Confessions Of An Over-Packer
Posted by: Ali Jawin
Filed in:
style
6:00AM, Sunday July 5th 2009
I sort of have a packing problem. In theory you don’t need all that much for a weekend away, it’s only two or three days after all. I always start out very organized and plan my outfits to save space by avoiding redundancy. This forces me to think of what I will need, and that’s where I go wrong. How can I possibly pack for all the potential occasions, weather, activities, meals? There so many possibilities I just can’t plan for. I don’t know where to begin, or more appropriately, I just don’t know where to stop. That’s why I am doing a serious inventory of what one actually needs for a summer weekend away… scratch that, what a slightly obsessive fashion lovin’ gal “needs” to pack for a weekend away.
- Cotton Sundress: Your basic cotton sundress is perfect for a cover-up at the beach or at a fancy shmancy dinner party. It’s all in the accessorizing. Flip flops by day, jewelry by night. Swap the sunscreen lip balm for lipstick and you are good to go.
- Gladiator Sandals: Wherever you may be, there is always going to be some troublesome terrain. Country paths are uneven, board walks have cracks and city blocks are strewn with litter and already chewed gum. Gladiator sandals are fashion-y but easy to get around in. The Romans conquered the world in these strappy numbers just as you will conquer the cocktail conversation. If you think you are going to be forced to shower somewhere dingy, throw in some cheap flip flops. Athletes foot is probably not the souvenir of your dreams.
- Skinny Jeans: Skinny jeans are common enough to fit in with a casual setting, but can easily be dressed up and sexed up. Good for chilly days and steamy evenings.
- Jean Jacket or Cardigan: Whether it’s to protect yourself from mosquitoes, cold, or pervy men, it’s always useful to have something to cover your arms/cleavage.
- Unfussy shirts: Basic tees go over and under everything. Mix, match and don’t stress if you spill anything.
- As Much Jewelry As You Can Cram Into A Quart Size Ziploc: Statement jewelry easily changes the entire vibe of an outfit. These pint size accessories can make one dress pass for three different ones. If you are worried about safety or leaving your rocks in your room unattended, leave the real sparklers at home and bust out the rhinestones.
- Travel Size Beauty Products: Tons of companies sell their best sellers in cutesy travel size containers and many stores give them away as freebies. If you are lazy like I am, you can always just pour your beauty faves into smaller bottles.
- One Item Of Clothing You Probably Won’t Wear: Oh come on, I am only human. I very well might need my tulle ballet skirt. Maybe.
TheFrisky.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network
Emi
wrote on July 5 2009 @ 06:49 am: [report]
Haha! I had everything for a 2+ week trip to the Netherlands narrowed down to one bag. It probably helps that I don’t own many clothes to begin with. :]
writergirl
wrote on July 5 2009 @ 07:05 am: [report]
For a five day trip to London with one day in Paris (not even over night, just went for the day!) I packed: Three pairs of jeans, two pairs of capris, 3 or 4 t-shirts, one cami, two long sleeve pullover sweaters, plus a cardigan, two regular shirts, a dressy dress and a cotton sundress, a rain jacket, jean jacket, summer scarf and four pairs of shoes (one of which I wore on the plane).
This is what happens when the weather will vary from low fifties to mid-seventies and the person packing has a tendency to spill various and sundry items all over herself.
joyy
wrote on July 5 2009 @ 07:59 am: [report]
I say overpack as much as you want, as long as you stay within the carry-on luggage limit. I severly underpacked for a 3-month trip to Russia, China, and Mongolia because I was dumb enough to go by my TA’s packing list (she ended up being a dirty hippy with really bad BO - this coming from someone who considers herself a bit of a hippy!), and ever since then, I’ve overpacked within a reasonable luggage limit.
I have a messenger bag for under the seat in front of me and a just small enough to fit in most overheads suitcase that usually ends really, really heavy. This packing strategy is great for weekends, but the two week+ trips make it a little more of a challenge. But hey, you can always do laundry on vacation. If nothing else, it’s cheaper than checking a bag.
cbaum
wrote on July 5 2009 @ 01:25 pm: [report]
Amen to this article. I cringe at the thought of having to pack up four months worth of clothing into two <50lb suitcases for my study abroad stint in Dublin this Aug-Dec. But I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that my leaving behind a few pairs of jeans and shoes I will DEFINITELY not wear, does not mean I’m going to have to repeat clothing every day.
joyy
wrote on July 5 2009 @ 07:58 pm: [report]
@cbaum - don’t forget you can shop when you’re overseas. Obviously you don’t want to buy an entire wardrobe, but buying some pieces where you end up also helps you blend in a little sometimes.
musu
wrote on July 6 2009 @ 12:54 pm: [report]
I like to stay in one color range so that it all mixes and matches. I use statement jewelry (big earrings, bangles)and scarves to add color and interest. I can do this with one carry on bag that fits under the seat and one roller bag to go in the overhead—all for at least one week, maybe two weeks. AND do not underestimate the importance of the skinny jean going from day to night.