After spending my teen years schlepping every single item of clothing I owned back and forth from boarding school each weekend (yes, every weekend), I got very efficient at packing. The upside? I haven’t landed anywhere underwear-less or sock-deprived in decades. The downside? I now pack with the precision of a stage manager prepping for opening night.
There’s a method to this semi-glamorous madness, so here’s my system.
Not sure what should go in your carry-on? I got you. Check out my full carry-on packing list right here before you accidentally pack your passport in your checked bag.
✈️ Two Weeks Before Takeoff: The Warm-Up
I roll out my trusty Amazon garment rack (honestly, any cheap one will do) and start building a “maybe” pile. Outfits, shoes, bags, that one dress I might wear for cocktails on a rooftop I haven’t even Googled yet… It’s all vibes at this stage. No logic, no judgment. Just pure intuition and wishful thinking.
👗 Three Days Out: Stop Wearing the Good Stuff
This is your last call to wear that perfect white tee or those flattering trousers before they get packed. From here on out, you’re on laundry lockdown.
🧺 Two Days Out: Game Time
Once laundry’s done and everything is clean, we build from the base
Underwear
Bring what you actually need. Strapless, seamless, tanga, granny. This isn’t the time for surprises.
Socks
Pack cute ones and the practical ones.
Tops
T-shirts, blouses, long sleeves, sweaters
Bottoms
Shorts, skirts, jeans, pants
Dresses
One easy daytime option, one wow dress (or two, we don’t judge)
Footwear
Sneakers, sandals, heels, flip-flops, boots. Each goes in a dust bag. Bonus points if you still have those Golden Goose ones
Outerwear
Scarves, gloves, tights, weather-friendly layers & jackets
Specialty gear
Gym sets if you’re actually going, beachwear, ski gear
Accessories
Hats, belts, sunglasses, jewelry, watches, bags, scarfs. All the sparkle
🧴 Skincare & Cosmetics (aka my TSA-approved pharmacy)
As someone blessed with very high-maintenance eczema, I pack everything that could possibly touch my skin. I’ve learned the hard way that no, the divinely scented Hermes hotel body wash is not my friend. Here’s what always comes
Essentials
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hair brush, elastics, bobby pins, clips
Face wash, moisturizer, serums
Shampoo and conditioner
Soap and body lotion
Eczema creams and prescription meds
Face sunscreen and body if beach-bound
My medication pouch
Linked here with a free printable list
Makeup bag
BB cream with SPF
Concealer
Eyeliner
Mascara
Brow mascara
Blush
🎒 A Few Hard-Earned Packing Truths
Wear every pair of shoes you plan to bring for at least four consecutive hours before the trip. Nothing like spending 80 dollars on plain Havaianas at the hotel gift shop because your LV slides tore through your skin in 25 minutes
If you don’t wear the hat at home, you won’t wear it on vacation
Same goes for that wild top you’ve never figured out how to style
And let’s be real. If you don’t go to the gym regularly at home, you won’t do it jet-lagged, slightly hungover, and three croissants deep
Pick a color scheme for shoes and bags. I once schlepped a pair of painfully heavy sandals across three countries and never wore them once
🧥 Weather & Wardrobe Wisdom
Cold destination? Look it up properly
Paris in December might say 12 degrees Celsius but the humidity makes it feel like your bones are crying
My Moncler puffer failed me. And the year I brought a spring jacket? Let’s never speak of it again
👀 Dress Codes You Didn’t Know You Needed
What feels normal at home might stand out in all the wrong ways abroad
Marseille
It’s one of my favorite cities but flashy just doesn’t work here. Nike sneakers, a plain tee, jewelry stays in the hotel safe and no designer bags or, better yet, no bag at all
Paris
Crossbody bag only. Be aware of your surroundings. Skip the shopping bags. Most boutiques will deliver directly to your hotel for free
London
No visible jewelry. You’ll thank me later
Bottom line? Pack like you’ve been there before even if it’s your first time
Your future self and your feet will thank you. I’ve got you covered if you want to travel like a pro without the packing meltdown.
Zone 1 Boarding 