Let’s Go On Vacation – The Trick To Packing Light While Maximizing Options

By Brian Maynor
July 19, 2013

Summer is far from over, and so are the vacations.  However, if your idea of packing is strewing clothes all over your bedroom to ultimately cram as much as possible into a tiny suitcase, praying it does not exceed the baggage limit while reaching for a cocktail or ibuprofen you are not alone.  Packing is one of the most stressful pre-vacation rituals we can go through, but it can be easier.

Over the next three articles we will focus on packing smarter and making better choices to ensure you have the most options from as few pieces as possible.  Here are two inspiration outfits for your next vacation travel day and the reason they work:

1.    Draped and flowing fabric.  If you are going to be sitting for extended periods of time it is important to have clothes that are flowing and unrestricted.  The t-shirts are loose without being boxy and the denim provides added structure if needed.  If you wear pants or jeans make sure they have some stretch to keep them comfortable over extended wear.  Long skirts are great alternatives because they provide maximum coverage like pants, but are less restrictive.  Even if the waistband was elastic, this skirt would still chic and fashionable.
 
2.    The benefit of layers.  The climate of your destination may or may not be the same as at home, but there are bound to be various air-conditioned environments between the two.  The best way to stay comfortable is to wear multiple thin layers that you can take on and off easily.   Also the more you layer and wear means more space in your luggage for options.
 
3.    Size matters.  Carrying a medium to large tote or backpack lets you keep most of the essentials with you making more room to your other bag.  Fortunately with the invention of tablets the need to lug around a stack of heavy magazines is over.  My carry-on essentials are a travel wallet, journal and pen, headphones, smartphone and tablet.  I also pack my chargers, sunglass case, mini essential kit and extra t-shirt.  

For the ladies transferring the contents of your makeup bag to a small clutch will let you save space and give you another bag option on the trip.  It’s a win-win.  It also is a safe container for extra jewelry.

4.    Wear the heaviest, bulkiest pieces.  Shorts, swimsuits, t-shirts and sandals are not that heavy or take up that much room in a bag, but wedges, dress shoes and pants are and do, plus if you have ever packed a hat with the intent to wear it again, you only do it once.

I also recommend wearing as many of your accessories as possible.  Granted you should not be taking that much, and they should all work together to create one extended story, but it is the best way to keep them safe and secure.  TSA can only do so much.  

With a little thought and planning you can easily eliminate the stress of what to pack for your next vacation and focus on the fun you are going to have.  Next week we will look dressing on the first day of your vacation.

Woman’s Travel Outfit

Man’s Travel Outfit

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty.  Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com. 
 

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