Overpacking for any kind of travel is something so many of us struggle with. For some strange reason, we have a hard time leaving things out of our suitcases because of the "Well, maybe I'll need it" reasoning:
Maybe I'll finally wear that lovely dress I never wear at home
Maybe I'll be in a situation that requires a really specific outfit
Maybe I'll be channeling a different version of me that will be more daring
Maybe I'll miss not having my favorite things with me
The best one I've heard is that she didn't know if she'd be in a pink mood or a blue mood each day, so she just brought two massive suitcases with all the options. I cannot imagine how much she paid in extra baggage fees!
I used to travel a lot for business and packing for a 3-city, 12-day trip where part of my suitcase had meeting supplies in it was pretty common. I got really good at putting together a capsule wardrobe that would get me from state to state, through airports and meetings, business and sightseeing. I'd base each trip on a black or blue theme, using either of those colors as the base, starting with my choice of shoes and building outfits that would go with them.
I've parlayed that skill into offering travel packing for clients, and because it's such a pain point for my clients, they're so relieved to find out that packing only what they need doesn't mean going without. Even seasoned travelers, the ones who have been around the world on any kind of trip get a whole new perspective on their wardrobe.
Recently, I was invited to showcase my services at an immersive wedding experience, and since I wanted to show bridal couples that I offer honeymoon and destination packing, I took a carry-on bag with me and displayed all the clothes that fit into it.
Twenty two items (obviously excluding knickers and toiletries, but there was plenty of room for those) - that's all. I know you've read the title of this post so you know that there are 43 outfits you can get from those pieces. Actually, the 22 includes a hat and bathing suit, which don't create outfits. So let's say 20 pieces for 43 outfits.
Here are the 22 pieces:
There are 8 tops, 1 cardigan, 3 shorts, 2 skirts, 3 dresses, 3 shoes, 1 hat, and 1 bathing suit.
When I was putting looks together, I figured there were easily 25+ outfits that would come out of it, but when I laid it all out, I got 43. Now, what this number doesn't assume is that adding a cardigan or changing the shoes would create a new outfit, which it technically does. So, instead of 43 outfits, you can get 214. This is how:
This is a basic outfit with optional shoes and a cardigan:
And what each of the four variations would look like:
So if an outfit has three shoe options, you're suddenly able to create six outfits. 214 unique outfits from 20 pieces!! While I realize that the distinctions are subtle, that is some serious variety. But if you feel different with a polished metallic sandal than a white tennis shoe, you realize that shoes change the tone of an outfit, thereby creating a new outfit. If you want to see the 43 basic outfits, check out the lookbook.
Unlike my packing for business travel, this wardrobe is not based on a black or blue theme. There are both in there, along with olive and pinks, but they're tied together with other neutrals like white, beige and metallic. Also, I love pieces like the black dress. Depending on how you accessorize, it's perfect for nice dinner, a casual stroll through town, or even as a beach coverup. I've also used some of the shirts as layering pieces for the dresses, giving them even more versatility.
I love helping people pack for any kind of travel: business trips, as a guest of a spouse on their business trip, vacations, and of course, honeymoons and destination weddings. It's a fun puzzle but my favorite part is watching my client's delight as they lighten their load (literally!) by getting clarity on how much they really only need to take. And no matter what mood they're in, surely one of the 214 options will suit it.
xxx
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