Packing is not one of my favorite things.
I love the reason for packing–off to somewhere!–but hate the effort it takes. Yes, you all are now well aware of the fact that Kyle & I are off to sunny Southern California bright and early tomorrow but no, I’m not sorry I keep talking about it! I’m SO excited to get away for an extended weekend and explore the region with my better half. Neither of us have been to San Diego so it’ll be 5 great days of new beaches, restaurants, shops, and landscapes! YAY!
Whether I’m going on a quick overnight trip or a week-long tropical getaway, one thing is inevitable: I will over pack. What if it rains? What if I spill? What if we go out for a super fancy dinner? Because most of my adventures have an element of uncertainty, no matter how well my OCD-self plans, I feel like I must prepare for everything. Every extreme, every maybe, every possibility. It’s a like a bad habit that I just can’t kick. I am the queen of my checked bag weighing in at 49.9 lbs. on the airport scale and I’m extremely proud of that! The downside to that is I seriously only wear about 1/2 of what I packed because the rain never came, that fancy dinner didn’t require that nice of an outfit, and I managed to keep all of my drinks off my white denim. But I was prepared JUST. IN. CASE! For my last two flights {Dallas & NYC} I tried something different, though, and that was to condense what I brought down to a carry-on and tote only. I wanted to force myself to rethink the way I was packing and adopt a different philosophy.
‘Essentials Only’
Basics are my usual go-to anyway, so why in the world am I creating outfits and looks that are outside my norm? Every outfit can incorporate some form of basics so why not build my outfits around a few staple pieces and up the style-factor with accessories or branch out from how I usually pair items? Depending on the climate of where I’m headed, I decided to narrow down what I pack into 5 groups {tops, bottoms, dresses, layers & shoes} and while I know I’m likely still over-doing it, it’s helped me get a better grip on what exactly I’m bringing with me. Here is a quick look into my thought process…
Tops
I decided that because I need a little variety, I would bring enough tops for 1.5x the number of days I’m gone. So if my trip is 2 days, I will bring 4 tops and I keep them versatile. I’ll always have this v-neck with me regardless of where I’m headed because it’s a great base layer and then I’ll add a layer-able tank like this, a basic button-up, and then something with a pop of color. Depending on how I style these, they can work day or night, for brunch or drinks, and all worn with the same bra.
Bottoms
In my opinion, bottoms are the easiest to pack. They also tend to take up the most space so I’m strategic about what styles and materials I bring along. I stick with the same idea as tops and pack 1.5x the amount I need. I always wear the bulkiest pair to travel so they’re not taking up valuable space–I love wearing these on flights–and if I’m going somewhere warm, I only bring a pair of white denim and keep other full-length pants to a cute linen option like these or these. Cooler weather? These skinnys are perfect and these leather leggings amp up any outfit.
Dresses
This element really depends on where I’m going. Flying to Texas to see my parents? One dress will do. Cabo? The more the merrier. Dresses are amazing because they don’t require any matching. YEAH! The biggest thing when packing dresses is making sure the materials are suitable for folding, rolling, etc. Nothing is worse than bringing an adorable midi dress that is so wrinkled you can’t even wear it. Linen fabrics seem to work best as they look just fine with a little wrinkle!
Layers
I stick with 1 ‘topper’ per trip, 1 scarf, and 1 hat. If I’m checking my bag, I add an additional topper if I have space unless it’s winter or I’m traveling where there will be lots of snow, then I no choice but to add gloves, a beanie, and warm scarf. My well-loved Denim Jacket is my favorite topper because it goes with everything. I’m almost always cold so this comes with me on nearly every trip and is totally worth the price tag. A scarf, like this one, can add a bit of contrast to your plan tank and denim shorts for exploring or worn more like a blanket on a plane. Though I don’t always bring along a hat, this one is my go-to because it’s quite likely I need to cover up my unwashed hair at brunch in the morning! The hat is also something I wear ON the plane so it isn’t taking up a ton of space in my bag.
Shoes
I’m sure everyone has hear of the ‘Rule of 3.’ Well I like to go by the ‘Rule of 4’ for shoes. A pair of sneakers, a pair of flats, a pair of comfortable sandals, and a wedge. Again, winter ruins plans for my shoe choices but from about March – late October I can usually get away with those 4, regardless of where I’m headed. My one exception is possibly adding a pair of running shoes to the mix. That depends on what kind of workouts I plan to do on my trip–at my parents’, absolutely bringing them/NYC, I’ll rent shoes from SoulCycle!
There you have it. How I have been trying to stay more organized and efficient in my packing ways. Of course everyone needs socks, underwear, bras, a swimsuit or two, toiletries, etc. but those usually take up minimal space and I’ve never had an issue in fitting in what I need from those categories. I never travel with a hair dryer, takes up way too much space, and I only bring a curling iron OR straightener but not both. Travel-sized versions of my favorite products are essential as well. Love this set! Ooooh and I also try and stick with one crossbody bag and a small clutch for dinners. Easy peezy!
Be sure to follow along with my adventures over the next 5 days on Insta {@amidwesternmix} & Snapchat {username: kristinkruse} and if y’all have any recommendations in the San Diego/La Jolla area LET ME KNOW!!! xox
Great tips! I always wear my heaviest items too. I love the denim shorts in the darkest shade, where are they from? Have fun on your trip!
Thanks, girl! Love that you wear your heaviest pieces, too! The dark denim shorts are Rag & Bone’s Boyfriend Shorts and I got mine from Shopbop but I know you can find them at a lot of different places.
I love how you break down packing so you’re sure to only bring the essentials! Nothing worse than brining a ton of stuff you don’t wear!
You may hate packing, but WOW! You did an awesome job!! Saving this for future reference.
Great post! I sometimes tend to overpack too, even though I plan everything so that I pack just the “essentials”. I managed to pack a medium size suitcase for our 10 day trip to Italy and thought I under packed. I surprisingly didn’t use everything.
~Anna
http://www.pepperedinstyle.com
Amazing job and great ideas for future plans! <3 <3
Kisses,
Susana
http://www.myblueberry-trends.blogspot.pt
Have so much fun!! You will love San Diego! ?
PS. I haaaate packing too
Happy Friday!!
Xoxo,
Jess
http://www.mustheartstyle.com
Great tips! I have so many trips to pack for the summer so this read was definitely needed! Hugs, Kait
http://makeminemaroon.com
Have Fun! I hope one day I can visit California! Loving that bag so perfect right now.
XOXO
Yari
http://www.dreamgorgeously.com
I am so with you. I overpack almost always but I’ve learned to simmer down with all the traveling I did last year through Asia! Comfy and chic was my motto for that! Great tips and enjoy San Diego. Pacific Beach is my favorite spot and the sunset on the pier is my favorite sending love C
OMG, I have the same emotions towards packing. Great tips though, thanks for sharing!
Ps. Super excited for your trip and can’t wait to see photos! Will you be snapping it?
Gunjan | http://www.songbirdechoes.com
Amazing tips!! I love your strategy! I always wear my heaviest items as well! Pumped for your trip!! Can’t wait to see pics!! xo
Can’t wait to follow along on your trip! I always lay out my outfits ahead of time too! I am loving the color of your Topshop top-I have the same one from them in a different color from their fall line. It is so versatile! Looking forward to seeing you style it!
xoxo, Jenna
Boston Chic Party
AHHH I’m so happy you get to get away!! Cant wait to follow along with you! I seriously hate packing too!! I need to start packing this weekend! Great tips!
XOX
Candice
http://www.candicestubblefield.com
These are really great tips and perspectives to keep in mind when packing! I’m traveling to Europe next month and will definitely keep this post in mind so I’m more efficient 🙂
XO
StyleByPear
Packing is no joke!!! I think that we learn as time goes on that its better to take just the necessesties. I love how you broke it down!! Rag and Bone shorts are always a must too.
Xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
I am such an overpacker!!! I feel I’ve gotten better the past few years, especially since my style has become more and more minimal which makes outfits easier– Everything goes together! Haha I’m up for a challenge this week, as I’m traveling and only taking a carry on!! We’ll see how it goes. Thanks for all the tips!’!
Your tips are ON POINT! I am saving this page because I am such an over packer I am going to need a refresher this summer when we go away from some long weekends. Have an amazing time on your vaca! xx, Lo
http://www.rosesandrainboots.com
Great tips and I love the pieces you selected – perfect warm weather classics! As a chronic over-packer, I really appreciate this post! I hope you have a wonderful trip!
XX,
Heather
http://www.alittlecasual.com
Love all of the pieces you packed and LOVING all of your snaps girly!! So much fun!!