After years or globe trotting with lots camera equipment in tow I've come to a sort of method for packing my clothing and essentials as lightly as possible. There are a few well known tips that I abide by, but one method that has never worked for me is that of planning each days outfit in advance. It just doesn't allow for much spontaneity and I've never been one to follow a strict itinerary...
What I've found works best for me instead, is to pick a color palette and stick with it. The genius thing about doing things this way is that you can mix and match to your hearts content and still look pulled together every day.
A good way to get started in this is to pick a base neutral, such as black or brown, then choose your accessories and outerwear in it. Next pick a couple of colors that compliment one another and mix them in.
An example: this holiday season I started with basic black accessories and outerwear then mixed in white, gray and soft shades of pink for an easy monochromatic look. It's not a hard and fast kind of rule, but thinking in terms of a simple, defined palette has streamlined the process for me immensely.
If you aren't quite sure how to put together a color palette on your own, this site is the place to look: Design Seeds
(Image: Design Seeds)
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Um-I need those shoes.
I stick with black, white, red and navy. I see I need to mi it up a little!
Traveling light last summer, I went for navy + tan + white + pink. Picked pieces that layered well (and interchangeably) and added a few lightweight scarves.... done!
My last trip, I just chose blue jeans, black slacks, and teal/turquoise/aqua t's and other tops. Same concept.
Another tip for longer trips, buy quick-dry hand washable items and bring along a bit of laundry soap. I got a few items (khaki slacks, teal long-sleeved shirt that works as a jacket, etc.) from a mail order catalog specializing in travel wear, and they are WONDERFUL, even if you aren't traveling! (travelsmith.com) That way you can take fewer things and not pay for cleaning in hotels.)
Black, white, khaki and red. I'm good to go. Oh, and those Zenergy pieces from Chico's? Dry overnight and look neat and crisp all day.
If you want to travel really well and REALLY light.
This may suit you even better... see packlesstravel.com
These nice USA based folk just stayed with us for several days in NZ.
Roger arrived with NOTHING except a jacket. And Kyanne with a small handbag sized bag. I thought they must have lost their bags. Am still in awe of their ingenuity and pack-less skills.
4 colors is too many for me. I usually travel in the fall and everything I pack is black or forest green. It all matches. I don't quite know what I would pack if I went somewhere that light colors would be nice in....
First, your advice is really great, original and practical!
Second, where has Design Seeds been all these years?!
(I'm also going to check packlesstravel.com suggested above.)
I do this! Usually with grey and blue basics and some pops of color in shoes and tops. Bring a variety of small accessories and you're good to go!
Oh, and most importantly - WEAR the largest items in your luggage when you're travelling. Wear your coat, your boots, your belt, your sweatshirt, etc.
My colors tend to be black, gray, oatmeal, and seafoam/aqua, purple. Infact, that seems to be my entire wardrobe. Makes life easy.
Well, here are a few additonal tips. I used to do quite some hitchhiking, backpacking, camping, as well as capital city hopping in Europe, and the following emerged from my experience:
-cut off all labels from clothes (lightens up your baggage, even if a little bit)
-choose stuff that is light and folds small - think silk and cashmere (they also dry fast when washed)
-for warm jackets - nothing beats good quality dawn
-scarfs are essential - they can be used in so many ways! and add variety and color to otherwise monochromatic set of clothes.
-if you need to carry towels with you, look around for one that is ultra thin - it will also dry ultra fast. I have one pure cotton, inherited from my mother, it's like a sleeveless bathrobe, best travel companion ever, folds to the size of small face towel
-If you are travelling through a variety of climates/temperatures, and don't want to carry many pairs of shoes, then consider packing/wearing a pure leather pair, and pack a sheepwool/sheepskin insole to slip in for cold weather, combined with woolen socks - much lighter and takes up less space than an extra pair of shoes.