It’s been a minute since I’ve gone anywhere. And it’s been an even longer minute since I’ve left the state and/or needed to pack clothes for the better part of a week. BUT I am up to the challenge. So this week while I’ll be traveling and not posting regular outfits in my ‘Daily Outfits’ space, my plan is to leave you with a packing list of inspiration for small suitcase trips.
If some people have packing light as their superpower, I have the opposite. I like options. No, I NEED options. I like to dress for my mood, and have enough choices to feel creative. That being said, I’ve found some great strategies to help me not to overpack. More on that below. First, what I’m packing:
TOPS: Brightside Tank in cream and black, ribbed mockneck (c/o), v-neck tank, scoop neck tank, thrifted neon tank
BOTTOMS: Merino pants, linen boxer style shorts (c/o), cutoffs (c/o), trouser shorts
DRESS: Shilpa dress (use ANDREAHARTMAN25 to save 25%)
SHOES: Piper Footbed sandals, Canvas platform sneakers (c/o), platform Birkenstocks
LAYERS: Jean Jacket (c/o), Graphic Sweatshirt, Linen Button Up (c/o)
BAGS: Woven Tote, Leather Fanny Bag (c/o)
NOT PICTURED: Lest you think I am a light packer(!!), there are a few items not included in my pretty graphic. Pajamas (still obsessed with my bamboo ones, and planning on wearing them as many nights as hygienically possible – use code CE-ANDREAHARTMAN to save 40%), one set of workout clothes, including my very old and ugly walking shoes. Swimsuit, flip flops, and coverup. Alternate tank, shorts, and linen pants, just in case. And probably my other favorite Birkenstocks (they’re so good for long walks!).
As promised, here are my best, albeit modest, tips for packing well.
My 3 Packing Strategies:
1 // Make a list ahead of time.
About a week and a half ago I had a brainstorming session in the notes app of my phone and roughed out what I thought I wanted to pack and wear on my trip. Normally, I’d stress about it for days, and have it as something ‘to do’ hanging over my head. But this time I got it done early. Doing it ahead of time took extra stress off my trip in the days leading up to our departure. This made me feel better AND let my mind remember the little things like sunscreen, coffee beans, beach towels, etc.
2 // Build out your actual outfits.
I cannot recommend this tip enough! It will take the mystery out of what to wear each day and help you make sure you have enough options to keep things still feeling fun.
3 // Lay out your outfits visually, with an app, or on your bed and take pictures.
Amazingly this will help you trim down your list a little bit! While compiling my list and making this graphic I realized I could actually take a few items *off* my packing list, a pair of shoes, a purse, and some tops. Seeing it all laid out is very helpful in realizing how far just a few items will go.
If you are traveling to wonderful places this summer, near or far, I hope these tips serve you well. xx
SO CRAZY you posted this now. I am going on vacation next week and was literally thinking that I wanted to save some of your previous blog posts for outfit ideas when packing!!! I look forward to your content every week. You are absolute GOALS!
Eek! I am so thrilled that this hit as perfect timing for you!! I hope you have a great trip. Thank you so much for the kind words and support, it means so much!! Nobody comments on blogs anymore, so I really appreciate it when people weigh in! 😜
Love this easy packing list!! It’s hard to pack the practical daily outfits yet still feel cute—I feel like the all black outfit is perfect for that!
Yes, exactly Rebecca! I wore the all black and it totally checked all the boxes!
Love your blog and these tips for packing! What apps do you suggest for planning your outfits?
Thanks Carole! That is a great question. I don’t use them a ton, I just make collages in photoshop, which takes forever. But the app I have used a little bit is Cladwell. Maybe try that one!