In most trips, there are “outlier” events that require different outfits from the rest of the trip. These might be a fancy dinner, a formal event, or a day full of outdoor adventure. Identifying these outlier events helps you pack specialized outfits that you’ll need for those specific days. You don’t want to get caught off guard by packing too casually for a dressy event—or vice versa!

Step 3: Pick Outlier Outfits & Travel Outfits

Now that you’ve identified those special events, select the specific outfits for them. Set aside one dressy outfit for formal events, one casual or active outfit for adventurous days, and then your travel outfit. Ideally, your travel outfit is comfortable and can be worn both on your way to and from your destination. Once these outfits are sorted, you’ve taken care of the most unique and specific clothing needs of your trip.

Step 4: Create a Cluster Per Week

For the rest of your trip, I recommend using what I call a “cluster” approach. This helps you build a mini capsule wardrobe for the trip. A cluster consists of 3 tops, 2 bottoms, and 1 jacket that all mix and match with each other. If your trip lasts more than a week, you can create a second cluster that complements the first. The beauty of this system is that it gives you plenty of outfit options without overpacking, and everything works together seamlessly.

Shop all of these items here.

Step 5: Add 3 Pairs of Shoes

I always follow the rule of three when it comes to shoes: one pair of comfortable walking shoes (like a cool fashion sneaker), one versatile pair (like a flat or low heel), and one dressy shoe for evening events. These three shoes should cover all your bases for the trip, ensuring you’re comfortable and stylish no matter the activity.

Shop all of these items here.

Step 6: Plan Your Outfits

Now that you have your clusters, special event outfits, and shoes in place, plan your daily outfits. Review your itinerary and assign an outfit to each day based on the activities you have planned. This step helps you visualize what you’ll wear each day, ensuring you make the most of your packing. It also gives you confidence knowing you’ve covered all your bases—no last-minute outfit dilemmas on your trip!

Shop all of these items here.

Packing doesn’t have to be stressful. By following this system, you can confidently pack for any trip, knowing you’ll have what you need to feel beautiful, stylish, and comfortable. Let me know how these tips work for you, and happy travels!