Confessions Of A Reformed(ish) Overpacker

I have always been an overpacker and as a fashion writer I usually need a few outfit changes for fashion trips and events or simply to suit my mood. On my recent trip to the USA, we had several stops and lots of internal flights, so a smaller suitcase was a necessity. My ‘BIG RED’ Lojel stayed at home in favour of the same brand but a smaller, medium sized suitcase.

I am not saying I can do a three-and-a-half-week trip with hand luggage alone… not just yet, but my new smaller case was all I needed to make this trip more manageable. I was also lucky that most of the places we were visiting would be hot, so no big coats and jumpers. I had to approach this trip with military like precision and a ruthless mindset.

I hoped that by bringing things I loved, I would have enough options to satisfy my fashion loving heart. My formula is always to choose three colours that will mix and match. Last year for the Rugby World Cup my colours were blue, green and yellow. Unfortunately, Australia was out of the competition early. My favourite Wallabies jerseys and gold jacket were relegated to the bottom of the suitcase for most of the trip.

This time I chose a simple black, white and pink combination which worked very well for most destinations. Americans are conservative and classic in their dress and as I had lived here, I already knew a little bit about fashion in the USA. At the last-minute Los Cabos, Mexico was included in the trip, so a bit of extra colour and some bathers were added to the mix.

Our trip was a combination of work and play so I needed some professional and polished looks along with my tourist attire. We would be going out in the evenings and playing tourist during the day. Luckily, we were staying in hotels for most of our stay so could have a little bit of washing done in each city.

Before the trip I first hang things that I think I might need on a rail. I add and subtract from there. I combine outfits to make sure I can wear something at least three ways. I left behind a black sequin shirt, orange linen top and another black summer top. I could have used the orange linen in some places but as it would need ironing it was best left behind. I do not usually iron when I am travelling.

For my travel look I wore wide leg jeans, a navy Styling You the Label shirt which wickers moisture away and a soft pink leather jacket which would be my warm layer if needed at any destination. My shoes of choice were my Frankie4 Jackie sneakers with silver accents. These were the most comfortable travelling shoes ever and may have been the MVP of the trip.

For night – time looks I chose all Maiocchi pieces, a black and white polka dot Lucinda wrap dress, the All My Love LBD with a tie front and my trusty black jumpsuit. These pieces never needed to be ironed, did not crease and were exactly right for every occasion. I paired my evening looks with gold mid heels from Frankie4 footwear and my black and gold Dior mini cross body bag. Dressing for a night out was a breeze with these pieces on board.

Pants were one extra blue jeans, black coated jeans, white wide legged jeans and black culottes. I had a white tee, two white blouses, two pink tops and two black tops, one with polka dots. I also had a black and white going out top with sleeves.

My fashion item was a matching set from Une Piece in brown and white polka dots which could be worn together or alone. I received plenty of compliments when wearing the matching set. I mean … the Pretty Woman vibes alone made it special. It could also be dressed up or down.

I also added a blue and white floral blouse from Sheike at the last minute. It was worn three times so was a good addition for the ever-popular jeans and a nice top moment for more casual dining.

For Mexico I packed two bathing suits, a yellow floral dress for a special dinner, a blue and white striped dress for cocktails and a couple of tops to go back with the culottes and white pants. All were worn throughout the whole trip, a bonus.

I took two scarves – one animal print and one in a floral. These really helped to change up my looks as needed. I packed a black raincoat, soft hat and beige wedge heels in my luggage and added a navy cardigan and gold slides to my hand luggage. The cardigan came in handy on colder flights.

I had a bigger everyday tan Coach bag for travel and my birthday present from the boys, a cross-body Dior in a champagne colour, for some evening and more casual looks.

Jewellery was minimal. I wore my Tiffany silver jewellery on the plane and with all my daily outfits. I had pearls for evening. To make a statement with the black outfits I took some bold gold Jill Marsden statement earrings.

Everyone was amazed at how small my bag was (in comparison to previous trips) and the only item I didn’t wear was a hot pink lace shirt. I think it would have been too showy and mark me out as a tourist. I was incredibly happy with my shoe robe and for once my husband and I had the same number of shoes!

Having a smaller amount to choose from made me more inventive with my outfits and made getting ready every day a breeze. Nothing was lost in the bottom of the suitcase. Although, I must confess to being a little sick of black and white by the three-week mark but as we reached our final destination in Denver we could shop and add some colour. We could also fit all our shopping in when we expanded the suitcases.

So, what did I wear when I arrived home? Black and white, of course. It may take a while to break this addiction. Overall, I was satisfied that I could travel more efficiently but still feel stylish and put together. The number of compliments I received on my ensembles throughout the trip attest to this fact. It felt like a bit of a style challenge, mixing and matching for every occasion.

When we arrived home, we were off to the Sunshine Coast, so all bets were off, and I filled the same suitcase for just one weekend. You can take as much as you like when you are driving, right? That’s my theory and I’m sticking to it. So perhaps I am only a mildly reformed overpacker!

Next trip I might try some packing cubes. All my friends swear by them. So, tell us here at She Society, what is your packing hack? Are you an over or under packer? Do you follow the three-colour rule or the 5-4-3-2-1 hack that has everyone talking?

However, you pack make sure you have great walking shoes and clothes that always make you feel cool, chic and comfortable. Bon Voyage!