Style
A thoughtful travel wardrobe that feels effortless and expertly styled.
Written by Erin Cunningham
November 10, 2025
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 …
Style
A thoughtful travel wardrobe that feels effortless and expertly styled.
Written by Erin Cunningham
November 10, 2025
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.