The Ultimate Packing Guide

As part of my personal styling services, I provide my jet-setting clients a travel styling service whether it's for their holidays, business or a mix of the two.

When we talk about how they generally plan and pack for a holiday, I can only describe it as a “scatter gun” approach. They would open their wardrobe, and throw in a miscellaneous set of clothes and hope for the best.

The scatter gun approach is not ideal. When travelling, it is important that you feel 100% comfortable and confident in your outfits, so that you have one less thing to worry about, and you can throw yourself into enjoying every moment of your holiday, or focus on business without distraction. Additionally, a haphazard approach to packing often results in overpacking. Have you ever packed something that you haven’t worn in years “just in case”?

I’ve been there too, and the dilemma of it all led me to coming up with a tried and tested packing strategy that works every time. It does take a bit of forward planning. But it will save you time and outfit-related stress at the other end, and will ensure you have a streamlined suitcase, with enough room to fit travel purchases in.

And so, to save you from fashion emergencies when away from home, I share with you my Ultimate Packing Guide:

1. THINK AHEAD

First step is to think ahead to get an idea of the occasions you’ll be dressing for:

• how many days and nights will you be away for?
• what will the weather be doing? Check your weather app for your destination.
• what activities are planned for your trip? Hiking? Swimming? Board meetings? Dinners at dressy restaurants? Client dinners? Casual restaurants? Beach days? Spa days?

2. DRAW UP YOUR OUTFIT PLAN

Here’s the strategic part. Once you know what is planned for your trip, draw up a chart for each day and night of your trip. Even if you don’t know exactly what you’ll be doing each day, you should have a rough idea. So make up a likely schedule and plan accordingly.

In your chart, list each outfit (including all individual pieces) you’re going to wear each day and each night. When listing the pieces for your outfits, be realistic. Chances are if you have a gold lamé top that you haven’t worn in over a year, you’re probably not going to all of a sudden love wearing it on holiday.

Here’s a chart I prepared earlier, for my last beach holiday: