Packing light sounds simple in theory, but in practice? Not so much. You start with the essentials, sprinkle in a few “just in case” pieces, add the nice-to-haves, and suddenly you’re staring at a mountain of clothes and accessories wondering how it all escalated so quickly.
Designer and creative director Simonett Pereira is all too familiar with this struggle. “It took 15+ years of overpacking to finally commit to styling and taking photos of each look I want to wear on a trip,” she says. “It’s a bit of work up front, but it’s worth it once you’re living out of a suitcase for a few days.” The goal is simple: remove the guesswork before you even zip your bag.
Writer Tasnim Ahmed, who publishes the newsletter Journal on Substack, agrees that structure goes a long way. “It can be messy and time-consuming, but I put together full outfits — down to socks and underwear — for each day I’m away,” she says. “It staves my tendency to be finicky and frantic while getting dressed. I just pull out the outfit for the day instead of trying to figure out what to wear from a random assortment.” Her method aims to alleviate decision fatigue while still satisfying the desire to look — and feel — good.
Seasoned travelers like Pereira and Ahmed, as well as former fashion executive–turned-content creator Kara Mendelsohn, know the key to packing light isn’t necessarily packing less: Instead, it’s about ensuring every single piece is purposeful, and every morning when you get dressed is stress-free.
While preparation is key, the right tools make the process even easier. Think stackable containers that neatly corral everything from snacks to skincare, and a carry-on that somehow manages to hold more than seems possible. Below, these style insiders share the essentials that help them pack light, stay organized, and look effortlessly put-together—no matter how far they’re going or how many outfits they have planned.
