One thing I do value about myself is that usually after one brutal learning lesson, I never make the same mistake again (except for being late, that’s a chronic thing). My Europe trip last year was the best thing I ever did for myself, despite the fact that literally hauling a huge monster suitcase (with a top handle that broke off halfway through the trip), bulging backpack and massive handbag nearly broke my back and spirit during a few high-stress situations. It taught me to never ever ever overpack again since it really was pretty brutal towards the end, and since that hard-earned lesson I’ve become an exceptionally light packer – so much so that this time around, I’m packing nothing but a carry-on for my 3-week European adventure! I know so many of you are taking off on your own journeys this summer so I figured I might as well include everything in my Herschel carry-on (kiiind of obsessed with it) in a handy printable packing list at the bottom of this post!
Before we get to the list, a few little tips. First of all, you’ve got to hone in on a colour palette for your whole trip, which is particularly important for all your separates. Since I’m crossing a few climates but it’s summer, I’m sticking with neutral taupe tones and airy whites tempered by lots of black.
Roll, roll, roll! Rolling all of your clothes is the absolute key to fitting as much as possible in and a great way to keep your clothes as wrinkle-free as possible – particularly important if you’re travelling in the summer and have silk/linen pieces.
I’m laughing here because I believe Alicia told me to stop looking constipated, which is apparently my go-to face when I’m focusing on zipping things up. Anyway moving on from that, put your shoes (think oxfords, brogues, etc) on the bottom of your suitcase (the bottom when it’s upright), and put rolled socks in them to maintain their shape. Sandals or any other footwear/accessories that can flatten out can get put on the bottom of the suitcase as it’s laying flat.
Now…the outfits! I honestly can pull together far more than 21 outfits from everything in the packing list below but this is just a small sampling – try to think of silhouettes or shapes that will work well together (I opted for a lot of high-waisted silhouettes or relaxed bottoms, cropped or lightweight tops, etc – all pieces that will work seamlessly together).
Look 1 – Noir Desir
It’s crazy hot in Paris right now so this slightly sexy but still elegant look (longer shorts are a God send for me when travelling as they ground any look) will do perfectly!
Look 2 – Femme in Neutrals
These taupe and grey tones by Aritzia are going to save me since they transition perfectly into cooler climates as well (Ireland will likely be cold), offering a bit of lightness to all my black pieces. And speaking of which…
Look 3 – Black and Taupe
A simple swap of the top for the black crop in Look 1 plus the addition of a leather jacket and scarf would make this a great look for cooler summer weather, though on its own it works just as well for steamy temps.
Look 4 – Grey on Grey
Add Look 2’s top and these stunner pair of silk pants from Aritzia in and again, a look that would function well both in Paris and Ireland. I wore my Soles sandals from Ideel here throughout but obviously, my Cons or oxfords could get swapped in if it got chillier at any point!
And now, the list! Pin it to your travel board, save it to your desktop, print it out, edit it – just make it yours!
And with that, I’m just going to get to all my last minute prep today (which is actually a reasonable amount of work because as mentioned above, I’m always late on everything) before we fly out to Paris tomorrow – it’s an overnighter and we’ll arrive in Paris Friday morning, so expect an update then!
Also a note about my posting while I’m gone – I have lots of great content already set that I’m so excited to share, but otherwise I’ll be toning things down a bit while gone (though will still have updates over the course of the next few weeks!). If you want to stay up to date with my travels though, please follow along on Instagram and see all the BTS action over on Snapchat: @tovogueorbust!
All photos by Alicia
Loved this post! Aritzia has so many great pieces at the moment!
Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty
Great post! Love this guide even for national flights like new york!
such a great post! well done 🙂
Saci
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Rolling is so key to packing. It changed my life a few years ago. Great post!
Shae @ Current Habits
Awesome post and so helpful! Impressive how many looks you can squeeze into one little bag.
EverRose.com
Omg, just a carry on? That is actually so impressive. I went to new York for three days and struggled with having only a carry on. Love your colour palette as well! You really can never go wrong with airy neutrals, especially in the summer months!
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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Great tips!!! Im always in panic when I have to travel..this helps!
http://sunmoonstyle.blogspot.co.at/
Great tips!!! Im always in panic when I have to travel..this helps!
http://sunmoonstyle.blogspot.co.at/
Impressive packing and great clothing choices!
xo
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