How to pack like a pro for the holidays
Stop bringing so much. Keep it simple.
Noelle Sciacca and David Yi
Packing shmacking. The worst part of traveling is finding time to sit down and think about what goes in your bag. Master the art of packing with these fashion hacks below. To get the most mileage out of your clothing, here are the only items you need (gauged for a five-day trip). Whether it’s meeting up with your childhood friends for a night out, Thanksgiving Day with the family or Black Friday shopping, here are the best outfits for each occasion. Carryons FTW.Shop each look by scrolling over the credits below the pics. Disclaimer: We didn't list socks or underwear. We assume at this point you're adult enough to remember those.
Listen up, ladies
Comfort is key on travel day. It’s important to dress smart and ensure you can wear everything in your outfit again later in the trip. Packing is all about getting as many outfits as you can out of a few key pieces.Choose a pair of relaxed dark wash jeans that you can easily dress up. Of course, you won’t want to leave your cozy fall sweater behind. Wear the bulky knit on the flight home so that it doesn’t take up too much space in your weekender.Throw on a pair of comfortable flats in a neutral color and a cross-body bag that has a removable or foldable strap. Grab your duffle bag and hit the road.
When grabbing drinks with your hometown friends, keep it casual but pulled together. After all, your high school sweetheart could be at the bar and a little part of you still wants to make him regret dumping you.Layer your silky pajama shirt underneath a suede or leather moto jacket. Roll down the hem of your dark wash or black jeans for a long and lean look, and pair them with a heeled boot. Tuck the strap of your purse inside the bag to create a clutch and you’re ready for a night out.
Dresses and jumpsuits are a complete look in one garment, and the secret weapon to packing light. On Thanksgiving day, style a neutral colored dress with booties in a bold hue. If you’re worried about your clothes getting too tight while you indulge in grandma’s home made stuffing, chose a pair of opaque tights from Spanx that also double as shapewear.
If you plan on setting your alarm for 5 a.m. to snag that Black Friday deal, you might as well reward yourself with a boozy brunch afterward. For a look that's chic but won’t hinder your sprint to the cash register, layer the travel sweater over your dress and pair with comfortable flats. You’ve just created a top and skirt outfit that’s perfect for enjoying a mimosa while you bask in the spoils of your plunder.
After running around all weekend, it’s time to kick back on the couch with family and just relax. One of the perks of hanging out with loved ones is that you have a free pass to wear your jammies the entire day without judgment. After your belly is stuffed with home-cooked meals, your heart is full of love and a few rounds of laundry are complete, throw on the same travel outfit that you wore at the beginning of your trip for an effortless journey back.
Make it work, men
You only need 12 items in your bag for five days worth of outfits. To start, try two pairs of comfortable pants. Here, we chose joggers from Nike and a more tailored trouser from 2xH. They’re both versatile and can be dressed up and down. More importantly, they will be comfortable whether you’re running to catch your flight or dashing down the aisle during Black Friday.We also suggest two pairs of shoes: one dressy, the other casual. These from Converse are perfect classics that will go easily with anything you wear. We chose a nice sweater from Everlane that can also be worn at a casual bar or dressed up for the holiday table. Pack them up with a cool suede jacket we found at Zara and this stylish blazer from J.Crew. Voila! You’re set for the next five days.
Keep calm and carry on your carryon. Easier said than done when airports are jam packed and stress levels at an ultimate high. Instead of anything too heavy or uncomfortable wearing you down, opt for something super simple but cozy. Sweatpants and a t-shirt may look a little too slobby, so try a statement jacket. Pair it with a watch and a beanie (it gets cold in the plane!) and you have a fully functional and fashionable look.
Immediately after landing, you get a million texts from your old buds. It's late, you're tired, but you feel obligated to at least show face. Go for the casual dressed down but refined look with this outfit. The tailored trousers offset the cool basic tee and statement suede jacket.
Whether impressing your parents or future in-laws, this outfit is a safe bet at any dinner table. We chose this awesome striped button-up from Ami, which will spruce up any boring look. Add your sweatshirt and finalize the look with a blazer. For bonus points, add an accessory of choice. We like this one from Detroit-based Shinola; it has personality but still looks refined.
Black Friday starts early this year. Change from your blazer to your jacket and swap out your shoes. Add a beanie for some color. In an instant you're ready to slice people with your sharp elbows, while looking your best.
It's by far the easiest day of the week: the post-Thanksgiving purge. While microwaving leftovers and watching football, it's your day to relax. Take out the t-shirt, get those sweatpants and lounge. You've made it.