Chic Travel Picks and Packing Secrets To Avoid The Next Southwest Fiasco

Cut back—way back—on shoes.

Wear one pair, and pack two. Full stop. Those satin strap feathery heels? You don’t need them. Ditto for the boots you JUST bought (never bring brand new shoes on a trip). “I realize that this limitation may be difficult for some,” Ray says. “But keep in mind that shoes are the heaviest and bulkiest items you’ll pack.”

Think of it this way: Each pair of shoes takes the space and weight of about three pieces of clothing. You do the math.

The shoes you bring should work for the weather, the dress code, and foremost your comfort. “There’s nothing worse than having your feet hurt while running through the airport or being uncomfortable during that inevitable foot swell while in the air,” Ray reminds us.

Tina’s Tips:

• #1: Use shoe bags to pack your shoes. Keeping your shoes covered will help them to last longer.
• #2: Pack your shoes along the side of your bag instead of putting them in the middle of your bag. You’ll have more room for your clothing in the middle of the bag.
• #3: If you need heavy boots on your trip, wear them while you travel so that the bulky boots don’t take up so much room in your bag.

Pack once, wear twice.

Everything in your bag should do double, even triple, duty. Think of styles that have versatility, that can be worn over (or under) other items so that you can layer them and wear them in different ways.

A mid-weight layer - cardigan, knit blazer, or utility jacket - is a perfect example of versatility: it can be worn over a button-down OR a lace camisole, under a coat, or on its own. “Layering pieces are a must when traveling. Who isn’t cold on airplanes?! Also, a lightweight sweater or jacket is a core travel item for when the temperatures drop at night,” Ray says.

Tina’s Tips:

• #1: Because of the bulk, wear one of your layering pieces on the plane and pack one, giving you more room in your suitcase.
• #2: Choose versatile pieces that can be dressed up and down - a blazer can be layered over a comfy sweater on the plane and over a midi dress on a night out.
• #3: A limited color scheme is important so that everything can go with everything. Pick a tone and stick with it. “You get better at it the more you do it,” Ray says.

Pack one great dress.

It’s hard to beat the ease of a dress, especially when you’re traveling—you don’t have to think about what goes with what and if you choose a comfortable fabric and style, it can be as wearable as a pair of sweats on the plane. “I love traveling in dresses because you can throw on a layered cardigan and some simple jewelry, and you’ll be ready to go anywhere once you arrive at your destination.”

Edit your everyday bag.

Whatever you’ve shoved in your bag over the last few weeks—two pairs of extra sunglasses, three pairs of extra reading glasses (that’s why you can never find them!), five tubes of lipstick in indistinguishable shades of mauve, that broken door hinge that you’re trying to replace…you don’t need to take it with you on a trip.

Go through your bag and edit. While we’re at it, find yourself a bag that you designate for travel: it should be lightweight and roomy, work with multiple color schemes, include functional pockets, and, if possible, have the optionality to be worn crossbody.