Summer vacations are often synonymous with relaxation and endless pool days, but if they rhyme with lazing around, they also rhyme with style. It's the perfect opportunity to forget the daily grind and wear your most beautiful outfits, the ones that will enhance your tan and make you the queen of the evening. But how can you be stylish when you're limited on space and your suitcases are too small?
Traveling doesn't mean sacrificing style. Even on vacation, it's possible to stay stylish and well-dressed without overloading yourself. In this article, we'll share tips for packing lighter and travel essentials that will allow you to look stylish with minimal luggage.
Discover our tips for packing your wardrobe, the essential pieces to bring, tips for effective organization, and the importance of accessories. Don't let your suitcase limit your style!
Part 1: Planning in Style
Before you start packing your suitcase, careful planning is essential to staying stylish while traveling light. First, consider checking the weather forecast before you leave; even though you never know exactly what the weather will be like, this can give you a general idea. Count the number of vacation days and plan 1 or 2 extra outfits for evenings and other occasions. For example, if you plan to stay 5 days, take 6 outfits; if you stay 7 days, take 9, etc. You'll always be able to buy something on site if needed.
Here are some additional tips that might help:
Choose versatile clothing
Choose versatile pieces that can be easily combined to create different looks. Opt for basic pieces, such as well-tailored pants and neutral tops, that can be layered and mixed to diversify your outfits. For example, at Gualap, we love white pants because they go with everything! So, pack a pair of white pants and two or three matching tops to create three different looks.
Depending on your vacation itinerary, you won't want to pack the same items. If you're only planning hikes, opt for practical clothing that allows you to move freely. If, on the other hand, you're planning days visiting museums or must-see sites, you can wear just about anything. It's best to pack only versatile pieces. Shorts, for example, are excellent options. Paired with sneakers, they'll allow you to scale peaks; paired with a pretty belt and sandals, they'll be perfect for a dinner with a view.
If you're looking to create a more minimalist wardrobe using basics that mix and match, be sure to check out our article on the capsule wardrobe right here.
Choose lightweight, easy-care fabrics
To avoid ironing problems and overloading your suitcase, choose lightweight, wrinkle-free, and easy-care fabrics. Fabrics like linen, jersey, or stretch denim are perfect for traveling light while still looking stylish. This saves you from having to bring your steamer with you. But be aware that most hotels offer irons at no extra charge, so there's no need to bother.
But if you still need to bring large, heavy pieces like a trench coat or a biker jacket, it's best to carry them directly on your body. You'll save a lot of space in your luggage, and your suitcases will be much lighter.
Part 2: Wardrobe Essentials
For a light and well-organized suitcase, here are the essential pieces to include in your luggage:
- Well-fitting and versatile pants: Pants are THE piece that goes with everything. Essential for traveling light, opt for black or neutral (beige or white) versions to wear both casually with sneakers or dress up with heeled sandals.
- Basic and neutral tops: Basic and neutral tops are very versatile and can be combined with different outfits. Pack white T-shirts, denim shirts, or lightweight blouses that will work for different occasions. Consider sticking to similar or neutral tones to ensure you can wear them with any of your other clothes.
- A versatile dress: A versatile dress is a must-have for traveling light while still looking stylish. Choose a dress that can be dressed up with accessories for a night out or worn casually for a day of sightseeing or the beach.
- A lightweight jacket or vest: A lightweight jacket is ideal for cooler evenings or to dress up your outfits. Opt for a denim jacket, leather jacket, or blazer, depending on your personal style.
Part 3: Organize your suitcase efficiently
To optimize the space in your suitcase, here are some effective organizational tips:
Roll up your clothes
Rather than folding them, roll your clothes up to save space in your suitcase. This technique also helps reduce creases and wrinkles. Likewise, when you return home, you can do the same with the clothes you've worn to make sure you get everything in.
Use compression bags
Compression bags are excellent for saving space in your suitcase. They compress your clothes by expelling air, greatly reducing their size. You can find these small compression bags and their air pumps in most department stores for just a few euros.
Be careful, though: sucking the air out of your travel bags won't make them any lighter! If you're traveling by air, most airlines limit the weight of each piece of luggage. So don't be fooled into thinking you can pack your suitcase without taking its weight into account. Beware of unpleasant surprises...
Opt for travel-sized beauty products
To avoid carrying large containers, opt for travel-sized beauty products that will save space and reduce your weight. You can also transfer your favorite products into travel-sized bottles to save space and stay within carry-on liquid regulations.
Optimize the empty spaces in your suitcase
Fill the empty spaces in your suitcase with small items that take up little or no space, such as underwear, socks, or accessories. This will maximize space and prevent your clothes and belongings from shifting during transport.
Don't be tempted by the "just in case"
If, like many people, you tend to always pack way too many clothes because "you never know," it's a bad habit to break. Even if it's difficult because we always want to have THE perfect outfit for every occasion, it's better to only pack what you need. Ask yourself, "Do I really need all this?" "Am I really going to wear 10 pairs of pants in a 5-day vacation?" Always remember that practicality and lightness should be a priority. And if you feel like you're really lacking in outfit options, don't hesitate to buy once you're at your destination.
Part 4: Don't neglect accessories
Accessories can add the finishing touch to your travel outfits, especially when you're packing only the bare minimum. Here are our tips for maximizing and using them wisely:
Limit the number of pairs of shoes you own
A pair of sandals (with or without heels), beach shoes, and a pair of walking shoes will be more than enough. There's no need to take three pairs of pumps; just take your favorites and tell yourself: one pair for one use. There's no need to take three pairs of sneakers, five pairs of pumps, and three pairs of flip-flops. Choose a neutral pair that will go with everything and that you'll be sure to wear.
Use a belt to transform your daytime look into an evening outfit
A belt can transform a simple dress into a very sophisticated outfit. Opt for a leather or fabric belt that matches the colors of your clothing. If you've chosen outfits in warm tones, choose belts with gold details; conversely, if cool colors are dominant, opt for silver details.
For example: a loose dress and flip-flops will be perfect for a relaxing day at the beach, but worn with a belt, jewelry and pretty sandals, it will make a dressy and very elegant outfit for the evening.
Opt for versatile jewelry
Versatile jewelry, such as understated earrings or a long, sautoir-style necklace, can be worn with different outfits to add a touch of sparkle and shine. When layered, understated pieces can create a sense of opulence and elegance.
Don't forget your sunglasses and swimsuit
Sunglasses are not only stylish accessories, but also essential protection for your travels. Choose models that match your personal style and that will coordinate with your outfits. If you're going away in the summer, don't forget your swimsuit either. Again, there's no need to pack several different models; one will do. And if you absolutely want to add a touch of whimsy, why not wear it with a sarong? It's an easy, practical, and space-saving fashion accessory, ideal for traveling light.
Conclusion
Traveling light while staying stylish is finally possible! So, when you go on vacation in the summer and you don't want to be weighed down or exceed the maximum weight limit, remember to:
- Plan your outfits
- Only bring essential clothing
- Organize and pack your suitcase efficiently
- Think about accessories
By following all these tips, you will be the most stylish this summer and say goodbye to extra pounds in your suitcase ;).
And you, what are your tips for traveling light without stress? Tell us in the comments.
