I travel quite a lot and even though I should know how to mix and match to create a capsule wardrobe, the varying events that make up my itinerary can make this virtually impossible. My trip to Hawaii for instance, included 3 days in San Francisco – cold weather – with a meeting, sight seeing and a couple of ‘posh’ meals. Hawaii itself, tropical climate and very hot, included 6 business seminars (2 of which I was presenting), a gala dinner, meals out with other image professionals, shopping, sightseeing and sun bathing. There was also travel between the two states and the two countries. All this in a luggage allowance of 23 kilos. My shoes alone could weigh that much.
So, here are my tips:
1. Put some thought into your trip well in advance. If you have a clothes rail, start to hang all the clothes you’d really like to take. Don’t worry if there are too many as you’ll weed them out later. Include accessories, shoes, bags, jewellery, underwear, nightwear and sock/tights/control wear. Lay out on your bed items difficult to hang.
2. Think about the type of holiday you are going on. What is it likely to include? How long are you going for? What is the weather forecast? Are there any shops nearby? Does the hotel provide hairdryers, toiletries, alarm clock radio etc? Check out the luggage allowance for your airline as it can vary from one to another.
3. Make a list of other necessary items such as insect repellent, passport, tickets, currency/credit cards/travellers cheques, plasters, cosmetics, toothpaste/brush, hairdryer, shampoo/conditioner and shower gel, medications and supplements, sun tan creams, spectacles and sunglasses. If possible buy, or decant, liquids into smaller, travel size plastic bottles so they don’t weigh too much. Alternatively, buy at the airport or when you arrive at your destination.
4. Get a notebook and write down each day and a possible itinerary e.g. Monday am -breakfast plus sunbathing, pm – lunch plus sightseeing, evening – dinner at hotel
5. Go back to your clothes rail. Sort out an outfit for each of the occasions, doubling up whenever possible on swimsuits, shoes, bags, lingerie and so on. Use kaftans and overshirts as cover ups for beach wear once you’ve worn them with trousers so they have a dual purpose.
6. Concentrate on basic neutrals. Dresses are great but are more difficult to wear more than once or in a different way. Tops and bottoms tend to provide more variety and flexibility and allow you to layer more effectively in case of a weather change and to combat the air conditioning on the plane. If possible. find a theme using 2 or 3 colours so that pieces coordinate with each other. If something on the rail ‘clashes’ or doesn’t fit in, don’t take it unless it’s a cocktail dress or something you need for a specific occasion. Try to match each shoe selection with at least 3 outfits per pair. Ditto with your bags to cut down on overall weight. If you are going to a very hot country, remember that feet can swell so don’t take shoes that may pinch.
7. Put the remaining clothes back into the wardrobe.
8. I’m the kind of person that can easily change my mind but if you are not like me, you can always photograph each possible outfit, including accessories, so you know what you need to wear for every occasion during your time away.
9. Use cloth bags to protect your jewellery and shoes during travel.
10. There are many theories about the best way to pack a suitcase but I tend to stick to the tried and tested. Put large items at the bottom and pad out the gaps with rolled up lingerie, scarves and t shirts. I then fold everything neatly, using tissue paper if delicate or likely to crease.
11. If you don’t like to read, a Kindle is a great idea for lightening the load.
12. Wear comfortable clothing when travelling. Air pressure can bloat the body so jeans can be restricting. Wear practical and comfortable shoes in case your feet swell. Take a scarf or cardigan in your bag in case it gets chilly.
13. Pack a lightweight bag, just in case you over indulge in shopping when you’re away. Most airlines allow an extra bag so this is you ‘get out of jail free’ card.
14. Most suitcases are grey or black so make sure yours stands out from the crowd. Add a ribbon or a dash of colour somewhere so you can easily identify when it’s roaming round the carousel. Also buy a lock that is internationally recognised in case the authorities want to inspect your suitcase. If not, they can rip open your case in any way they see fit.
15. I’ve found a company that makes the lightest suitcases in the world and so far, so good. They may not be the most stylish but if they weigh under 2kg, that’s good enough for me. Their delivery service is also excellent as is their customer service.
Pack Up Your Troubles
Posted 13 July 2012 in Wardrobe
So, here are my tips:
1. Put some thought into your trip well in advance. If you have a clothes rail, start to hang all the clothes you’d really like to take. Don’t worry if there are too many as you’ll weed them out later. Include accessories, shoes, bags, jewellery, underwear, nightwear and sock/tights/control wear. Lay out on your bed items difficult to hang.
2. Think about the type of holiday you are going on. What is it likely to include? How long are you going for? What is the weather forecast? Are there any shops nearby? Does the hotel provide hairdryers, toiletries, alarm clock radio etc? Check out the luggage allowance for your airline as it can vary from one to another.
3. Make a list of other necessary items such as insect repellent, passport, tickets, currency/credit cards/travellers cheques, plasters, cosmetics, toothpaste/brush, hairdryer, shampoo/conditioner and shower gel, medications and supplements, sun tan creams, spectacles and sunglasses. If possible buy, or decant, liquids into smaller, travel size plastic bottles so they don’t weigh too much. Alternatively, buy at the airport or when you arrive at your destination.
4. Get a notebook and write down each day and a possible itinerary e.g. Monday am -breakfast plus sunbathing, pm – lunch plus sightseeing, evening – dinner at hotel
5. Go back to your clothes rail. Sort out an outfit for each of the occasions, doubling up whenever possible on swimsuits, shoes, bags, lingerie and so on. Use kaftans and overshirts as cover ups for beach wear once you’ve worn them with trousers so they have a dual purpose.
6. Concentrate on basic neutrals. Dresses are great but are more difficult to wear more than once or in a different way. Tops and bottoms tend to provide more variety and flexibility and allow you to layer more effectively in case of a weather change and to combat the air conditioning on the plane. If possible. find a theme using 2 or 3 colours so that pieces coordinate with each other. If something on the rail ‘clashes’ or doesn’t fit in, don’t take it unless it’s a cocktail dress or something you need for a specific occasion. Try to match each shoe selection with at least 3 outfits per pair. Ditto with your bags to cut down on overall weight. If you are going to a very hot country, remember that feet can swell so don’t take shoes that may pinch.
7. Put the remaining clothes back into the wardrobe.