Expert packing advice
The perks of summer travel— the promise of tranquil balmy days and ample pool time— can be eclipsed by the anxiety of preparing for the trip.
Not the least of the stress producers is the process of packing.
“Efficiency is key,” says celebrity stylist Penny Lovell, who works with Anne Hathaway, Taylor Schilling and Rose Byrne. “I like to keep it to the essential minimum, with a few backups and a wild-card item for fun.”
Bringing the right balance of clothes is also important, says Leesa Evans, a personal stylist and costume designer whose work includes “Bridesmaids,” and “Zoolander 2.”
She advises finding a signature look, a “daily uniform” based on the silhouette that’s most comfortable and flattering.
Evans suggests looking at a recent picture of yourself wearing something that made you feel amazing, then base outfits on that silhouette.
Consider the climate, terrain and events before you pack.
“Try Googling street style images for the location you’re traveling to,” Evans says. “Some- times pictures help a lot to give you ideas of what might be fun to wear while you’re away.”
To avoid over-packing, Evans suggests taking only one extra outfit. “When going for seven days, you want to take eight outfits,” she says. “These eight outfits work for daytime and some go into night, depending on what the environment is.”
Paring down on shoes is another key. Celebrity stylist Anita Patrickson, who works with Julianne Hough and Portia de Rossi, says, “Bring shoes that are neutral basics like a leather sandal and heel that goes with jeans as well as a dress, and begin building around that.”
Always try on what you are planning totake before you pack, the stylists say, particularly if there is a special event, such as a wedding, involved. And Patrickson recommends hand-carrying special occasion garments in case luggage is delayed.
The stylists also recommend using Ziploc bags to group like items, hanging garments on slim flocked hangers that can go directly from garment bag to closet and always taking along a laundry bag.