I'm an over-packer— always have been. For as long as I can remember, I've had a tendency to pack twice the amount I could have ever possibly needed. Embarrassing to admit, but up until a few years ago I didn't even own carry-on luggage, at the time it literally never would have occurred to me to pack in one!
But more recently (with my husband's strong encouragement) I've slowly but surely been changing my ways. Now there’s nothing quite as thrilling to me as a perfectly executed carry-on, one where you don't feel like you were missing a thing while away.
Last week I might have done my best packing job yet on a trip to New York. Here's my strategy, what I wore, and the pieces that made it work.
I’ve found that the key to successful packing is putting effort into the planning and strategy of it all. This is where my Type A thrives.
Step one: check the weather! Then I map out my trip by day with a rough idea of what I'll be doing and list out how many outfits I'll need and what kind.
I start with accessories — particularly shoes and bags — and usually land on two flats (one comfortable enough for serious walking), one sneaker, and one heel. For bags, one larger daytime bag (preferably one that folds entirely flat) and one or two smaller bags that transition well to evening. These might change as I begin to plan outfits, but if I add anything to the pile, something gets removed in its place.
I then build all my outfits within the parameters of those accessories. Pulling together a few preplanned looks while making sure everything I pack can mix and match to create new combinations if I change my mind once I'm there.
Some things I always bring no matter what: extra t-shirts and long sleeves, a button-up, black elasticated pants, a pair of jeans (usually more than one pair of jeans if I’m being honest), and a pair of leggings.
In Practice
I love travelling with this bag because it's totally flat which is ideal for conserving space in my luggage. These shoes are a go-to for me generally, but especially on a trip because they look great with nearly every outfit I put together. Two things I always prioritize in accessories when going carry-on.
A day in Brooklyn. Love these pants and chose to bring them with me because a) they’re really comfortable b) they’re easy to style in so many different ways.
I pretty much never go anywhere without my Gala pants and, no matter the season, I always end up wearing them. A good example of an outfit that was not pre-planned but came together easily with what I had brought. The pants are especially great for moments like these.
One thing I try to do when packing a carry-on is reach for pieces I already know will work versus newer things I've maybe played around with less. These jeans are a perfect example— probably the most worn dark wash pair I have in my closet.
Later in the day my girlfriend and I decided to book last-minute reflexology. One thing about me is I'm obsessed with massage of any kind. I changed into my Gala pants for the appointment. The pants paired with the boatneck tee has actually become an outfit I repeat often. Another outfit not preplanned but that I felt great in.
A perfect elbow-sleeve t-shirt that I shared a while back— and can confirm it's just as good as I hoped it would be. Can also be easily dressed up or down which makes it a great piece for travelling light.
The travel look— this is what I wore on the way to New York. I wore almost the exact same thing on the way back, except I swapped the jeans for these pants. The cardigan was also great for walking around in the early morning— I've been wearing it a ton at home too.
The Baggage
Worth noting how essential an expandable travel bag is for me when it comes to carry-on only trips. I always bring one as my personal bag and couldn't imagine not checking a bag without one— it essentially serves as a second piece of luggage. The two I use are the Le Pliage Expandable Tote or an older one from Alex Mill that they've sadly discontinued, and I can't understand why because it's amazing (@alexmill ???).
The carry-on luggage I use is the Essential Cabin bag in back gloss. Its reliable, lightweight, and glides like a breeze.
When it comes to cosmetic bags and pouches the priority is choosing ones that are more compact and can be squished and squeezed a little bit if need be. Something like this one from Belletto that’s not overly structured and doesn’t take up too much space. Anything from Cadence is also amazing for short trips.
I love this Jewellery roll too because it keeps everything compartmentalized but flat and compact.
See you next week!
Anna xx
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