Going to see loved ones on Thanksgiving has never seemed like a big deal...until coronavirus. Now going anywhere, even if it's merely your childhood home, is a trip! It’s a vacation! It’s an opportunity to (dare I say) be somewhere else. Though I can’t help the traffic situation, I can take some of the burden off of the always daunting and suddenly foreign task of packing. I scoured the internet for packing tips by people who literally pack clothes for a living and then ship them all around the world: stylists. Here’s how I interpreted their Wisdom.
Pre-Pack Considerations: Before you even pull your suitcase out of the murky depths of your closet, there are a few key things to take note of. Look up the weather for everywhere you are going. Even if you have one home base - are there going to be day trips? Considering the length of the visit is obviously important when outfit planning. However, if there will be a washer and dryer (hi Mom) edit down the number of tops and pants you bring. Next, activities. Seemingly less important this year, what outfits and extras are actually necessary. What will get used? I am always guilty of overpacking fun night owl clothes and then wearing the one cotton t-shirt in my bag literally all weekend.
Gameday Huddle: Time to set the mood! Turn on an album that always gets you amped or pick a playlist that reminds you of the place you are headed. I like to turn on my essential oils diffuser as well in hopes some of the scent will seep into the clothes I am packing.
Common Packing Mistakes: You could not be more excited to use the ‘ole suitcase! With Thanksgiving Eve looking more like dancing in a chair than dancing on a table, this is the year you’ve vowed to be both realistic and decisive about your long weekend attire. You can have options without taking everything. Minimalist packing experts advise packing 10 items that can be used to make 10 outfits. Employ this tactic for 1-2 week stays. In addition, perhaps the #1 mistake people make when packing is filling their luggage. We try to pack in the smallest possible bag that just barely fits everything they need. Please do yourself a favor and size up so that your suitcase, bag, backpack, etc. is only about 80% full. If your family is anything like mine you know you will be coming home with more than you showed up with. That’s just a fact.
Packing Strategy: My all-time favorite packing strategy is to use one color palette to help write the story of who you are that weekend. Costume Designer and Stylist Shiona Turini said, “When I go somewhere colorful, I dress in all white.” For Thanksgiving weekend, in particular, I would pick your color scheme based on what you plan to wear for actual Thanksgiving Day. (Click LINK here for Thanksgiving outfit ideas!) Then add one pair of jeans, two pairs of leggings, and one pair of shorts if the house runs warm. A trip is not the most convenient time to try out your new printed trousers or a patterned maxi skirt. It is more noticeable you are wearing the same floral skirt all weekend versus the same jeans but, if you have your heart set on highlighting your lower half, pack solid tops in a variety of cuts and colors to match.
This Thanksgiving I’ve decided to pack only gold jewelry. I have a pair of studs currently in my ears. I’m packing one pair of statement earrings and one long and one short necklace - that I can wear together or apart for varied looks. When packing a limited amount of things we are often presented with a fun fashion challenge of wearing accessories and layers differently than we normally do. It is not only easier getting dressed with only one cardigan as your only layering option, it’s a fun way to test out the capsule wardrobe idea!
Your folding strategy is your personal choice. Everyone has something they swear by, then Marie Kondo said to fold your t-shirts facing upwards. You tried that for a few months and now you’re back to your way. Let’s shift the focus from how you roll, fold, or stack each piece of clothing, to where each piece sits in your luggage. Your rolling method may be full-proof but, do you cluster?
Packing Cubes for Unpacking: A relatively new phenomenon invented by my travel-obsessed generation, are packing cubes. Packing cubes help you compartmentalize your looks while also preventing clothing from wrinkling while in transit. Perfect because, who wants to iron? Before we go any further on this topic, it is worth noting mesh cubes are the only ones worth your money. If you can’t see what is in each cube you’ll just end up dumping everything out once you reach your destination. I make outfits as I pack and then I put each outfit in a separate cube. This is helpful when staying at two or more places where you aren’t unloading out of your suitcase and into drawers. Others like to group items by type such as: pants in the lower cube and tops in the top one. This elicits a home away from home feeling - pulling a top from your tops only cube feels like how you have things organized in your own room!
Long Weekend Packing List:
*This is funny because it looks like a recipe.*
1 Warm Sweater: See notes above. This is at the center of your packing strategy.
1 Chunky Cardigan: Looks and feels more polished than a zip-up sweatshirt.
2 Short Sleeves t-shirt, 1 Long Sleeves: Potentially make one of these your Game Day look.
1 Solid tank top: This goes under the cardigan if you get bored of graphic tees. Add 1 or 2 of your necklaces if you need to look a tad fancy.
1 Pair of Pj’s or sweatpants and an additional t-shirt.
1 Pair of Jeans: Levi’s recommends preserving the indigo dye in your jeans by not washing them this week.
2 Pairs of full-length leggings: I know leggings are life, but 2 is your limit for a 4-day excursion.
1 Pair of shorts: Optional. Incase Grandma’s hot oven sweats you out.
1 Workout outfit: Only if you think you actually will. No one wants to deal with an overly cluttered suitcase. If you decide to bring this. Roll your outfit and tuck into your sneakers. Space. Saved.
1 Pair Sneakers/Comfy Shoes: These will be your most worn shoes of the weekend. Guaranteed. If you nix the workout outfit, fill one shoe with underwear and one with socks.
Bring all the Underwear: The “you just never know” concept applies to underwear and underwear only.
Toiletries: You know what you need. Pro tip: leave your toiletries bag packed year round for easy grab and go.
1 Pair of Boots: Don’t actually pack these though, wear them while traveling so they keep their shape. A crushed shoe crushes my heart.
2 Necklaces, 1 Pair of studs, 1 Pair of statement earrings: A lot of All people wear less jewelry than me and this is the bare minimum I can survive off of.
1 Warm Coat & Scarf: Also to wear down. Pick a scarf that is large enough to wrap up in when unsure about the weather.
1 Packable Purse: This is a purse that fits in the nooks of other bags. The last thing you need is another bag to keep track of.
Infinite pairs of fuzzy socks: This is only a partial joke. One reason fuzzy socks are magic is they double as slippers but also, they’re still socks. Not only do slippers with soles take up a good bit of room in luggage but, for some reason, they always seem like an “unnecessary” thing to pack. Number two reason fuzzy socks are my MVP: you can also wear them as a plush sock in boots.
Be safe traveling and send me pics of your cute organized bags! I’d love to see what you’re packing in. Bon Voyage!
Love your luggage! Packing cubes always help,enjoy your travels, be safe!