A summer trip feels real the moment you book the flight, imagine the beach days, and finally look at your suitcase thinking, “What am I actually bringing?”
As a stylist and personal shopper, I help clients with this daily. Packing feels hard when you think in separate outfits instead of how you want to dress for the trip. The best travel wardrobe isn't about packing more. It’s about a clear point of view and giving yourself options without overfilling the suitcase.
The key is the feel of the trip. Italy doesn't ask the same of your wardrobe as the Hamptons. Once you know the rhythm of the destination, packing gets easier.
1. The Dramatic Escape The Vibe: The Amalfi Coast or Paris. Polished, romantic, and a little more dressed up. The look here should feel easy yet have presence. Skip anything stiff. An oversized silk button-down over swimwear works beautifully by day. For evening, a slip dress or fluid skirt usually makes more sense than anything complicated. Add a lightweight blazer for dinner. Packing by outfit formulas helps: swimwear and flat sandals for day, then a slip dress, jacket, and a great earring for night. You don't need a completely different wardrobe, just pieces that shift.
2. The Creative Explorer The Vibe: Lisbon or Mexico City. Relaxed, interesting, textured, and very walkable. Here, comfort matters, but style does too. You’re likely moving around all day without changing. Matching sets, relaxed trousers, and light layers work best. I love a linen vest with matching pants. Shoes matter heavily here. I once had a client try navigating Lisbon's cobblestones in wedges. Trust me, bring a sneaker or sandal you can actually walk in. Add personality with a scarf or textured bag to style simple clothes without adding bulk.
3. The Polished Retreat The Vibe: The Hamptons or Nantucket. Clean, relaxed, and pulled together. These destinations feel classic and depend on good fabrics and easy layers. I'd stay with a simple palette, whites, creams, navy, and let the pieces work. An oversized poplin shirt, tailored shorts, and easy trousers cover a lot. But evenings cool off quickly. A great summer sweater makes simple wide-leg pants feel finished without trying hard.
The modeT Non-Negotiables Every suitcase needs a few basics:
- The Layer: A blazer or light jacket for the plane and dinner.
- The Finishing Piece: A belt or jewelry adding personality without a full extra outfit.
- The Real Shoe: One pair you can walk in without regret.
- The Day-to-Night Piece: A slip skirt or matching set easily dressed up.
- The Color Story: When your colors work together, you create more outfits with fewer items.
Ultimately, your wardrobe should support the trip, not complicate it. That's how I approach packing, editing well so pieces work together. If it ever feels overwhelming, it's my favorite thing to help with!