Anine Bing jacket | Graphic tee | Levi’s | Sneakers | Silver carry-on | Weekender bag | Sunnies
How to pack perfectly for your next trip!
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Let me start out by saying I’m not an expert packer (!!) but for some reason, when it comes to sharing packing ideas, I act like I am! 😂 Last fall, I helped two different clients pack for trips. Ironically, both were going to London, both only wanted to take a carry-on, and both were going to nice dinners … lucky them! After a few back and forth exchanges, we landed on some key pieces. I’ll cover them below, as many of you likely have them in your own closets.
So, what’s the trick for perfect packing?
Stick to one color theme, and choose versatile pieces. Trust me, it’s much easier to help someone else rather than pack for myself, but I think I’ve got it down … and I’m so excited to share my tips with you!
Today’s post is about NOT overpacking (hah!), which is tricky for most of us and always leads to eye-rolling when we get to our destination and realize we’ve crammed WAY too much into the suitcase 🙄 Also, I’m sharing my new travel outfit, a style board around a theme color, and the new weekender bag I absolutely love! I hope you find a little inspo for your next trip. Happy travels!
P.S. The So Susie website has gotten a little update! First, we’ve added a few shops – vacation, travel, and just yesterday we added handbags. It has been really fun, and I hope you like them. And, if you’re new to So Susie and want to stay up to date on all things stylish, subscribe now and never miss a post!
New travel gear
… and some amazingly reliable go-to’s
Having a go-to bag that’s easy to spot in baggage claim is huge! However, I will admit, it gets a little tricky when someone else has the same bag — which happened on my last trip, and believe it or not, I had the nerve to ask the person if it had their name on it — nicely of course! Thankfully, that doesn’t happen very often. These 5 items above will be coming with me on every trip this year, and here’s why:
Weekender bag. I carried this new bag on and claimed it as my “handbag.” It worked! By packing cosmetics and a pair of shoes in the lowest zipper part, I was able to get all my computer gear and quite a few other things in the top part, and there was enough room left to squish it under the seat. The best part is the ability to slip it over the carry-on handle as I did in the above photo. I highly, highly recommend this bag!
Monos luggage. First of all, the silver color looks good with any travel outfit, AND it’s easy to find in baggage claim. This compact suitcase fit nicely in the overhead compartment, and it’s light and zipperless. I thought about this Rimowa one, which I still love, but couldn’t part with that much money. I also ordered this one by Paravel which I was excited to use, except it didn’t arrive in time. It actually all worked out because I LOVE the Monos one!
Cosmetic case. I used this case from Amazon for every trip last year. While the hanging feature is very handy, being able to see everything you’ve brought is also a bonus. It zips up nicely, and it’s super soft so it’s easy to pack.
Black scarf. I’ve gone on and on about this scarf, but I’m not joking — it has gone on every single trip with me for at least 5 years. IN fact, just yesterday I wore it on the plane wrapped around my neck. It’s perfect for extra warmth, and then when I was too warm, I draped it over my legs and it felt nice and cozy. Most importantly, it looks good — and it elevates every single outfit you wear. It’s truly the perfect scarf that everyone needs!
Packing cubes (not pictured). I love love love these packing cubes, and have found them to be life-changing when it comes to packing. Sounds a little dramatic I know, but it’s true. It’s another packing necessity that everyone in the family needs!
Travel day
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
Essential pieces
… plus a few more good ones!
Jackets: Leather, blazer, utility jacket, denim jacket and cardigan (love this one)
Shoes: Flats, Sneakers and sandals for dressing up
Accessories: Black scarf, crossbody bag and tote
Tops: Silk cami — takes no room, white t-shirt, two blouses, thin cashmere tee like this
Utility jacket day & night
This utility jacket just arrived, and I don’t know why I waited so long to purchase it! (I got the XS.) You can wear this jacket day or night, casual or elevated, on travel day or during the trip. It’s incredibly versatile, and it’s a piece that completes many outfits. Pack it for every trip.
Left: Utility jacket | White shirt (favorite) | Denim | Tote | Bracelet | Lipgloss | Sandals | Sunnies | Right: Utility jacket | Tank | Trousers | Sandals | YSL bag | Earrings
Blazer day & night
I just picked up this dark navy tweed blazer by L’Agence. I’m pairing it with white denim or this long flare pant, but it also works perfectly with a white tee and jeans. And, it runs a little small, I purchased the size 4.
Left: Blazer | Paris tee | Mother denim | Pink bag | Sneakers | Sunnies | Ritz bb hat | Right: Blazer | Cami | YSL bag | Sunnies | Sandals | Denim | Earrings
J.Crew cardigan day & night
Left: J.Crew cardigan | Tank | Chloe tote | Sandals | Hoop earrings | Right: J.Crew cardigan | Tank | YSL bag | Sunglasses | $39 necklace | Sandals | Flare pants
Disclaimer: I’m not suggesting you can pack this all in one carry-on 😀
Thank you for reading! xx
Wow! So much great information for packing for trips!! I especially love the packing cube recommendations! Thanks for keeping us stylish and ready for travel!!🤩
Hi Danelle,
Oh yay I’m glad you like the post – the packing cubes are amazing 🙂
Susie
I always look forward to your articles. Lots of good information that can be incorporated into my existing wardrobe.
Putting together outfits has always been a struggle for me, but I find your boards inspiring!
Now that the traveling season is approaching, would you do a segment on skincare and make up when luggage space is minimal.
I try to take good care of my skin and look my best but when traveling there isn’t enough room for all my serums, moisturizers and makeup!
Hi Janie,
I’m so glad, and yes that’s a really good idea! Thank you
Susie xx
Love all thinks packing. I travel for work, although that has not really happened since Covid..hopefully soon, and also love to travel personally. I try every single time to try something new to downsize and re-think how I pack. Like you, as much as I try to minimize, I always end up taking more than i wanted to or will probably need – but oh well.
I LOVE packing cubes and they have been a game changer and anyone that doesn’t use them is really missing out on the best packing tip ever. I just added a new one this past year and it is also a game changer. One specifically for shirts. The Eagle Creek Pack It Folder. Available on amazon. Take a look at it. We did a 2 week road trip this past summer and I packed alld my husbands shirts plus some of my tunic blouses and I loved it. Won’t travel without it ever again.
https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Travel-Luggage-Garment/dp/B00F9S81KY/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2N8O6888G39HC&keywords=eagle%2Bcreek%2Bpack%2Bit%2Bfolder&qid=1642427891&sprefix=eagle%2Bcreek%2Bpack%2Bit%2Bfolder%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5&th=1
Wow thank you so much for this tip, I’ll take a look! I might just need to order it to try!!
Susie xx
I love all your boards and suggestions, but am curious about the suitcase. You mentioned that it was a carry-on, but the description at the website says “this bag must be checked for air travel”. Maybe depends on the airline? Thanks.
Hi and mine is definitely the carryon size and it fit perfectly in the above compartment – not sure why they have that on their description!