How to Pack: Part 1

How to pack for a month when you're a fashionable person and a nitorious overpacker.

Sacrifice//

You carefully think about what items you can sacrifice. I think I can get by without boots, and without an everyday jacket. These are all bulky or heavy things that I can do without. I won't even think about leaving behind my laptop, camera, and I'll have to get a phone when I get there. Sure they are heavy, but I am willing to give up some space to bring these with me.

Less Bulky//

Since the weather will be between 50 and 80, I don't need things for super cold weather or worry about burning up everyday. But I will try to packed a little bit of everything inbetween—shirts, shorts, pants, dresses, skirts. But the trick lies in packing less of some items and more of others. I only plan on only packing my rain jacket, but I will pack several cardigans because I can layer them if I need to, and they'll keep me warm in moderate weather. I'm packing only one pair of jeans because pants take up so much room in a suitcase, and honestly I could wear the same pair of jeans for a week with different tops and nobody would notice. I'll probably packed a lot of dresses because they’re so light and easy to pack a bunch without taking up much room at all. They also work in warm and cool weather if you have tights/leggings and a sweater to throw on top. Not to mention dresses are just fab.

Versatile//

They key is to pack items that can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. For example, a good thing to have is a top that will go well with a skirt and jewelry to go out on a date, but can also be worn with shorts and flipflops to the beach. I'm going to try to avoided taking anything that could only be casual (think a sporty Nike top) or that could only be dressy (think sequined, silky top). I'm not sure about shoes yet, but I'll probably have to take a few pairs. I'll looks for ones that can with jeans and a dress (excluding my sneakers [or confortable activity shoes], which I wouldn't wear with a dress).

Neutrals//

Not packing things that don’t match with a lot of pieces in your wardrobe. Yes, that means leaving your abstract 80s shirt and fuchsia heels at home. Luckily, I own a lot of neutral colors like black, plum, olive green, and white. Sorry I don't vary much on colors I wear. This helps you create the greatest amount of different outfits with your limited wardrobe for an extended time. Neutral shoes, neutral tops, neutral belts, neutral accessories. 

Accessories//

Accessories—don’t feel like you have to leave them at home because they’re extra baggage. They really help you jazz up an outfit that you feel like you’ve worn a dozen times too many in the last month. Just pack the thin chain necklace, not the chunky ones.

Extra Bags//

In addition to a suitcases, I'll have a messenger bag for my laptop and to take to school. I'll either take a small backpack or a versatile purse for day trips or nighttime activities. Now I'll have one suitcase, one messenger bag/purse, and one backpack. 

This is the goal. I'll fill you in on what I'm actually allowed to pack when my mother gets a hold of her list!