Mistakes We All Make When Packing Our Suitcases

Your lace-up espadrilles call for a sunny terrace, but you know perfectly well that you prefer shoes that can be put on in two seconds. Oust! If you forget the false good choices, you’ll have plenty of choice!

There’s always something missing

Before you pack a single t-shirt, think about the types of clothing you really need and those that match your requirements: weather, holiday spirit, activities, possible events, personal tastes. You may need to put away your usual basics (the black jeans that are your base will be of little use on an exotic beach), the pieces that you wear too little (your cream silk slip dress is attractive and space-saving but too delicate for a family vacation in the mountains) and the “for vacation” pile that hasn’t moved for years and that you’re tired of. If you’re in doubt, proceed by elimination. Sure, your linen pants are light and breathable, but you hate wearing wrinkled clothing: eliminate them! Your lace-up espadrilles call for a sunny terrace, but you know perfectly well that you prefer shoes that can be put on in two seconds. Oust! If you forget the false good choices, you’ll have plenty of choice!

My suitcase weighs a dead donkey

It’s only a problem if you complain about it. After all, no one, except your back, can blame you for lugging around your wardrobe if you like to vary the pleasures and change several times a day. But if you are determined to travel light, choose basics that you feel good in and that tick these 3 boxes: 1) useful 2) multi-use 3) combinable. For example, the large soft denim shirt will prove to be a good Swiss army knife.

Versatile, it goes with all colors, transforms into an overshirt over a tank top + shorts and into a beach dress over a swimsuit. Also think about the black mid-calf t-shirt dress: it can be worn with white sneakers for sightseeing, camel flip-flops for the market and gold sandals for a chic outing. Same principle with the one-shoulder top that can be mixed with shorts during the day and flowing pants in the evening. Or the beaded jewelry pouch that will act as a small bag for going out. A tip: always bring more tops than bottoms. Especially if you are traveling and can’t do laundry. And light shoes (4 or 5 pairs should be more than enough).

Nothing goes with anything

It’s often a color problem. Unless you’ve mastered mixing colors and prints, don’t get carried away with incoherent color experiments. To create your looks without any hassle, limit yourself to three neutral shades (ecru, heather gray, beige, navy, khaki, sky blue) and one or two bright shades (red, purple, green, electric blue, orange or pink). To choose them, check if your neutrals combine spontaneously with each other (e.g.: sky blue shirt + beige pants / gray sweatshirt + khaki shorts). Also check that your neutral shades naturally go with your choice of bolder colors (e.g.: gray t-shirt + orange shorts / red sweatshirt + beige cargo / purple blouse + white Bermuda shorts / khaki safari jacket + ecru dress). The icing on the cake is that you may find that your bright colors also go really well with each other (e.g.: purple blouse + orange shorts). Is it more reasonable to stick to plain colors? Not necessarily. As soon as you find one of the colors of your floral or check print in your shades (neutral or bright), it will match by itself. This is not a rule but a tip when you are afraid of making a mistake (you can perfectly create combinations without the reminder of the colors). Also know that stripes are very versatile: the proof is with the classic sailor’s shirt (white / navy) which goes with everything.  

I do too much shopping on site

You have the right! It’s great to carry holiday souvenirs. But if you fall back on cheapies to compensate for frustrating luggage, that’s another story. The fault lies in a suitcase composed mainly of simply practical clothes, old stuff, purchasing mistakes and second chances. Don’t expect to rehabilitate a top that makes you look bad, sandals that fade, a faded beach dress, a blouse that only stands up to dry cleaning and designer shorts that itch. Why would you suddenly find interest in pieces in which you don’t feel so good? If you don’t want to fall back on cheap trinkets found on site or blow your clothing budget, only take pieces that you like, in which you are comfortable and in which you feel beautiful.

I have too many bags

A rolling suitcase, an overflowing tote bag, a small backpack, a handbag… it’s way too much. To free up (mental) space, limit yourself to two pieces of luggage. Whatever the length and style of your trip, simply take a rolling suitcase (adapt the size to whether or not you can wash your belongings) and a shoulder bag (or a small backpack or fanny pack) for the most valuable items and what needs to be accessible (slip your ID, smartphone cable, power bank, headphones, tissues, mask, etc. into a pouch). You will immediately feel less cluttered and more efficient.

My luggage is a mess

You have to tidy up! And not just any old way. If you’re traveling with a backpack, roll up your belongings to save space. With a suitcase, put books at the bottom and opt for storage covers and other cube-shaped organizers that allow you to create compartments by type of clothing (t-shirts, pants, lingerie, dresses, etc.). Slip your shoes into pouches or zipped plastic bags that you can distribute in the corners to limit the clutter. Same principle with your toiletries: instead of the huge bag that takes up a third of the suitcase, divide your products into several bags according to their use (sun products, shower, makeup, pharmacy). How effective!

About The Author

Hannah Jackson

Hannah is a fashion writer at Vogue. She wrote for in Elle, The Cut, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, Architectural Digest, W, and elsewhere. She is based in New York.

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