Your finest appearance doesn’t have to be sacrificed while packing for a carry-on-only trip. Tan France, a style guru, travels frequently and has more expertise than most in finding the ideal balance between packing sensibly and stylishly. France even collaborated with Trainline, the continent’s leading app for booking trains, to develop the brand’s first-ever European style guide with carefully chosen “trainleisure” ensembles for the UK, France, and Italy.
However, packing for any kind of trip only makes up half the struggle—the more difficult part is making sure everything fits in our luggage. Even while it would be great to have unlimited options, the vacation atmosphere can be seriously ruined by overpacking and paying too much for a checked bag. Therefore, remember France’s six suggestions for packing light like a fashionista for stress-free and fashionable travels.
How to Reduce Packing Weight Without Losing Style
Pick about three pairs of shoes.
Even though it could seem tempting, it’s a fashion faux pas to bring shoes for every outfit. Only three pairs of shoes are advised, one for the journey and two for your carry-on luggage, according to France.
Put on your largest, heaviest, or chunkiest shoe for the train, airplane, or automobile. “It’s more crucial that you wear that chunky shoe the longer the train or plane ride,” he explains. Wearing the heaviest shoes, whether they be boots, heels, or loafers, according to France, saves the greatest weight and space in luggage. If you find it annoying to wear bulky shoes on an extended flight, France offers an alternative. He brags about his travel-related hotel slippers on a video call, saying, “I always have a pair of thin slippers in my backpack or bag that I will change into as soon as I get on the plane.” Once on board, store the bulky shoe in your overhead bin or carry-on and relish a comfortable, slip-on travel experience.
Put two more pairs of shoes in your carry-on bag. A soft, light shoe that is ideal for “walking around the city all day…from train to tube to bus and still feeling comfortable” ought to be the first choice. Make sure you’re comfortable with them becoming muddy because these will be your go-to sneakers in bad weather. Bring a hiking shoe hybrid or neutral-colored sneaker that has enough traction for a short ascent on adventure vacations.
When traveling in warm weather, the final pair of shoes you should pack is a slender, slide-on sandal made of leather or imitation leather that is ideal for the beach, pool, or early morning trips to the coffee shop. For those who are asking, “Why not a flip-flop?” France advises reconsidering. Rubber flip-flops don’t look stylish, even beside the pool. Conversely, leather sandals are equally adaptable, comfortable to wear, and easy to clean.
When packing for a vacation, consider who you are, not who you wish to be.
“A lot of us pack like we’re going to be someone else when we’re in a foreign country, and that’s not the case for any of us,” France chuckles. He states, “You probably won’t have the confidence to wear it elsewhere if you don’t have the confidence to wear it in your home state.” Rather, he suggests making outfit plans ahead of time, snapping pictures of your wardrobe preparation, and packing just items that best complement your agenda (and your own style).
When on vacation, if your first impulse is to dress like the locals, you’re probably going to make a big fashion mistake. He says this can make you look like you’re attempting to cosplay stereotypes in costume rather than helping you blend in. Respecting the customs of the place you are visiting is essential, and dressing like a local is a surefire way to make mistakes. Instead, France advises “taking the things that actually feel like you, the things that you know you’re going to feel good in, and the things that you feel comfortable in.”
Contrasting Neutral Ensemble with Vibrant Accessory
Pack neutral-colored clothing and eye-catching accessories to make the most of your outfit selections and make your looks pop. Consider bold jewelry for your accessories, such as scarves, belts, and neckerchieves. These things don’t take up much room and are simple to pack. France advises putting belts, socks, neckties, and other small objects into the space within shoes wherever possible. This will make the most of the area while assisting your shoes in maintaining their shape.
Remain Weather-Ready
Regardless of what the apps claim, the weather is always unpredictable. Assume nothing and prepare for anything by layering up and carrying a little pocket umbrella. Pack light clothing, especially if you’re going from a cold place to a hot one. Versatile layers not only let you wear a plethora of different ensembles, but they also let you get ready for any unexpected seasonal transition.
However, don’t just stuff any old sweater or jacket into your backpack. Rather than settling for a single, bulky sweater that takes up more room, choose several lightweight layers that go well together and maybe dressed differently. Additionally, remember to include these layers in your outfit preparation so that they maintain their planned appearance during your vacation. France advises, “Make sure every layer you put on is still a look,” because you can be adding and taking these layers off throughout the day. For instance, think about whether a light cardigan or breezy button-down shirt would go better with your sundresses than your athletic windbreaker, which might not go with any of your outfits.
Do not use vacuum seal bags.
Vacuum seal bags look like a smart way to pack more options for outfits, but according to France, they make garments too wrinkled to carry. “The majority of guests do not stay at a hotel with an incredible iron,” he claims. No one likes to waste valuable vacation time ironing out a lot of wrinkles in their clothing, even if you have access to a decent iron. “It’s not worthwhile,” declares France. “Just bring less with you.”
Make Space for Shopping
While shopping and souvenirs aren’t the only reasons to travel, there are some experiences that are simply too amazing to miss. Additionally, packing less gives your suitcase more room for these products, which is one of its advantages. France asserts that it’s still critical to exercise financial restraint and concentrate on “the things you truly can’t buy at home.”
If you plan to do some shopping, think about including an empty, lightweight bag in your luggage that you may use for personal belongings on the way back home. On the journey back, France advises you to “see your body as an extra way to carry your new pieces.” Wear anything large on your person instead of packing too much in your few travel bags.
