I used to tease my Mom growing up that she packed by set colors. For every family trip we would go on, she would select two to three colors for the packing “theme” so to speak of the trip. She would then toss in basics of black, white and tan. I used to mock that idea, thinking it would be a trip where it looks like you are wearing the same thing, over and over again. And the wise sayings, “You’re mother is always right” or “Listen to your mother” holds true in how I packed for a month in Ireland.
Packing is generally a dreaded activity. I may moan and groan about packing, but secretly, I love it. For this trip however, I knew it would be a challenge. I am gone for a total of 28 days, making it hard to pack enough clothes to not have to do laundry or too little clothes you will need to do laundry along the way. I also only wanted to bring one rolling suitcase and a tote for my computer. While I don’t enjoy lugging extra weight around, I also don’t like to travel and look like an unmade bed all the time. How you present yourself to the world can reflect how you are treated.
The trouble comes with finding a balance of Goldilocks’ descriptions, not to0 much and not too little, not too sloppy and not too dressy. In hopes of helping those in the middle of packing hell, here are just a few of my tips, and my Mom’s, that can make the process easier.
Pick one to two pieces and paint the packing picture
For my month in Ireland, I selected two articles to build my entire packing wardrobe around in terms of color. It is much easier to pack when you have a plan for what colors you want to take. I selected an umbrella and a scarf as my inspiration. I drew colors from the two patterns so that everything can be mixed and matched, leaving the window, or bag rather, open to endless outfit opportunities.
Key pieces are key
Depending on where you are going, for how long and for what reason, key pieces are key. I packed a black suit-like jacket that can go over T-shirts and instantly make an outfit look dressier. The material is such it can be folded up into a ball easily. It is a piece that takes up very little room, but that is also something you can wear again and again. I also packed a classic trench coat along with a few sets of black and white tank tops and T-shirts. These key pieces help make it easier when you travel. You don’t have to worry about what goes with what as they are classics. They go with everything.
All of the classics...Guinness, awkward strangers in the background, a gray scarf, a trench coat and red hair
Go With Items That Can Be Worn More Than Once
Maybe I am strange, but I will re-wear jeans, tank tops and sweaters. If I only wore something a few hours and if I wasn’t running a marathon in the clothes, chances are I can re-wear an article. Shout wipes and tiny packets of detergent make it easy to ring out items in the hotel sink.
Scarves, Scarves and More Scarves
It is truly amazing how a gray T-Shirt can look completely different with various scarves. I packed four scarves, two patterned and two solid colors. Throwing on a scarf can make you feel more fashionable and turn any outfit into a completely different one. Scarves also make packing for a month easier as they take up little space.
Scarves are your friend when it comes to packing
Stick to Your Colors for Multi-Use Items
For my trip this month, I am wearing the classics of black, gray and white, but also the main colors of peach, soft teal and light lavender. If I had packed colors not in this palette or same color scheme, it would be hard to find use for those random tops that don’t seem to go with anything. As I learned from my Mom’s way of packing, just because you love the shirt, doesn’t mean it should go in your bag with clothes of a completely different color. Birds of a feather, flock…you know the rest.
How to do confront packing challenges? Do you pack by colors or just throw it all into a bag and not worry if it goes?
Hi Suzy- I love your scarves! And you are not weird for re-wearing jeans, sweaters and tank tops- I will re-wear stuff until it doesn’t pass the smell test anymore (my family thinks I’m gross 🙂
I do the same color theme that you do. I finds it also helps it I can organize my outfits around only two pairs of shoes- one casual and one dressy. Shoes take up so much room so if I can plan to bring only two then I can fit everything easily.
Also, I adhere to the rule- bring less and if I need something, I can always go shopping!
I never thought about packing in this way before, but it makes so much sense! I know this will help me (on future trips) to pack better. And hopefully take less stuff!
Yaaay, you made it!
God I wanna go shopping now.
Suzy, it’s great to know another non-backpacker. I tried to carry my stuff in a backpack. I really did. Unfortunately, although I’m not materialistic, I’m also not into wearing the same shirt four times in a week. You’re right – how you dress does absolutely affect how people view you and treat you. I’ve got a suitcase full of clothes, which is a good thing in my eyes. But I’ve been thinking lately I might have just a few too many. There are some tops I haven’t worn in months. In the name of being a travel maximalist, I think I may have gone a little too far!
Your approach is classic! It makes me think of Audrey Hepburn! I know those days are gone, and I’m a generation between her and you, but I believe you are so right about how you are perceived, especially if you are looking for accommodation, for instance. I stayed at a B & B in England last year where it was obvious that they were careful about who they took. Afterall, it’s their home too!
Great tips! I always pack a ton of black and have only recently gotten into scarves since moving to Germany, but I agree, they really do transform an outfit and they don’t take up much room. I never pack white as I find it always gets dirty in the first 15 minutes I’m wearing it.
Great tips for packing! I’ll admit I’ve never done the color-themed method of packing, but I’ll definitely consider it in the future. I love how you chose your color scheme based on that scarf!
Usually, I try to pack outfits that have multiple pieces that I can mix and match with other outfits. This often means sticking to neutrals and denim that basically go with any kind of top I could possibly want to bring.
And you are NOT weird for re-wearing jeans and sweaters… I do it all the time!
I literally live out of a suitcase, one that has to hold grubby work gear and dress clothes. I totally agree with you on a few steps here. Re-wear your stuff until you just can’t, there is no shame. Jersey knit is the most amazing fabric known to man. A steamy bathroom flowed by a blow dryer works like a charm on travel farics. Most of all what I think you nailed here was pick a color pallet and your life will be much easier.
Lovely post,
Abigail
TheVanGelders.com
Lots of great advice. I am currently at the beginning of an 18 month trip & leaving my wardrobe behind was a challenge! When packing I made sure that every top I took could be worn with every pair of trousers, skirt and shorts to give me more options. I also only packed for the first climate I would be visiting, anything more than that would be impossible! Like you say basics like black and white tank tops and black leggings have been invaluable.