FashBlog.com

Several weeks ago, I posted a piece here about “Clothes that Worked for Vegas”. This article will help in planning a satisfactory travel wardrobe when away from home.

Some folks enjoy a trip more if they present a certain image of fitting in, while others can’t enjoy anything if they’re not completely comfortable. However, most of us want a compromise of both.

So, the first step is to create a diagram of blocks for each day of your trip, with each divided into 2 sections for day and night. In each block, write your planned itinerary, or at least what you think you’ll be doing. Second, write down your chosen outfit on each day, remembering that it is OK to wear the same pair of slacks, skirts or shorts on 2 different days. (Obviously, different tops each day will keep you looking and feeling fresh.) Do the same for nights. If you will be visiting someplace where casual clothes are the norm day and night, you may wish to wear something one evening and then wear the items again during daytime. The goal is to get as many looks from as few pieces as possible for efficient packing, but the trick is to feel good with what you’ll be wearing at all times so you’re not self conscious, uncomfortable, or feeling out of place.

Note shoes for your expected plans, in other words, comfortable walking shoes or fancier dress shoes. Once you find that you may only be using a certain pair of sandals once, you may decide they’re not worth taking, which means you’ll need to rethink your plan. If you have a good deal of suitcase availability-and you’ll have porters carrying your bags consistently-it’s no problem to take 7 pairs of shoes for 7 days; however, most of us have to schlep our stuff at least short distances, and the less we have to worry about, the better.

The next step is to jot on your diagram, the extras you’ll need with every outfit. (Men have this part way easier than women.) Belts, socks, hose, jewelry, scarves, hair ornaments, and purses should be included. When that list is made, see if there are pieces that can do double duty to cut down on these accessories. Now it’s time to consider underwear, swimwear, and sleepwear. (This is a good point to try to tough it out and replace bedroom slippers with pool flip flops, and otherwise streamline your choices.) If it’s winter and you’re heading towards the cold, don’t forget gloves, scarf, hat or boots, and a coat that can be easily worn everywhere. (In other words, ask whether your down-filled jacket will take you to a fancy restaurant.) However, if athletic activities beckon, it’s a good idea to put gear in a separate bag: clothes, shoes, equipment, eye protection, water bottles, etc.) Finally, list the rest of your essentials so that you don’t overlook even those. Grooming aids, hair products, hair curler/brush/comb, sunscreen, lotion/cologne, medication/vitamins, map, reading material, battery chargers, sunglasses, eye needs such as glasses or contact lens equipment, cosmetics, money, credit cards, checkbook, phone, and any other special necessity or desire. While packing, cross each item off the list as you put it in your bag, and try not to take anything back out.

Here are a few other, non-fashion minded tips to keep in mind: Try to find one compartmentalized bag for personal items that can be placed right into the hotel bathroom. Sections that can hold items such as tweezers, emery boards, pins, etc. keep small things separate, while making it easy to grab bottles. Remember that carrying anything heavy increases fatigue, so lighten your load, and try nylon shoulder bags if you’ll be out for the whole day. (Bags with organizational departments can save a good deal of search time and should be chosen over large, hobo-type totes, where everything gets jumbled together.) Last, don’t forget favorite, small snacks. You’ll be glad you have them.

When you get to your destination and find that every outfit is perfectly coordinated and appropriate for the occasion, you’ll agree that a little organized planning makes vacation even better. You’ll have exactly what you need to look and feel good, without overpacking.