Hello it’s that time again for our monthly style report with Cindy and Sarah. This month we are talking about travel and packing and what to wear. We are finally getting back to nearly normal travel and it feels like the whole world is going somewhere. This pic above right was the last time I was in Europe, Fall 2019 at Heathrow in London. I’d love to go back right now! Right now I have two trips on the horizon, a conference in Atlanta in July ( should be a challange to choose the right things with high temps and A/C), and a fall trip to France with Max if all goes well. That’s still in the planning stages.
I love travel more than almost anything, so just thinking about what to pack gets me excited. We have traveled a fair amount and I’ve gotten better at this art of packing. I really enjoy having my travel essential all ready to go. I have a system down and it takes the stress out of it!
Travel essentials are my TUMI case I’ve had now almost ten years. It never fails me and though has some exterior wear, works like a dream and I can really overload it if I have to with its expandable sides. This suitcase and my carry-on are probably some of the best investments I have made. Neither aren’t cheap, but they have paid for themselves many times over. I can’t tell you how many cheaper cases and carry ons I have gone through before I bought these. I can’t see needing to change them ever! Good investment pieces.
My bags for the last conference I attended prior to the pandemic..
My carry-on is a Longchamp large Le Pliage Tote that that I bought at Heathrow in Harrod’s duty free and I wouldn’t go anywhere without it. It’s tough, lightweight and I can get tons in it. If I’m limited to a carry-on and the suitcase, I’ll take it as my one personal piece and tuck a crossbody purse in it.
If I can check a bag, I take the Longchamp and a tote purse. If it’s a beachy destination, I’ll bring a basket bag as the tote with a crossbody in it. For travel involving trains, transit and multiple hotels, a small carry-on is less slogging and so worth packing efficiently in two pieces.
I stack everything vertically in this tote, so I can see it.
In this I fit a crossbody bag, my makeup bag, two to three pouches, an extra pair of shoes, a book and magazine, a cashmere wrap and a hat upside down with another scarf. I do the same with any handbag tote I may bring.
One of the best crossbody bags I have ever had is this Bombe bag by Tory Burch. IT is ultra light, has two zip pockets that can hold a good amount. . It now comes in many colors, but the black I’ve had for years and it is still so easy to pack and take..
I love zip pouches and packing cubes. Have you gotten on the packing cube bandwagon? Some people love to pack with full outfits in the larger ones. So far this is what I do..
My zip pouches hold-
1) Cords, chargers, plugs and convertors.
2) Kleenex, face/hand wipes, hand sanitizer, Tide wipes, masks, sunglass readers, extra earbuds with cords for movies, and an eye mask for sleeping.
3) A pair of black leggings, a black tank, and a long sleeve t-shirt, a pair of underwear, and a pair of socks. Love this from Target (orange pouch ) that fits those easily. (I like having an extra outfit or emergency pieces in case of a bag being lost or spilling on the flight.)
4) Jewelry roll. I try and keep to basics and just an extra necklace or ring and a pair of dangly earrings. I have a few jewelry cases. The box ones seem to be more popular now and I love this one by Cuyana and this by Mark & Graham.
5) Cosmetic/skincare bag. I love this Everlane bag that was a gift from a friend. It has many side pockets that hold products vertical and is well designed.
My suitcase packing method.
I have done the pants flat out on opposite sides forever and it works to prevent wrinkles- ( demonstrating below). I then fold shirts and dresses stacked together placed on the center, and then pant bottoms folded over all that.
On the zippered side of the suitcase, I use my packing cubes (love these eiffel tower travel bags ). I use one for underwear, another for pajamas and swim, and another for shoes or workout clothes. Everything else on that side is rolled.
Packing cubes are hugely helpful and I want more. I also just ordered these from Mark & Graham which come in three shades and can be monogrammed..
A less pricier option, Target has this nice smaller set online.
What to wear on the plane..
For the plane, I have a formula which is cotton tank, jacket, jeans, and a sweater. That makes me feel polished and gives me a jacket to wear when there. Once I sit on the plane I fold my jacket and store above in the overhead and wear my sweater. I wear slides usually and take my heaviest shoes in the carry on. If it’s winter, visa versa.
The jacket will vary.. This is one look with a navy jacket I own and a map scarf. I’ll wear a white tank and jeans or camo pants.
I have this heavier black Veronica Beard blazer for cooler times and the sweater gives me options and warmth on the plane. My new Mother jeans are the right length, leg width and comfort for this kind of trip.
The Cinq a Sept black top above is a light silk top with grosgrain trim and is perfect for all year layering. It feels great on and goes well under a blazer and pairs with pants and skirts.
A few different ways I wear a jacket traveling.. Always with a sweater for options. Right now in summer I love this linen Tommy Bahama jacket I bought in Hawaii. Going to Hawaii, I’ll bring the linen one or a black windbreaker from Lululemon (similar here.)
These jeans are Veronica Beard with elastic waist which are super for flying. I also have my eye on these Kinsey Cropped Boyfriend Stretch Comfort Jeans by AG that are the right pant width and look and sound good for travel. I also bring a pair of black pants or jeans in my bag.
Pack outfits, not items.
I pack outfits for each day, and not just pieces. In my head I make a mental plan of what I will wear each day to avoid overpacking and if it’s a longer trip, I will try all my outfits on in a mirror and take photos to remember what I’m wearing. To those outfits, I will add sleep clothes, a swimsuit, something to workout in (just in case), undergarments, a cozy cashmere wrap, a small robe ( I just got this) and socks. I also try and stay to 4 pairs of shoes.
A few pieces to consider
I love a good summer sweater for such trips and Banana Republic Factory has this light stripe in navy,(like I’m holding above) or tan. J.Crew has this beach sweater I have in antique white -on sale now. It’s a good option to wear on the plane and on chilly nights.
Button ups are good for coverups and to layer. This top from Anthro left, looks like a great material for travel and can dress up or down. This J. Crew one center, is a pretty option in chambray, white or navy and this button down can be layered with leggings or under a jacket or tied with a skirt. Speaking of leggings, my favorite Lululemon ones still look like new and I’ve had them five years and I take them on all my trips.
Another versatile travel piece recently bought is the pull on Savannah skirt with zip pockets from Athleta. It feel so light and would be perfect for city travel. Here I have it with the tank and the crossbody. You can pair it with a tank and jacket, or dress it up in the evenings, or down with sneakers and a sweatshirt.
A few more of the items mentioned in the post here..
I hope this has been helpful and I hope you have some travel in your future.
If you liked this post you can save it on Pinterest below.
Well, that’s my take on travel packing, now please see what Cindy and Sarah have for you in travel tips! I can’t wait to see their ideas. They always inspire me. Please share any travel tips- packing or style wise in the comments!
Thanks for being here!
Kim
You might also like last month’s Signature Style post on lipsticks, with new favorites and ones I have loved forever.
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So cute!! I love your style, Kim. As you know as we both have purchased the same items before! Very helpful tips.
See you in Atlanta!
Can’t wait to see you too Mary Ann! It will be a challenge to pack for Atlanta in the summer- A/C and super hot temps! x
Looking forward to seeing what you post for Atlanta. My son just moved there and I live in the PNW so will need some tips!
Lindsay How exciting for you son. I will have to report back on what is needed in Atlanta! I know it’ll be a lot different than our weather here in the west.
Kim, I really love this post. I’ve traveled for decades (longer than you I suspect) and pretty much do exactly what you are proposing except I have a slightly different color palette. The big difference is that you put this into words and pictures!!! Bravo. I also take outfits and take photos of them so I don’t screw up. But sometimes the weather is a bit off and i have to raid one part of an outfit and then I carry a tiny bit of powdered hand wash dry soap (Forever New) . . . and a small retractable laundry cord (optional) so I can refresh a few things if they are washable. I absolutely carry on and do the cross body bag in the tote! Three pairs of shoes is my max!!! It took me many years to perfect this and I see that you also have!!! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Leslie, You sound like you’ve got it figured out! If need be I will mix things up too. Taking photos of the outfits is so good isn’t it? I have to find that laundry soap and the retractable cord for hanging things. I need to still get down to three pairs off shoes! Thank you for the laundry tips!
Sounds like exciting times ahead Kim! And it looks like you are already set got them. Despite the fact I still use ziplock bags, I love the monogrammed ones you featured. I’m awfully tempted!
Thanks Sarah! I do love the monogrammed bags too. Your post was so smart with all the good ideas for packing! We were thinking alike. xo
Fantastic post kim, I loved all of your tips and ideas..thinking I need those VB pull on jeans, I was freezing on my last flight. Those with a tank and cashmere wrap would have been perfect!
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
Hi Suzanne! The elastic waist jeans are great for travel. I love that cashmere wrap as it’s kind of a blanket and looks elegant as an evening wrap too. xo
I love my le pliage as well as my second piece for flights …I have the large version with shoulder strap so it’s smaller than yours. I recently traveled to Chicago and used a Tumi tote that has a plethora of pockets instead and still missed the le pliage. The only thing I would change is adding a simple outside panel so it would slip over my carry on handle if needed. I am going to check out the large with short handles for longer trips. My favorite roller carryon is by Lipault. I have the soft original version which is perfect and holds so much even though small. I originally bought for commuter plane travel because the overheads are tiny but ended up using for every trip. It really holds so much and stays light. So satisfying to slide in overhead next to someone’s giant carry on.
Hi Jackie! Aren’t those Longchamp bags the best? I have a few of the bags, not a shoulder tote. They always seem so smart. Yes check out the one in my size. You can literally get tons in it and it zippers perfectly, shows almost no dirt and I pull the suitcase handle up and hook the short handles over the top and drag it together! Works great. Lipault looks like a good brand. Love the prices and the look. I agree it’s nice to have slim carry-on. My hubs is even smaller than mine. Some people have WAY too big and don’t you just love when someone comes in at the last minute and jams their bag next to yours when you have it all just so?? Lol! Anyway, a pet peeve! Thanks Jackie for the tip about the luggage! Off now to see more of it! xx
HI KIM
THIS POST WAS PACKED WITH HELPFUL STYLISH INFORMATION (JUST LIKE YOU). THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD IDEA YOU LADIES HAD. I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOUR PACKING SKILLS. LOVE THOSE BEEK SANDALS. I ORDERED THEM AND SIZED UP AS SUGGESTED AND THEY WERE TOO BIG MY LOSS JENNA’S GAIN! I WANT THEM IN BLACK! I AM SAVING THIS INFO FOR MY SHOPPING LIST AND MY NEXT TRIP!!
Cindy loved your post too. So many great looks and pieces to own! Oh no! Sorry the Beeks didn’t work out. I hope you get another pair. They look so pretty. This was a fun collaboration as always you ladies have so much on the ball. xo
Hi Kim-
I saw that blue Madewell dress and was wondering what size you ended up with. Thanks for the tips!
Best, Cathy
Hi Cathy! The dress runs large. I would size down. I bought a small and honestly I would have gone wit an xs if I could. It’s quite voluminous! I do love the fabric and the feel. It’s nicely made. For comparison I am 5’3 and 135 pounds.
x Kim
Love your travel wardrobe, Kim. Wish I looked half as chic as you do when traveling. Suddenly my travel packing anxiety is kicking into gear for the upcoming conference trip. I’m a dreadful packer and I procrastinate … and then bring all the wrong things. Using this as my guide I’m going to do things different this time. I swear. I do love packing cubes, when I can find mine. Shoes are my downfall … and they take up so much room. Ugh. Ok, I’d better get busy planning my wardrobe and what will realistically fit into my suitcase. Side story, Jim is traveling at the same time for a 10 day conference and is packing fold clothes too. He’s staked claim to our BIG suitcase, which leaves me with the mid-size. Still big and perfectly adequate, if … BIG IF … I plan well. Ok, there’s plenty of time and I appreciate the advice. Timing is perfect! xo
Juliet I have the same stresses and I haven’t been to the South in a long time, so I think I will have forgotten what to pack.. I know there is a LOT of A/C! I have a cheaper big suitcase from Homegoods that is hard sided for domestic trips like Hawaii. It doesn’t take much wear so they work pretty well.. I ordered more packing cubes today! xo
Hi,
What a helpful post. The photos with descriptions were great. I am liking the braided slides you are wearing in the first photo on the left. Wondering if you have any info on them. Brand, comfort, etc.
Thank you,
Linda R.
Hi Linda, The braided slides are from H&M. They are super comfy and feel like I’m walking on a cushion. Looks like they may be out of taupe. They have in here in black and cream: https://rstyle.me/+HI73eSlTsh6JIVuMeViNcA
and also here in a different more molded sole.. https://rstyle.me/+PfKe_eWUS0CD2A5xmKSeuA
Hope that helps!
x
Kim, so many great tips! I have honed my packing skills and take a lot less than I did in the past. I like to save a lot of room for all of the stuff I want to bring home.
My carry on is packed like yours, totes with cords, camera, pen and notebook. I always take snacks, in case of emergency and believe me there have been plenty over the years.
On my last trip to Paris(December) it took 30 hours to get home. We were stuck on the plane in Paris for 8 hours in a snow storm, then we were diverted from ATL to Boston so the crew could get off and change. We sat there another 3 hours, then we flew to ATL and waited another 3 hours and then flew home. All of that is to say that my snack came in handy not only for myself but for all of the people sitting around us.
I live in the South, I recommend light weight dresses, cotton tops and linen too and bring a cardigan to wear when you are inside.
I am sure that whatever you pack you will look amazing and stylish.
Elizabeth, Nice you still bring a camera. I may do that the next trip.. I’ve gotten where I just want the bag to be light, so I stopped. I love the snack idea and sometimes, if I can pack a ziplock bag with dried fruit, nuts, crackers and granola bars. If I forget, I will buy them at the newsstand before we take off just in case..Wow that sounds like a nightmare trip. I am so sorry and how lucky you packed all that! We have been there before and being stuck on the tarmac is my worst nightmare. I get fidgety and claustrophobic!!
Thanks for the clothes recommendations for Atlanta..I will pack light and with some light jackets and sweaters! x
Thank you!
Terrific post, and such great tips and packing ideas. Love your use of a color palette used cubes for the first time a couple months ago- life changing! I have always over packed so I am determined to follow some of these suggestions and make packing for our upcoming trip (Lake Tahoe, any suggestions?) more streamlined.
Barb packing cubes are so great ! Color palette helps for sure. You can interchange so much.
As far as you Tahoe trip, I would say it’s extremely casual! I bring a sweaters, jeans and shorts and light jackets. If you go to the beach you need sandals you can walk on the rocks on. Bring a casual dress if you’re going to dinner, but mostly people dress down here! I’ve never worn heels and have only slides and sneakers with me, Tevas for the beach and hiking shoes. Nights are cool so a wrap or down puffer is good to have,
Have a great time!
Thanks Kim!
Hi Kim! Very helpful packing tips and I love your outfit choices. I especially like your jeans choices–I haven’t tried Mother or Veronica Beard jeans yet. Thanks so much! Sally
Sally, love both! Hope you’ll find them. I love the look of the Mother and the comfort. I don’t know if I mentioned, but bought a 27 and I’m usually 28.. Run slightly big. xo
I Kim, I LOVE this post! Lots of great ideas, many of which I use already (packing cubes for the win!). Our first big trip will be to the UK in September, and we’ll be away for 5 weeks in all, including a cruise to New York at the end. I am not the type who can travel with just a carry on for more than a weekend, so it will be a challenge (and we also take gifts along for friends). Plus, we are flying from Glasgow to Southampton on a commuter flight and the cabin allowance is tiny! For that leg my cabin case can go in the hold with my bigger suitcase (as long as they are both under 23kg), and I’ve bought a small Vera Bradley backpack to take on board.
How do you manage skin and hair care? Usually I take the kitchen sink, but this time I think I’ll just take the very minimum and then buy products there – I have my eye on a new skin care line by Sali Hughes, the Guardian’s beauty writer.
In some ways I think that packing for colder weather is a bit easier – no pressure to have lots of different outfits because I’ll be in a raincoat for most of the time! I’ll pack a few merino sweaters and perhaps a cashmere cardigan, with those thin Uniqlo t-shirts as base layer (easy to wash and dry), and several pairs of trousers.
Anyway, great post, thank you!
Patricia, That sounds wonderful! I hear you about the tiny planes and they can be brutal about the amount! That happened when I was in Tahiti.. So I know I’d have to take my small bag and had the carry on between my legs..Sounds like you have a good plan with the backpack..
For my beauty stuff, I have smalls of all of it, and take them in the Longchamp carry on. Yes good idea buying products there. I love French pharmacies and Boots in the UK has the best small sizes of everything so you are good to take less, plus you’ll have room for some new finds. Ooh I love The Guardian and I will check out the line!
Agree packing for cold is easy, just a top coat and layers! Uniqlo shirts are thin and a great idea.. you already sound like a pro! have the best time and I hope you’ll report back about what worked! xo
Hi Kim,
I could honestly write a comment longer than your post 😉 detailing what I love about this! But to keep it simple, I’ll just say everything!
Really great advice, suggestions and gorgeous outfits … I often comment that I wish you could simply do my shopping for me as I always love your choices.
Regardless of the occasion you always get it completely right!
I’ve already re read this post a couple of times and I’ll definitely keep a note to be able to refer to specifics!
Many thanks! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend. 😘😘
Rosemary we like a lot of the same things don’t we? too and we can’t shop together! Aww that is kind of you. I would love to hear what you pack for travel as you are the consummate travel girl, always off to somewhere! xo
Hi Kim,
I haven’t flown anywhere in years and years. I miss traveling. Like you, I really enjoy planning my outfits. I’m pretty good at packing and try to keep it light. I really pare back to the essentials. Once we get to wherever, I have been know to purchase a thing or two to spice up the black and white I usually wind up living in on a trip (well, not to a tropical place, but pretty much everywhere else!) Once we return it’s fun to wear a sweater or scarf I purchased in Paris or Frankfurt, reminds me of the good times! Iv’e never used those cubes but I guess I need to try them out the next time I go anyplace exciting. One thing I always have in my carry on is a warm pair of socks and a cashmere wrap. I get so cold on airplanes. Oh and my tiny watercolor travel kit. You never know when the creative mood will strike!
And now I’m in the mood to hit the skies and see someplace new and fun!
Xo Heidi
Heidi I hope your France trip to do art is going to happen. That sounded so magical. I’m with you, love purchasing things when traveling, so I like a little room in the case..As you said those kind of souvenirs are the best. You can wear them and remember the trip. Warm socks and the cashmere wrap must be the most important. I thought I was a good packer, but before the pandemic we did a trip to southern Italy and then the Swiss Alps. We were sweating in Italy and by time we got to the Alps in mid July, we were so cold, I bought -long underwear, a knit cap, and a giant wool wrap! Who would have know? The next week it was in the 80s, so you have to plan for all temps. Love the little painting kit! I can so see you painting. xo