Spring is in the air, and travels have begun. With COVID-19 vaccination in full swing, a sense of relief is loosening the strings of heightened travel concerns. In recent days my Facebook feed has significantly increased with posts from adventurous spring break destinations and family talk of work-related travel soon filling their calendar.

As we continue our journey through spring and summer, the odds are high that there will be the potential for travel. Whether traveling for work or pleasure, the style-conscious traveler doesn’t want to waste time packing or missing an important ‘must have’ garment or accessory. Use these tips to pack your wardrobe efficiently while coordinating fabulous ensembles for your next travel destination.

Create a Wardrobe Plan

Make a master list of everything you may need for your trip, remembering that “less is more.” Refer to this wardrobe plan often as you pack, only taking with you what you will need and leaving room for any travel purchases. Take time to consider what you will be doing and where & with whom you will be with when listing your selections.

Packing Space

Pack in a dedicated space that allows you to easily lay/hang garments and accessories out with the ability to see all that is being considered for packing. A packing table near hanging space in a closet is ideal, or a bed with a garment rack is an easy substitute. Lay/hang your selected pieces out in a manner that you can see all that is being considered, along with your wardrobe plan, for your final selected pieces.

Making Your Selections

Build your wardrobe around one versatile neutral (navy, grey, black, or stone) and one other color from your palette. You can mix and match everything else around these colors. To save space, opt for two pairs of shoes (potentially a third pair if you need, a dressy evening sandal) that meet the needs of your planned wardrobe, both coordinating with your color scheme.

Key ingredients for a travel wardrobe

Dark pants/denim or skirt. Although it may be tempting, skip your sweats or jeans if traveling to Europe.

A twin sweater set. Great for layering and can be worn several ways. The short-sleeved or sleeveless first layer can be used under the jacket. The twin set can be worn alone with the skirt or pants on alternate days.

Tops/t-shirts/tanks. Cotton (blends) for day, silk for dressing up. Typically, synthetics/blends are less likely to wrinkle when packed. Select Solid colored garments that compliment your base pant or skirt.

Evening-dressy pants. Try a statement trouser: drapey palazzo pants or shimmery straight legging. Let your wardrobe plan guide you in need and appropriateness.

Accessories. An assortment of jewelry…casual to dressy, a colorful print scarf, a tote or backpack for day, a small clutch or evening bag for night, and a great pair of sunglasses.

Don't Pack in Haste



Maybe you have been there, particularly if you are in charge of getting the rest of your family packed as well! It is 11 p.m. the night before the 6:30 a.m. departure, and you have just started considering packing for yourself. You are tired, stressed, and with minimal time to think through your true packing and wardrobe needs. You begin by throwing in various garments, accessories, and just a few more items for “just in case” and slam your bag shut. Right?!

Save yourself from the packing stress and later frustration of not having the right pieces with you. Take the few minutes it takes to create your wardrobe plan. Use it to guide you through easily selecting the few coordinating garments and accessories that you will need to create a multitude of stylish coordinated looks.

Lastly, if your destination includes a flight, pack your wardrobe plan in your carry-on bag. If your luggage gets lost or stolen, you will have complete documentation for the airlines or insurance company.