Traveling and the Art of Packing

I just had a packing fiasco. I was about to leave for a week's vacation and spent the day tidying up loose ends, figuring I'd pack in the evening. A friend seduced me out to dinner, and we stayed up late. The ride to the airport arrived early the next morning while I was in a mad scramble, grabbing whatever I thought I might need. I packed too much, and worse, I was unhappy with what I brought.

Packing is my favorite thing I hate to do, and I'm considered an expert. My goal is to take the minimum amount of clothing to wear in the maximum number of ways. When I flew to Seoul for a two-week trip with just a carry-on suitcase, I was astonished and my co-workers even more...

Packing the right clothes is like having the perfect travel companion: You feel great with them, they're versatile, and they don't hold you back. The packing process also helps me take a fresh look at my wardrobe; I discover different ways of combining the pieces I have.

I start by making a chart on a piece of paper. Down the left side of the page I list the days I'll be away. Across the top, I mark three columns: AM, PM, Extra. This helps me visualize what events I need to dress for. Next, I put together one head-to-toe look I feel great in and build from there.

For business trips, I start with a suit in a neutral color. Dark colors are easier to dress up and down, and lightweight wool accommodates climate changes and won't hold wrinkles. Then I choose a different top to transform the suit bottom. Lightweight knits are a favorite – you can roll them up and squeeze them between other clothes in your bag. Then I add another bottom to wear with the suit jacket and the knit top, which creates four options. For dressy evenings, I kick up my accessories and might include a dressier top. On travel days, I wear jeans with my suit jacket and comfortable shoes, an outfit that also works for downtime. Extras include workout clothes, sneakers, a sleep shirt, a microfiber coat that rolls up nicely and an umbrella. For longer trips, I take a second suit, a few more tops, and perhaps a dress that packs easily. I double-bag suits in dry cleaner plastic to deter wrinkling.

I lay everything on my bed to be sure it all works together. Then I fine-tune; If I'll traveling to a Muslim country I would pack more basic colors, if I travel to something like Singapore I go for a mix of more color. Next I try everything on to make sure it still fits and feels comfortable. If I can't get it all into my carry-on, I edit. With today's travel restrictions, I may check a bag with toiletries and bulky, easily replaced items like sneakers.

When I return home, I set aside a pile of what I didn't wear and make a mental note of the things I forgot. This helps me pack smarter next time.....