So you’re going away on vacation. Maybe to the beach for a weekend, camping for the summer, or travelling around Europe for a year (gosh, I wish!). Trouble is, you want to take so much… but your bag is only so small. Here are some tips for packing light, but also being fashionable while you’re away!

Tip #1: Skimp on the toiletries

You really don’t need your entire make-up bag, straightener and half dozen hair styling products for a weekend away or a month in the middle of nowhere (plus if you’re staying in a hotel, they’ll probably supply sample-size body wash and shampoo). Why not try buying some small containers, like these Airborne Refillables, from My Tagalongs, for short trips (if you’re going on a plane with just carry-on bag, you must have your liquids under a certain size – check out the airline regulations before you pack):

For longer trips, consider getting a shampoo bar from Lush – takes up very little space, lasts a long time, doesn’t spill and equals clean, gorgeous, no-fuss hair:

As for make-up? Keep it simple! When I’m on holiday, I don’t want to bother with spending ages perfecting my lipstick and eyeliner, so I just take three things – a natural mineral powder foundation (use it with a concealer brush under your eyes and to cover redness, lightly dust the rest of your face with a foundation brush), a lip balm with a hint of colour and mascara. If you’re planning on going out while you’re away, pop a couple of other items into your bag – an eyeliner, an eyeshadow, a lipstick. They won’t take up much space.

Tip #2: Get the basics

Regardless of where you’re going, these basics will always come in handy:

• black leggings
• black tank top
• black long-sleeved top
• zip-up black nylon jacket (if you get these in lightweight, breathable material, they’ll take up hardly any space. You can wear them underneath or over things for warmth, or to get a different look with a dress or jeans)
• sarong (not just if you’re going to the beach! Can be used as a towel, pillow, scarf, dress, bandanna… and takes up no space!)
• big scarf (fashionable and totally dresses up/changes any outfit)
• flip-flops
• black flats
• sneakers (these three pairs of shoes will help you through almost all situations – you can go out in the black flats, walk around all day and even hike in some good sneakers, and wear flip-flops to all the non-formal occasions in between. A pair of nice sandals might also help for formal events – heels tend to take up a lot of space).

To those 9 items, you can add dresses, jeans, hiking pants, shorts, skirts or sweaters, depending on where you’re going! You can pack light and still feel ready for anything. (Plus the obvious – take enough underwear for the number of days you’re going away. If you’re going away for an extended amount of time to somewhere where there might not be washing machines, take laundry soap with you and be prepared to wash things in the sink!)

Tip #3: Take only what you need

Suitable clothes for where you’re going, what you’re doing and how long you’ll be away, your basic toiletries plus the other things you can’t live without – your cell phone, camera, a first aid kit (never know when you’ll need it!), money, and, if you’re going overseas, your passport and other relevant papers. Maybe you’ll also need your laptop or netbook, and something to read. Make sure, after you’ve finished packing, that you’re not taking anything with you that you won’t need or use – it’s no use taking up valuable bag space with something that serves no purpose! Make sure all your clothes are suitable for where you’re going and what you’re doing.

Tip #4: Accessories = your friend

Accessories will totally change any outfit! One dress = one outfit. One dress + big scarf = another outfit. One dress + leggings + a sarong around your waist = another outfit! You get my point.

Share your fashionable packing tips!

xo,

Tags: basics, packing, travel

Categories: accessories, Summer Vacation