Be a smart packer this summer! With more and more airlines charging for checked bags, you might want to try packing for your weekend getaway in a carry-on bag instead. But less space doesn't have to mean less style: InStyle magazine's national correspondent Katrina Szish offers fashion and packing tips.
Packing syndrome affects vacationers in multiple forms. The most common strain is Overpacker-itis: overweight luggage fees, broken suitcase zippers, and needing to request dozens of extra hangers from housekeeping are typical symptoms.
Alternatively, there is Underpacker-itis: You wear the same sundress for the rehearsal dinner, the wedding, the day-after brunch — and you’re the maid of honor; each night, you’re forced to wash the one pair of underwear you brought in the bathroom sink.
And not to be overlooked, Sloppy packer-itis: Upon arriving at your fabulous beach destination, you realize you packed four pairs of jeans, one pair of mittens, and half a bikini.
Packing syndrome is curable; however, with all the airline baggage fees and restrictions, it’s more challenging than ever. But never fear, InStyle is here! With our easy tips and packing checklist, you’ll learn how to streamline without sacrificing style — and cure packing syndrome for good.InStyle's packing tips:
- Plan ahead: Plan your outfits before packing to save time and space
- Double-duty: Choose key pieces that you can wear more than once
- Accessories: Focus on accessories. They take up little space and instantly transform an outfit.
Packing checklist for a beach weekend getaway: Jeans (1), shorts (1), casual shirts: 1 tank, 1 tee, dressy top (1), wrinkle-free dress (1), bathing suits: 1 bikini, 1 maillot, cover-up (1), wrap (1), pajamas (1), shoes (4), flip-flops, flats, sneakers, wedge or strappy sandals, straw bag to carry on, clutch, collapsible hat, sunglasses, jewelry, toiletries
Look 1: Plane to play
Wear your favorite jeans with an embellished tank top, ballet flats and a lightweight cashmere wrap (you’ll be happy you have it in air-conditioned spots) en route to your destination. Use your straw beach bag as your travel bag to save room in your suitcase. What you saw on TODAY:
Top: Fornarina, $189; 212-219-9077
Jeans: J.Brand, $158; Bloomingdale's
Wrap: Echo Design, $38; Echodesign.com
Bag: Dorfman, $35; SouthMoonUnder.com
Shoes: Anthropologie; $118; Anthropologie.com
Upon arrival, hit the ground running. Trade out your tank for a crisp polo shirt, trade the flats for chic sneakers, add a hat and you’re ready for action.
What you saw on TODAY:
Top: Lacoste, $79; Lacoste.com
Jeans: J.Brand, $158; Bloomingdale's
Hat: Old Navy, $12.50; OldNavy.com
Watch: Ike, $195; IkeWatchUsa.com
Sneakers: Adidas Originals; $70; Adidas Originals Stores
Look 2: Beach to boardwalk
An eye-catching tunic is an ideal beach cover-up. Don’t forget the waterproof flip-flops. (Remember that straw bag you carried on the plane? Break it out now!)What you saw on TODAY:
Tunic: Trina Turk, $138; SouthMoonUnder.com
Bikini: Huit, $76 for the top and $45 for the bottom; FigLeaves.com
Bag: Buji Baja, $138; Hatattack.com
Flip-flops: Nine West, $29; NineWest.com
Give the tunic instant polish — and street cred — by adding a wide belt, shorts, and wedge heels. The bag still works!What you saw on TODAY
Tunic: Trina Turk, $138; SouthMoonUnder.com
Bikini: Heidi Klein, $240; HeidiKlein.com
Shorts: Old Navy, $19.50; OldNavy.com
Belt: Linea Pelle, $200; HillaryRush.com
Bag: Buji Baja, $138; HatAttack.com
Wedges: Hogan, $425; (888)-60-HOGAN Look 3: Day to night Convertible dresses are a travel essential. For day, wear it as a halter dress with bejeweled flat sandals and movie-star sunglasses.
What you saw on TODAY:
Dress: Rachel Pally, $211; RevolveClothing.com
Sunglasses: Banana Republic, $118; BananaRepublic.com
Sandals: Sam Edelman, $99; Zappos.com
When the sun goes down, go strapless. Strappy heels, statement jewelry and a sleek clutch add sizzle.
What you saw on TODAY
Dress: Rachel Pally, $211; RevolveClothing.com
Earrings: Double Happiness; $170; Christopher 19 (NYC) 212-627-9159
Ring: Double Happiness; $150; Christopher 19 (NYC) 212-627-9159
Clutch: Lauren Merkin, LaurenMerkin.com
Heels: J. Crew, $175; JCrew.com For more on the latest fashion and smart packing tips, visit InStyle.com