It is that time of the year again, packing a wardrobe for two weeks in a place that is 40+ degrees warmer. The disconnection of climate makes this task somewhat challenging, I have to rely on my 3-step packing system.
Step One: Pick A Color Theme.
When it comes to pick out clothes for a trip, it is best to stay with a color theme. This time, because I have this eyelet two piece (a must-have for Spring) and flared jeans (oh yeah, they are making a come-back) that I absolutely want to wear, my color theme will be bright white and denim blue.
(Pictured above: Elle Sasson Eyelet Set [see similar Michael by Michael Kors Sleeveless Embellished Button Down Shirt and Alice McCall Lonely Dancer Blouse], Frame Denim Flared Jeans [see similar Mother Cruiser Pocket Bell Jean and Victoria Beckham Flare Jeans], and Tod’s Mini D-cube Bowler Bag [sold out – see similar Tod’s Mini D-cube Tote])
Step Two: Select Complimenting Clothing
Mix-match is a lot easier when the colors compliment each other, hence less pieces needed to pack. Usually clothing needed in each category is half of the days traveled. In addition to key pieces, I also picked a floral dress (hello, Spring), a midi skirt (date night), two printed tops (amusement park & beach combing), a pair of white jeans, and a pair of denim shorts.
Pretty much any combination of the top and bottom can be a playful yet chic, just like the vibes of the island.
(Pictured above: One Teaspoon Shorts, Balmain printed T-shirt [see similar Les Eclaires Sleevless printed T-shirt, Roberto Cavalli Top [sold out – see similar Roberto Cavalli Horse Print Sheer Top], J. Crew White Jeans [see similar Paige Denim Skyline, Band of Outsiders Dress [sold out – see similar ERIN erin fetherston Rose Print Chiffon Dress], and Alice McCall Skirt)
Step Three: Accessorize
Let’s face it, shoes and bags take a ton of space! Regardless where I am heading, I always bring two handbags, one big carry-all and one mini bag. The new generation of mini bags all have detachable shoulder straps, so they can multitask as both cross-body bag and a lady’s bag for more formal occasions. The mini bowler I have is white with light blue and burgundy patterns, color-wise it will work well with the white and denim theme.
(Pictured above: Celine Phantom Bag [not available online – see similar Dillon Leather East West Satchel] and Tod’s Mini D-cube Bowler Bag [sold out – see similar Tod’s Mini D-cube Tote])
If my anticipation was sun-bathing on the beach most of the time, with the occasional coffee runs, I would bring nothing but flip flops and maybe a pair of sneakers (mainly for flights to and from). The thing is, I am a shoe-addict and I like my options. I would most definitely want to have two pairs for walking and one for a dressier event, such as a nice dinner, on top of the flip flops.
(Pictured above: Saint Laurent Oxfords [sold out – see similar Pedro Garcia Kristy Oxfords], Chanel Loafers [not available online – see similar Barabara Pointed Toe Loafer Flats], Isabel Marant Sandals [sold out – see similar Ancient Greek Sandals], and Via Spiga Via Spiga Teaira Snakeskin Caged Heels )
One other of my must-have items for travel is a big scarf. Not only can it keep me warm on the air plane, it can also double duty as beach cover-up, head wrap, and even a halter top. My current favorite is this tasseled light-weight Adolfo Dominguez Fringe Scarf.
(Pictured above: Adolfo Dominguez Fringe Scarf [not available online – see similar Theodora Callum scarves])
Last but not least, jewelry. This is one category I like to pack as many options as I can because they are small in size. Jewelry can definitely change the feel of a look. For instance, this white top with jeans combo is contemporary with edgy jewelry, like these designs from Vita Fede, while with colorful fringe earrings and wrap bracelets it is more boho.
(Pictured in featured image and to the left: Elle Sasson Eyelet Set, Saint Laurent Oxfords [sold out – see similar Pedro Garcia Kristy Oxfords], San Diego Hat Company Wide-brim Hat [see similar San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid Sunhat], Samsonite Luggage, Valentino Rockstud Studded Sunglasses, and Tod’s Mini D-cube Bowler Bag [sold out – see similar Tod’s Mini D-cube Tote])
*If you’re going somewhere cold, check out Ashley’s “Packing Guide: Top 12 Essentials for your Next Cold Weather Destination“, or her “Airport Carry-On Packing Guide“!
HAPPY SHOPPING!
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