My husband and I took a quick 4 day trip to DC in late March. We did a bit of sight seeing, shopping, eating out, and lounging around. The weather was bizarre–ranging from 80-40 degrees with a little rain in the mix. Even with nutty weather I felt like I packed the perfect items–and it was all in 1 carry-on suitcase.

There’s nothing worse than packing your suitcase for a trip, getting there, and feeling like you have nothing to wear…or nothing that goes together. The solution to this is not over packing. I’ve tried that, it just makes it worse, much worse. (Bringing 5 different shoes for a long weekend is absurd.) I’m no longer the “bag lady”…in fact, I’ve gotten pretty darn good at this packing thing. I found that if I plan ahead and stick to 5 simple guidelines packing is easy and less of a headache when you’re at your destination. The best part? You actually have room in your suitcase to bring home all those things you bought shopping while you were out of town! What are you packing on your next vacation?

1) carry-on only

Yep. I don’t care where I’m going, how I’m getting there, or for how long. A carry-on suitcase it is. No more checking a bag. You don’t need it!

2) layer

If I can’t put something under it or over it I’m not bringing it. Weather can be hard to predict so layering is the way to go.

3) everything coordinates

Choose 2 main colors and 1-2 accent colors. For our DC trip my main colors were black and white with light pink accents. This way you have a lot of options when it comes to putting things together.

4) comfortable doesn’t have to mean frumpy

If I’m on vacation I want to feel relaxed not poured into some pants that I can’t have a few drinks in! I’m always on the lookout for fabrics that stretch, hold their shape, don’t wrinkle, but still make you look like a million bucks.

5) keep it simple

Wearing the same pair of pants twice never killed anyone. A couple different accessories can easily dress up or dress down an outfit. Selecting items that are transitional is key for me.

 

Here is a peek into my suitcase for DC. (The cherry blossoms were out so I was all about the light pink!)

Light pink leather jacket.

3 pairs of black/gray skinny jeans (including 1 distressed for more casual wear)

Short sleeve solid black T-shirt (I love these from ASOS and the price is awesome.)

Short sleeve shirt with pink design

Short sleeve black shirt with light pink stripe design

Long sleeve black and white stripe T-shirt

Gray lightweight sweater

Black cashmere convertible scarf/poncho (I’m obsessed with these. It can be worn as a scarf or as a poncho. They’re perfect for traveling and can look casual or dressy.)

Scarf with a print to pull all the colors together (I’ve been lugging this $4 H&M scarf around for a few years now. It always seems to go with everything!)

2 necklaces

3-4 bracelets

Comfortable walking shoes

Yoga pants (not pictured)

Black tank top for layering (not pictured)

Black Ipanema sandals (not pictured)

Black wedges (not pictured)