How to pack for (seriously) anything

Whether you’re sweating it out in the desert like me or just want a change of scenery, there’s nothing like a good summer getaway. Lately, the question I’ve been getting is  ”what to pack for XYZ”?  And while I love doing posts to cover specific events, places and occasions, I figure no matter where you go there’s some fundamental basics involved in how to pack for a vacation.

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My way of packing (like most any girl’s I presume) is total somewhat madness. Traveling makes me feel the need to suddenly put together the most amazing and unbelievably stylish outfits ever since, after all, I’m only going to be wherever I’m at for just a few days. Shouldn’t I be showing off my best, most fashionable self? That sure can be a lot of pressure to live up to. So no matter where I’m off to, I tend to follow these 5 simple rules to help keep the packing madness in order.

1. Pick a color scheme

Sometimes, less is more

Whether I’m wearing outfits that match with black bags or outfits that match with brown, picking a color scheme is the first place I start with packing. My purses are pretty big; I don’t want to pack three different bags, two different clutches, and a travel bag for a short trip. Some good planning and coordinating your outfits around the one daytime bag you’ll be carrying will prevent your bag and shoe situation from getting out of control.

2. Plan for the unexpected

Crazy LA wind+summer dress=Bad news bears

Weather is unpredictable, so pack for the “just in case”. Maybe that means rain in the desert or maybe it’s insane LA winds that surprise you.  Just trust me when I say, it’s not fun trying to hold down your flyaway dress in efforts to not flash all of Los Angeles.

Whether it’s the middle of summer and you’re packing a sweater or the middle of the desert and you take an umbrella, just be prepared and plan for the unexpected. No matter what the weatherman actually says.

3. Sort your beauty products

Try not to take EVERYTHING you own

I’m a beauty junkie so it’s super easy for me to go overboard, really fast. Do I really need to pack every possible eye shadow combination I may be in the mood to wear for a two-day trip? No, not really. Plan ahead, sort your beauty products and figure out what colors go with your already planned outfits. It’s less of a mess in your hotel room and your boyfriend won’t think you’ve gone off the deep end.

4. Try it on

Scope your whole outfit out from top to bottom!

I’m a super visual person. Laying clothes out on the bed just doesn’t do it for me; I have to try on the whole outfit, accessories and all, and parade around my house until I decide it’s good enough. You may not have to go to such ridiculous lengths as me (it does make packing a totally time consuming event) but I can’t tell you how many times it’s saved me from forgetting the perfect earrings, the right clutch, or a certain pair of shoes I would have died without.

5. If it’s fall, wear your boots

Wear your boots and save that packing space!

Some of you may totally disagree (especially since taking boots off in an airport is a total PIA), but to me, packing your boots is precious space gone to waste. Especially over-the-knee boots. And to me, losing that space is far worse than the extra 30 seconds it takes to take them off.

What are your best tips for packing for a vacation? Share your tips below!

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