Spring jackets + packing that suitcase!

Inz asks:

Help! I'm on the hunt for a cute, light-weight trench that will go with everything and wont get too wrinkled being packed in a suitcase. I tried on one from Target (beige and brown polka dots, REALLY cute, I think everyone needs to go try this on) but it didn't work for me because it was too tight in the arms, and it was a bit heavier than what I'm looking for. Any suggestions? Also, how about some tips for packing for a trip? I'm leaving for a two week trip to Europe in a month. I don't know if I should try to focus on dresses, or just pack jeans and tops, how many pairs of shoes, it's all overwhelming me. Any tips or advice would be awesome.

I've seen that trench at Target and it is really cute!

Anyway, this is a good time of year to shop for lightweight outerwear. About a month ago, I picked up a really nice, longish, black jacket from Macy's. It's not a trench style (no belt) but it's lightweight and has a bit of an A line cut so the fit is just right. I don't think it's on their website but I'd check to see if there are others you like. I've been a little ambivalent about Macy's in the past (I am a Chicago girl, after all) but I always end up finding things I like when I go there. Nordstrom has several nice trench styles as well.

Now, as for packing, I've never had to prepare for an extended trip but based on the packing I've had to do, I can offer some tips anyway.

I honestly start with shoes. Crazy, right? But here's why: you have to think about what you'll be doing when you're on your trip and your footwear will play into this more than anything. If you're going to be walking a lot, you'll need comfortable, supportive shoes and building cute outfits around walking shoes can be tough. But if it's more of a business related trip, you'll likely need more formal shoes that don't necessarily have to be suitable for walking.

So let's start with two pairs of shoes - one pair of simple, black flats that can be worn with dresses, pants or jeans and a pair of super comfy sneakers that you can walk in comfortably for hours. I imagine that any trip to Europe would involve a lot of walking! I'd bring my very sneakery New Balance walking sneakers and not worry about trying to look super cute while trekking all over the place. I'd also probably bring a third pair of dressier flats just in case.

Another tip: pack shoes that you've broken in and worn already. It's tempting to splurge on a cute pair of shoes to celebrate your trip but you won't be celebrating when you have a blister on your heel and can't walk. Just a tip.

I'd pick a color scheme and build outfits around key pieces in neutral colors. This can be black, gray, brown, etc. Think about layers as much as possible. Don't try to pack 14 separate outfits, you'll go nutso.

Let's say...

• One or two dresses. One black dress, maybe a wrap style that you can layer with camis and different jewelry to dress the look up or down. Another dress that can be worn out for dinner, etc.
• Two pairs of trousers that fit perfectly and won't wrinkle. I'd go with black and charcoal gray.
• One black skirt, if you're down with skirts.
• A couple cardigans - one in black, one or two in a color you like.
• Two pairs of jeans, or more if you're mostly sight seeing.
• Knit tops and camis in pretty colors for layering.
• Inexpensive accessories that you wouldn't cry over if they got lost - pretty scarves to jazz up neutral outfits, a couple necklaces, etc.
• Bras, undies, tights to wear with the dresses, etc. I always pack my favorites so I feel as comfortable as possible.

I'd pack my carry-on with a change of undies, socks, a t-shirt, etc. You never, ever know what's going to happen and you want to be prepared in case you and your luggage are separated.

Have a great trip, Inz! Don't stress about packing, you'll be just fine.

Comments

[joan]

That is so true about the shoes. I was in Tunica, Mississippi a few years back on vacation and went shopping at the outlet mall and found a pair of shoes I just had to have, so I wore them out that night, and within an hour I had a blister and was miserable. Ended up calling it an early night, all because of the stupid shoes.

[Danielle]

I would have to agree about walking shoes, as pretty much everywhere in Europe you will be walking a lot. Also, rain is pretty common in many European cities, so I would bring extra socks and either a rain proof trench or one of those packable fold-up ponchos. They fit anywhere, and believe me, you will be soooo glad you thought to bring one! Also, please consider an extra empty bag folded at the bottom of your suitcase for two reasons: one, you will likely be bringing back souvenirs, and two, for sightseeing you will really appreciate an extra bag to throw in food, drinks, purell, extra socks, guide books, etc. Have fun!!

[Kimocean]

I've been looking for a cute trench too and struggling.

If you're up for a bright color, this one looks pretty cute and is on sale for $39.00.

http://fashion.hsn.com/terry-lewis-water-repellent-trench-coat_p-3701483_xp.aspx?web_id=3701512

And maybe I'm crazy, but I'm considering one of these metalic ones. I had another trench from the LB catalogue that was this same material but black and I LOVED it. I've had it for 6 years and it's finally falling apart so I'm looking for a replacement. I just wish it came in black and was a little bit shorter.

http://www.lanebryantcatalog.com/pagebuilder/lane_bryant_woman_product_page?item=840014&pagesize=3

[GoingLoopy]

TravelSmith

I haven't actually tried anything from this company, but they had a lot of good basics in their catalog, and almost all of the stuff came in plus sizes.

Also, agree with the "must have comfortable shoes" advice. I haven't been out of the country, but having packed for a number of business-type trips, my tips are:

(1) Pack stuff in fabrics that don't wrinkle as much as you can.

(2) Pack layering items...the weather never does what you think it will.

(3) "Suiter" features in suitcases wrinkle your clothes worse than just folding them does.

(4) Make sure you've worn everything you pack at least once...and have worn it all day. (I've had very bad experiences with buttons.)

(5) Pack a sewing kit and a mini stapler. You can fix anything but buttons with the stapler. They even make dark-colored staples.

[lucy]

I love Travelsmith and have had great luck with them. I agree with all of the other suggestions as well.

Also, depending on where you're going and what you want to see, you may want to bring a scarf to cover your head. It is also handy if you're wearing an outfit that doesn't cover your shoulders.

Finally, make sure you have extra space for whatever you buy. Shopping while plus isn't always easy abroad but I manage to buy tons of stuff whenever I travel.

Have fun!

[MsChilePepper]

I was a travel agent for many years, so I have a billion packing tips! For years, I did nothing but carry-on luggage for all but really extended trips, but I can't do that anymore with the new regulations that limit my ability to bring all the toiletry products I want to have with me. I'm a girl and I need LOTS of lotions and potions, dammit! Grr.

Ziploc bags: put all wet toiletries in them, so if they leak, they won't gunk up everything. I use one for shower stuff (razor, shower gel, pouf, shampoo), one for "getting ready" stuff like deodorant, lotion, hair products, and so on. I pack extras, too; they're great for dirty undies/socks, receipts you need to save for customs, and breakable souvenirs (use a straw to inflate them a bit to make a pillow of air around the item). Keep one in your purse, too, 'cause you just never know when it might come in handy. Larger Ziplocs can be used for shoes to keep them from dirtying up your clothes.

ROLL your clothes, don't fold them! You'll be able to get more into your bag, and your clothes won't be as wrinkled. When packing, put smaller things into nooks and crannies. Put socks or undies or other wee things in your shoes so that's not wasted space.

ALWAYS take at least one full change of clothes, plus extra shoes, undies, essential toiletries, medications, and valuables in your carry-on (plus your bathing suit if you're going someplace swimmable). If you don't, you're tempting the travel gods to eat your suitcase! And if you're a fat girl with big honkin' Fred Flintstone feet like me, you'll play hell finding replacement clothes and shoes at your destination.

Definitely take a fabric tote/shopping bag with you, and a notebook. Be sure to clean out your handbag before you go, and eliminate all nonessential stuff. Oh, and carry tissues with you! Never know when you'll need a TP substitute. OOH! Get one of those Tide To Go instant stain remover pens, too. They are GENIUS!