How To Pack Like a Pro Fashion for Beauty

How To Pack Like a Pro

Posted May 28th, 2011 by Alana Strange No Comments »

You don’t need that and you will regret having to carry it: trust me.

I long for the days when a fleet of servants not only packed your traveling trunks but carted them around for you (sometimes literally). At that time (and in that class) you might have your leather martini case with beaker and matching glasses to ease the pain of waiting for them to unload your luggage and then unpack all the clothes they had so lovingly packed in the first place.

Most of us, however, have to tote our own baggage. Sure, it’s a lot easier now with all the wheels and roller bags (oh my, how much easier) but that’s also made us lazy about making decisions. People generally pack far too much. Then they regret it when they find they’ve bought too much stuff and now their case won’t close. You should have room in your case when you leave so the inevitable additions can go somewhere without busting your seams.

I’m off to the UK for a month. I will be taking one bag to check: a duffel roller. It can be done. Things to remember:

Black is your friend: Trousers, skirts, dresses and shirts in black match with each other and coordinate interchangeably with colorful jackets or wraps. Even if you are seeing the same people every day, you can swap pieces around and have a fresh enough look every day. If you get tired of them on a long trip (i.e. more than a month) splurge by buying new clothes instead of ugly knickknacks you’re going to regret anyway.

One sweater or jacket: If there’s a chance of cold weather, you might need to wrap up, but take just one. You’re unlikely to need more outside the Ant/arctic.

Roll your own: You can fit more in and find anything in an instant if you roll your clothes. The clothes come out surprisingly wrinkle free. If they need help, carry a small (empty) fine spray bottle to spritz them the night before you wear them to remove wrinkles. Leave your clothes that need ironing at home (why do you have them anyway? It’s the 21st century!)

Cables, cords, chargers: Forget clothes: the things you will regret not having are gadget items. Be sure you can recharge and connect everything you’ve brought from the ereader to the camera and phone. Don’t forget converters, too, if you’re traveling abroad.

Jettison: If you think some clothes are on their last legs, especially undies and socks, bring them, wear them and then jettison. You were going to do it anyway. But for toiletries get yourself reusable 300ml/3oz containers and recycle them.

Things worth packing: Handy wipes for quick freshening up in the airport or train station; a good book even if you’ve got your ereader; a notebook or journal, addresses of people to whom you can send envy-provoking postcards; a Swiss Army knife (if you’re checking the bag; an emory board, sleeping mask & ear plugs. I have been offered cash for the latter when sitting near an interminable talker. Be prepared.

K. A. Laity writes so much that she had to create some pseudonyms to keep her colleagues from thoughts of murder. A tenured medievalist at a small liberal arts college, she mostly tries to find ways to avoid meetings in order to write more . Find her on Facebook or follow her on where she will be talking about her upcoming Fulbright year in Galway (whoohoo!).

Fashion for Beauty