If you have been following my travel blogs, then you know I always travel with only a carryon. From Rome to Fashion Week in NY always a carryon. So when it came to our most recent trip to Paris, I had to be very strategic with my packing. Everyday was filled with events so I had to stay comfortable, warm and stylish. Here’s how I did it!
So I packed clothing for 5 full days and 1 evening look along with a travel ensemble, so that brings my total to 7 outfits and 2 coats. I’ll show you each and how I did it now!
#1 Plan out your outfits based on the activities you have scheduled in advance
The very most important thing when traveling – if you want to be efficient and see as much as possible – is to have a schedule. Once you know what you will be doing, it is easier to decide what attire is appropriate. For example, if you know you are going to Disney and will be walking around outside all day you are going to want to be prepared for the elements, along with comfortable shoes. – I’m sure you get my drift.
For our first day we were going to ride the subway to the Eiffel Tower and spend some time sightseeing for the first few hours. Since I knew we would be outside and would not be going anywhere fancy I chose a layered-look with a bright mustard sweater and jeans.
#2 Bring one heavy duty coat that will go with multiple looks
Its best to have a neutral coat that will look great with everything, but will also keep you warm! I did not pack this item in my carryon, but carried it over my arm.
#3 Pack an evening, or lightweight coat
This is important because you want to have a separate option for outerwear in case it rains or the temps warm up. I packed this fluffy piece because in a space saver bag it compresses down to nothing! But also because it is warm and such a statement piece!
#3 Layer, Layer, Layer
This is SO important! I packed a turtleneck and a button down that easily layered under my sweater and jumpsuit. This makes lightweight clothing items season appropriate and yet, still fashionable.
Only pack 2 pair of shoes…wear the third, but that’s IT!
This is so hard but you HAVE to stick to this. Shoes take up so much space and 9 times out of 10, you won’t even end up wearing all that you pack! It’s best to plan out your ensembles with shoes you know you will be comfortable in the entire time, but bring that one really fun pair too because… YOLO – lol.
Limit your accessories
Accessories are a space stealer so the more you can limit, the better. Try to bring pieces that will go with multiple looks. I brought: 2 berets, 1 necklace, 3 pair of earrings, 2 scarves, 1 pair of sunglasses, 1 clutch, 1 crossbody and 2 belts – again nothing extra here, everything was planned out to go with the outfits I created.
And most of all: Get space saver bags!
This is my saving grace for all trips! I am able to pack everything I need to with space still left over for souvenirs! Seriously, I can’t travel without them!
So those are my tips for packing stylishly but also compactly. It can be tricky only taking a carryon, but that never means you have to compromise on your style!
To many of you I’m sure this is going to sound pretty crazy. How could a fashion blogger possibly take only a carry on to NYFW? Well here’s how it did it!
#1 Comfort and versatility is key!
Bring shoes and accessories that you can wear with multiple looks. Skip on the pair of heels that you will only wear with one look and pack the boots that go with everything and are comfortable. I say this because there is an overwhelming amount of walking to be done. On average, we walked 7 miles a day! – Keep that in mind before you pack those stilettos… chances are they will just be taking up space in your luggage.
#2 Plan your ensembles out ahead of time
This is a really big one. I always pack extra, but this was a really incremental part of me managing only a carry on. Take only what you will actually wear! As a blogger, I needed to average 3 ensembles a day. So that meant I had to coordinate 9ish outfits. The reason for so many is morning and evening looks, along with additional ensembles to shoot in. By curating and stylizing my ensembles ahead of time, I knew exactly what I would be wearing which day and with what accessories. This limits un-needed access.
#3 Create a Final Cut
So when I packed, I made sure every piece would be worn and made sense for the occasions and looks I was aiming to create. If it didn’t make sense, I didn’t bring it. Here is what made my cut!
My carry on packing list:
Accessories
- Elaine Turner Ally Crossbody
- Jewelry roll storage: held 3 pairs of earrings, 2 necklaces, 2 bracelets, contacts and toothbrush
- Felt hat
- Curling Iron
- Straightener
Shoes
Dresses
Jackets
- XOXO embellished blazer
- Danny Nguyen Couture Jacket
- Chunky sweater cardigan
Tops
Bottoms
- Dear John Distressed Jeans
- Danny Nguyen Couture Embellished Mesh Skirt
- Express Shorts
- Black High-Waist Mini Skirt
Now to make this work, I chose to wear one of the shoes I selected so that I only needed to pack one pair, and I decided to wear a top and jeans so again, this cuts down on a few of the larger pieces that would otherwise be in the bag.
The next tip to make this work is space saver bags! I cannot rave enough about these bags! They have assisted me on multiple trips! All of the ensembles I packed for this trip fit into 2 bags and with the air out, took up minimal space.
The contents above is what all I had to place in my carry on. Everything easily fit with space to spare! If you are looking for a great sized, affordable carry on check out Target!
So that’s it! I hope you found this helpful if you are looking to travel with less baggage! As for my chargers, medications, and makeup, those were all stored in my tote as I like to keep those items handy! Happy travels!
Day 3 started with a New York bagel and hot apple cider! This to me is the perfect breakfast for NYC. Something you can walk and eat and a sweet warm beverage to wake up!
My first show was at the NYFW the Shows location once again, this time to see Taoray Wang. I once again had a full schedule ahead of me and really wanted to be comfortable, so the ensemble I selected for day 3 was this adorable romper from Posh Tulsa, my favorite over the knee Steve Madden Boots and a felt hat I picked up at Marshalls. This look is so versatile and extremely comfortable!
For the Taoray Wang show I was assigned standing, but was able to move to seating. This was the largest show I attended as it was in Gallery 1 which was so massive and set up with riser seating. I loved every piece of this collection! So many shades of blue with fringe, tailored pleats, pinstripes, and really cool chest and collarbone tattoos on the models of birds and trees!
Following this show we had to make our way to 5th Ave. for the Banana Republic show! This show was located in-store and was set up as a quick runway show and showroom. Olivia Palermo was the creator of this collection and she was actually there to show the line!
The collection was totally my style and if I could, I would purchase all of the coats (just doesn’t make much sense for someone who lives in Texas) The pieces were military inspired with soft feminine touches of velvet and blush tones.
One thing I really liked about this show was the pieces were actually available for purchase! I was really thankful we got there early so we were able to be inside for the show. So many people did not get the opportunity as this show was open to the public and first come first serve.
After the BR X Olivia Palermo show, we grabbed a quick slice of pizza and headed back to the hotel to get ready for the last show I would be attending during NYFW.
For this last show, I wanted to pull out all of the stops and wear the most show-stopping ensemble I brought. That would be this amazing piece by Danny Nguyen Couture! I paired the beautiful blazer with a high waisted black mini skirt, and my over the knee Steve Madden boots. For accessories, I wore a sparkling Mirina Collection necklace and carried my essentials in the Ally bag by Elaine Turner.
The last show I saw was the Negris Lebrum show, which was located in an art gallery. This collection was definitely wearable and something I can totally see myself checking out! The materials were lightweight, perfect for the warmer Texas temperatures! I loved the light shades of yellow, khaki and mixes of plaid and florals. Trends included; plunging necklines, round sunglasses, hair turbans, high waist bottoms, mixed prints, 60’s silhouettes, and piping accents.
The designer is actually from Houston, Texas and came out to thank everyone for coming and for everyone who helped get them there as the show almost did not happen due to Harvey. So thankful the Negris Lebrum show was able to make it to NYFW as the collection was amazing!
The intimate after party included delicious chicken and red velvet waffles, and Dey Dreemz Rum Punch in a variety of flavors! This was the perfect relaxed way to end our NYFW experience! Following the show, it was back to the hotel to pack and get ready to head to the airport at 4:00am.
My first NYFW experience was like a dream! I feel so unbelievably blessed to have had the opportunity and ability to go, and thank everyone who made this possible for me! If you are interested in learning about how I attended shows, tips and tricks to NYFW, and lessons I learned, check out my next post for those details!
Traveling to a new destination is always fun, and exciting, but can also be very nerve racking. To ease my nerves as much as possible, I reduce the amount of products I travel with. By only taking a carry on, I avoid long baggage check lines, additional fees, and extra time at the airport.
I always thought being prepared for any and every possible situation by packing “everything but the kitchen sink’ was smart, but ultimately I just got weighed down carrying heavy bags, and would arrive with way more than I could ever wear. On top of that, more items means more to keep up with and remember. Honestly, it is much easier to buy an umbrella if it rains, than attempt to pack one and never need it.
As a blogger, I would say I pack more than the bare minimum, but at the same time, do not over do it. For this particular trip, I am packing for a 6 day vacation to Rome. It is January so the weather there is in the low to mid 40’s. I decided chunky sweaters and layering pieces would be my best bet for style and warmth.
The only negative about packing sweaters is they take up A LOT of space. Luckily, I have space saver bags to assist me! The particular bags I purchased come in assorted sizes and do not require the use of a vacuum. (I will link similar bags here if you are interested.)
The first image is of everything I need to bring, clothing wise.
I then removed my travel outfit, boots, and coat, as those pieces won’t actually be packed.
And then I began to place my items into the space saver bags.
Upon finishing, this is what my stack looked like.
Everything fit perfectly into my bag with space to spare! Not only do the space saver bags provide you with more precious luggage space, they also protect your clothing from spills! I personally enjoy that they are clear so you can see exactly what is in each bag before opening.
If you are curious as to where my purse, chargers, makeup etc. are? Those are in my “personal item.” Instead of taking a backpack, I have decided on a large tote to carry all of these items, as shown below.
Traveling “light” has really worked well for me over the years. I am a nervous traveler by nature so anything I can implement to ease my nerves, and make travel more enjoyable, I am on board for!
I hope this is helpful for anyone out there who has difficulty when it comes to packing, and if you have any tips that work well for you, feel free to comment with them below! 🙂
Happy traveling everyone!
- Luggage Bag: Jessica Simpson (similar)
- Luggage Tag: Henri Bendel