Efficient vacation packing: How to create multiple outfits with three base pieces

I pack carry-on only 99% of the time, and I never bring an entirely new outfit for each day of my trip. Instead, I pack three basic clothing staples that can be reused with featured pieces to create multiple looks. If you want to achieve efficient vacation packing and have room for all those souvenirs you want to bring home, here’s how.

For this article, I’m using Aventura Clothing as my main example; I am an ambassador for this travel and outdoor adventure clothing brand, and am offering a steep discount to readers at the end of this post!

efficient-vacation-packing

First, a few rules for efficient vacation packing:

  • Pack with a color scheme in mind: I’m fashion-impaired, so I make this easy on myself…before each trip, I decide whether I’m going to focus on black/gray/white tones or earth/beige/brown tones. Then, I pack clothes within that color scheme. This way, I only need to bring base pieces in the single color tone, and I can get away with only one or two pairs of shoes, too.
  • In colder weather, think dresses: When you have to pack for chilly climates, your clothing will be bulkier. Time to eliminate entire pieces! Go with wintery dresses or tunics instead of pants and shirts and cut down on the number of clothing items you have to pack.
  • Wear bulkier items on the plane: It will be cold with the air conditioning blasting at you anyway! You’ll need to bring a light layer or hoodie on just about any trip; wear it on the plane or stash it in your backpack or tote. Ditto for your bulkier shoes, but be sure to wear a pair that breathes and allows blood circulation.

Base pieces you’ll need for every trip:

Now that you know a few rules to keep in mind, it’s time to gather your three base clothing items you’ll need every time you travel. Base pieces include:

base-items

  • 1-3 basic but high quality camisoles or tank tops: We love Aventura Clothing’s Aster scrappy cami, as well as ExOfficio’s version.
  • 1 pair of high quality leggings: Try the Aventura Bienne legging, or your favorite Lululemon/Athleta/PrAna offering. You get the idea. In summer, substitute thicker leggings for a pair of tights.
  • 1 basic tee or long-sleeved shirt: Grab your favorite organic cotton tee in a neutral shade of your color scheme. In colder weather, I’ve been loving the Aventura Zoe top, which is form-fitting but has just enough detail for a ‘finished’ look, but you may already have something in your closet. Tunics work well too (think yoga tops).

Time to supplement with seasonal pieces:

With your base pieces in place, you can now pack fewer outfits, because many clothing items can pull double duty. Your cami can go under sweaters and blouses, eliminating the need for multiple t-shirts, and your leggings can be worn with dresses, skirts, and tunics, cutting down on the need to pack bulkier items like pants. You can also eliminate most of your socks if wearing tights often. Here are are few examples from Aventura’s new fall line (the colors look boring now, but work wonders out of your suitcase!):

aventura-clothing

  • The Karter Hoodie: This oversized hoodie can be both a layering piece and an outfit, eliminating the need for a second light layer. Because it’s tunic-length, you can pair it with your leggings and cami and be done! Put your tee underneath instead of the cami if you think the day will warm up.
  • Rita Dress: The Rita is wrinkle-resistant and has some spandex added in for give during travel days. I love, love, love bringing wintery dresses on trips, because not only do I eliminate the need for extra shirts, but I can also forgo pants and socks. I pair the Rita with leggings or tights and I’m done! For the Rita and other wintery dresses to pull double duty, simply pair with a favorite scarf and leather boots for a night-time look.
  • Brooklyn Tunic:  Tunics are great for travel. They’re forgiving, they go with many things, and they only need leggings and a cami! I love this particular tunic for the raw-edge seams and cowl neckline…it looks urban and sleek. If you want variety when using the Brooklyn on a second day, pair with straight-leg pants instead and get a whole new look.

One last tip: Always, always pack accessories that won’t take up room, like scarves and beanie-type hats. A fresh scarf can change up any outfit, at any time! 

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