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YouLookFab Forum » Topic: . https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:03:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php E on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244784 Wed, 07 May 2014 19:05:13 +0000 E 1244784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm pretty sure most people won't even see you walking around with your suitcase (unless you pick the time when most are going to/from work)! And those that are out in their yards, you can just explain it to them. :) I suggested it because of what Rachy says-there always seem to be situations when you need to schlep everything yourself. Even airports can be a long walk between terminals. Since you'll be taking 2 trains & doing 2 full days of flying, it seemed like you might just want to be sure, especially as you'll add souvenirs along the way. As Suz says, there's no point in limiting your clothes for the sake of a number, so I figured if you knew you could easily handle it all packed up, you'd feel better, as you sounded in doubt! I agree that an extra top or two isn't going to add a ton of weight or take up much space, which is why I always pack more than the extreme light packing recommendations I see. rachylou on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244768 Wed, 07 May 2014 18:56:33 +0000 rachylou 1244768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You know, I can't remember the last time I saw a porter outside of a large hotel. It's all those push-carts. Plus, when you go through customs and security, you have to manage all your own stuff. Oh, and if you ever at any time have to get on a train or subway with your luggage... argh! The painful memories. Trains have security to get through too now. You can't leave your luggage on a train to get a porter, should there be any. Seeing if you can make it around the block with all your luggage and no one to help actually sounds like a really good idea to me. My first big trip after becoming diabetic, I went to China with my brother for three weeks. I was packing light, or so I thought: a backpack and a rolling, carry-on-OK suitcase. However, I had one more backpack that my brother was supposed to carry, because they tell you to split your stash of insulin and have someone else carry half. Anyways, the whole plan fell apart because I always had to carry both backpacks, plus drag the suitcase (such an awkward shape), to get through security and customs. Planes, trains, and automobiles. A lot of unpredicted schlepping. The brief moments with porters were like a few drops in the ocean... carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244617 Wed, 07 May 2014 16:31:05 +0000 carter 1244617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, that's exactly where I started when originally thinking about what to pack. Then, all you packing capsule pros had me wondering if I was guilty of packing gluttony! Now I think I'm settled on a happy medium. I'll pack expecting that each denim bottom will be worn 3 times, other bottoms will be worn twice, tops that hand wash/hang dry nicely (in my experiments over the next couple weeks) will be worn twice. All other tops will be worn at least once. Except for my leather jacket, toppers need to fit in my bag as it warms up (ditched the blazers). I have 4 scarves that work with everything I'm planning, but I'll probably knock that down to 1 or 2. Of course there will be gear, plenty of shoes, undies, jammies, rain stuff, etc. Now to get my husband sorted...he always brings too much in one category and forgets some other category entirely! Suz on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244591 Wed, 07 May 2014 15:54:50 +0000 Suz 1244591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't see any point in going minimal just for the sake of going minimal.  As long as you can comfortably carry what you have and you believe you will wear it all (or most of it) then there is no reason not to bring it.  carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244563 Wed, 07 May 2014 15:20:21 +0000 carter 1244563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Parsley, thanks for the Janie Spot Cleaner link! That sounds like something I should always have on hand for my husband:-). I have not had good luck with hotel laundry services before. I had a top come back with a hole in it, and one pair of pants never came back at all. I don't mind sending things to be pressed though, so that may help me out in a pinch. Joy, you are a travel pro! The febreeze is a great idea. I'll try handwashing the tops I'm planning to take to see what may be possible on the trip. Suz, Gaylene's advice is great, plus the "warmer weather" and "cooler weather" options. So many folks on the forum run cold. I run ridiculously hot, so I think I'm dumping both blazers in favor of an extra lightweight cardi I can stuff in my bag when I start to overheat. AK, you are a packing minimalist! I'm just not there yet. Purplesun09, lazy to me is packing more and washing less! Thanks, Zibbets. I pulled out a couple scarves this morning that work with everything I'm thinking about taking. I'm sure I'll take at least one. E, you crack me up! What would my neighbors think if I went for a 20 minute walk with my suitcase around the neighborhood? They'd think I was running away from home! I think we'll have elevators, cabs, doormen and porters everywhere we go, but my suitcase does have wheels, and I can get it up a couple stairs on the train if need be. I do re-wear tops in the Winter, but not so much in the Spring and Summer. A short sleeve tee takes so little space, I just don't know that it's worth risking a laundry bottleneck while travelling. E on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244464 Wed, 07 May 2014 13:39:40 +0000 E 1244464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Do you re-wear your clothes at home? I'm a light packer (I generally aim for 2-3 bottoms x 4-5 tops x 2-3 toppers x 2 shoes for any trip 10 days or longer), but I wear my clothes quite a bit before laundering even when I'm not travelling. I just hang them up to air overnight and do the sniff test the next morning: usually they're fine to go back in the closet. I find with the right capsule, I can keep myself comfortable in a wide range of temperatures & weather conditions; I try to make sure the fabric content & weight of everything allows for a variety of layering. And I generally aim for a 'smart casual' feel, with at least one outfit that reads as quite smart, as most countries dress more formally than here. I do bring 8 pairs of undies so that I'm not constantly having to wash them though; I want a fresh clean pair every day so appreciate the buffer in case I'm too tired to wash at night or don't have time to let them dry. However, everyone has different travel styles: I tend to backpack, so it's v important to me to not carry too much weight or anything bulky as I'm often using public transport/walking/staying in places without elevators. I don't go to very formal dinners or events either. Why not throw everything in your suitcases and go for a 20 minute walk with them around your neighbourhood to make sure it's not too bulky? Zibbets on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244419 Wed, 07 May 2014 13:09:45 +0000 Zibbets 1244419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't know your style, but for myself I would be tempted to pack another dress that would go for evening or daytime, and a workhorse scarf or two that would coordinate with lots of different ensembles, add a layer of warmth on the plane, cover my neck when it's rainy, etc. Have a great trip! purplesun09 on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244384 Wed, 07 May 2014 12:29:26 +0000 purplesun09 1244384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ for me, i'll pack as less as possible. lazy lazy... hehe, take some cash just in case. catgirl on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244310 Wed, 07 May 2014 06:22:13 +0000 catgirl 1244310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So my general formula of tops x bottoms = outfits would say 4 tops and 4 bottoms would get you through 16 days if you wore everything 4 times.  That is the minimum for me, and I am a packing minimalist with a small range of colors.  With different levels of dressy and casual in the mix, as well as the need for variety, you will need to readjust.  But that's my starting point! Suz on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244154 Wed, 07 May 2014 02:13:32 +0000 Suz 1244154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter, I think each type of trip demands different kinds of packing. I travel SO MUCH that I've become a real expert -- thanks to help from people here, I might add.  My first impulse was to pack a "capsule wardrobe." But -- especially in transitional seasons -- this can be a tricky way to go, at least until you are quite practiced at it. I really benefitted in the first case from Gaylene's advice to pack for my activities. This is especially important when the activities are varied. When that is the kind of trip I am doing, I make sure (especially in transitional seasons) that I have at least one "cold weather" or "rainy weather" outfit prepared for that activity, and one "unseasonably warm" weather outfit planned for that activity.  Typically, even when you are going to be doing a lot of different activities, you'll be doing a set number of types of activity. So thinking a bit about what type of thing you'll be doing most should help you focus on the rest of the wardrobe.  Now I use a modified version. I consider the type of thing I'll be doing and make sure I have the core items for those activities. Then I "build out" a capsule from those core outfits.  For my latest trip, I simply created a fairly large capsule a la Angie. I actually looked at one of her autumn business casual capsules, I think. She'd started with a foundation of 3 bottoms, 6 tops, and 2 toppers.  I decided that for me, given the specifics of my situation, that capsule wouldn't be large enough. The temperature variation was going to be so great, and I was going to be away for so long -- my need to layer and my need for variety were going to mean I'd need more stuff. So I simply added bottoms, tops, and toppers to get to what seemed reasonable to me.  I think if I were doing a 2 week Europe trip, Angie's business casual capsule would be the right size, although I'd probably add some gear items and a few more pieces for layering. Plus extra footwear for variety.  In this case I am doing laundry. But for most of my 10 day to 2 week trips I don't. I will usually bring 3 pants, a skirt or dress, and accompanying tops/ toppers. I would wear the pants more than a couple of times. I launder undies in the sink as Parsley suggests. I often launder other things that way as well -- especially tops or jersey items. They dry overnight.  Anonymous on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244141 Wed, 07 May 2014 01:57:03 +0000 Anonymous 1244141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ To add to Parsley's post, I also take a little spray container of Fabreeze for when I can't wash clothes. Each person has their own way of packing. It seems like you are taking way too much, especially if you are planning to shop. I don't take dresses because I can't get to my security belt with most of my cash, passport, credit cards, etc, that I wear around my waist under my clothing to foil pickpockets. It has saved us several times in Europe. I pack a simple black skirt or black pants that can be dressed up or down. I take two pairs of pants for any length of time. I probably take 6-8 tops of various weights that can be layered. This always includes a black cashmere sweater for Europe because I always end up needing it for warmth, even in summer. Silk and nylon and wool are wonderful travel fabrics: light weight, non wrinkle, and when washed and rolled in a towel, will dry quickly. Cotton is the worst fabric IMHO: heavy, long to dry and gets smelly. Parsley on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244070 Wed, 07 May 2014 00:59:13 +0000 Parsley 1244070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter, maybe I shouldn't admit it, but I'd probably not wash/clean the pants during the trip. I usually stick with dark colors for that reason. if you need to have yours laundered, your hotel would be able to take care of it for you, though. I wash underwear out in the sink, using shampoo, and hang it to dry, and occasionally do tops the same way. I also take a Tide stick, and one of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Janie-50101-Stick-Spot-Cleaner/dp/B0043XDZF2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399424071&sr=8-1&keywords=janie+spot+cleaner">these</a> for spot touch-ups. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1244043 Wed, 07 May 2014 00:39:23 +0000 carter 1244043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfrumped, I may wash a cami here or there with bras and undies. I just don't want to deal with washing cotton tees and sweaters. As for toppers, maybe another would be a good idea. I have been overheated for the past year and a half or so ;-), so cooler temps sound wonderful to me! Parsley, would you wear each pair of pants 5 times and each top 3 times without washing, or would you do laundry? Shoes are definitely tops on my list! I will take plenty of well-tested comfortable options! Parsley on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243983 Tue, 06 May 2014 23:46:45 +0000 Parsley 1243983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That sounds like a ton of clothes to me, but I'm a light packer. I'd probably take 2 pairs of pants and one pair of jeans, a dress or two, maybe 5 tops that layer well, 1 cardigan, 2 jackets or blazers. But as long as you're comfortable with the amount of luggage you've got to haul around  from one place to another, more should be OK. The most important thing, IMO, is to take comfortable shoes that you can walk for miles in! That's the advice I give everybody who asks me what to pack for Europe, but I'm so embarrassed, because somehow on our recent trip to Denver and Seattle I didn't heed my own advice, and ended up making an emergency trip to Nordstrom for comfortable shoes! I had taken my Stuart Weitzman loafers that are really very comfortable, wear-all-day shoes, but that is not the same as walk for 6 or 7 miles up and down hills kind of shoes! Anyway, I ended up buying some <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/josef-seibel-caspian-sneaker/3685694">Joseph Seibel Caspians</a>, and they absolutely saved my feet! (for anyone interested in them, I had to go up a full size) Anyway, I highly recommend taking along something along those lines. Your feet will thank you! The other thing is, unless you're eating in really fancy restaurants in Paris, people are really casual these days. Sharp looking jeans or that degree of casualness are totally acceptable almost anywhere.  It sounds like a great trip! I hope you'll post your travel capsule before you go!   unfrumped on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243956 Tue, 06 May 2014 23:21:36 +0000 unfrumped 1243956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds challenging but a good list to me. I might be willing to rinse out some layering tops or   silk undershirt iems if staying on one place for a couple of days. Based on those temps, I would be in a topper all the time and likely 3 layers a lot. So, you might review your toppers and see if raincoat will be over all a lot (for warmth) or which cardi/blazer(s) you think will really be the workhorses. Or maybe the cardi's are very light layering types--could one sub for a true top? My problem often is that the "other stuff" adds up fast as well in terms of weight. In cool climates I usually   need warm sleepwear type items or loungewear that for some trips could double as layering items or backup knits ,  but for longer trip I   need designated jammies and such. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243899 Tue, 06 May 2014 22:18:24 +0000 carter 1243899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Suz! I've been waiting for your packing post. Looking forward to studying it tonight. Did you have some target number of outfits for each activity (before having to do laundry)? Suz on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243859 Tue, 06 May 2014 21:34:27 +0000 Suz 1243859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't think that sounds like too many tops given you don't plan to do laundry. I always like to have variety in my tops. I'm going to post my travel packing post in a minute and you can see what I decided on. Mind you -- mine is a VERY different kind of trip, and it is a month long, and I'm doing laundry. But it might give you some ideas.  Essentially, I think you are doing great with your planning! I do think it helps to try the outfits on before you go. Because what works in theory might not work in real life.  carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243765 Tue, 06 May 2014 19:54:22 +0000 carter 1243765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elizabeth, I've seen others rave about those merino tees as well. Unfortunately, I can't have wool right next to my skin. I get some weird rash from it. Am I nuts to be taking this many tops? I feel like I've come such a long way...last year, I probably would have taken 20 tops "just in case", 7-10 bottoms and multiple toppers because I didn't have my neutrals sorted. How many would you really take? Elizabeth P on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243714 Tue, 06 May 2014 18:53:55 +0000 Elizabeth P 1243714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've found merino wool tees to be excellent to travel with, because they don't retain odour.  And they dry quickly if the do need to be rinsed out.  Your list does seem to have a lot of tops, even though your reasons are totally valid!  carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243712 Tue, 06 May 2014 18:52:42 +0000 carter 1243712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MaryK, already following your travel board! Great pins! I'll go back through all of it this week to see what I've forgotten. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243705 Tue, 06 May 2014 18:45:31 +0000 carter 1243705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Rachylou, that sounds like so little! I like to shop too, but I'd rather shop for pleasure for whatever strikes me instead of, omg I have to find something to wear tomorrow! A shawl/pashmina is an excellent idea that I forgot. Thanks! Isabel, my wardrobe will be pretty mix and match, but for me, it really hinges on not wanting to do laundry (or send it out). I feel like if I've been in a top for 12 hours, it's pretty spent. I don't mind checking luggage, and I don't mind paying porters/cab drivers when they're available. MsMary on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243704 Tue, 06 May 2014 18:44:32 +0000 MsMary 1243704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That sound great to me! I think you have a good handle on things, but if you want to just look at some fun photos, check out my "travel wardrobe" board on Pinterest:  <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mrskpasadena/travel-wardrobe-ideas/" rel="nofollow">http://www.pinterest.com/mrskp.....obe-ideas/</a> Isabel on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243683 Tue, 06 May 2014 18:17:07 +0000 Isabel 1243683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't think that I would take as much since the activities are rather concentrated in one area :  casual. I would not take as many tops.  I am a light packer usually, except for the Boston meet up !   Let's see, 5 bottoms and 10 tops can make up to 50 outfits with 13 days of non travel. It is so hard to tell for someone else because we all like different things.  I don't mind checking luggage, in fact , I prefer it.    So if you like the options and have the room and don't mind checking baggage, who cares if it is too much or not ?   : )      rachylou on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243672 Tue, 06 May 2014 18:08:34 +0000 rachylou 1243672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'd take less because I always end up schlepping my luggage around way more than I think I will. And I also can't be bothered when I travel. And I like to shop for clothes. I'd take one dress that can go from day to night, a skirt, a pair of pants (not denim). A short sleeve tee. A long sleeve top. A tank top. A blouse. Shoes for walking. A dressier pair. Maybe slides of some sort. One jumper. One raincoat/trench. Lots of socks. Maybe a shawl/scarf. 3 "bottoms" 4 tops 1 sweater 1 coat 1 shawl 2 shoes (maybe 3) And frankly I know that will still be a pain to lug around. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243663 Tue, 06 May 2014 18:00:14 +0000 carter 1243663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay, Diana. Can't tell you how much I wish your Vera Wang dress would find its way into my suitcase! I imagine I'll end up with a lot of black too, but I really thing it travels better than lighter colors. Have a great trip! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243660 Tue, 06 May 2014 17:57:44 +0000 carter 1243660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kkards, I expect to have a range of daytime tops, from tees, to cotton sweaters, to blouses. Diana on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243659 Tue, 06 May 2014 17:57:09 +0000 Diana 1243659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha, I am literally sitting in the airport waiting for my flight to London as I'm typing this. My trip is for 6 days and I've basically packed half of what you said so I think you're good! My challenge was trying to make things appear at least a little springy because so many of the items I packed were dark. (I'm bringing a black blazer and a b-w printed one because those are what goes w the Vera wang dress, so I didn't want to pack a third blazer. Plus I have a black trench. Oh well I'm ok with not looking too springlike. It is London after all and is supposed to rain all week. I do like dark colors for travel bc there's less chance of stains. ETA: my bag is technically a carry on but I'm checking it. I don't think I could do two weeks in a carry on unless I can do laundry once. kkards on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243648 Tue, 06 May 2014 17:50:41 +0000 kkards 1243648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ carter, what do you consider a daytime top? given the tempetures, i think i would want to pack a few more layering items, like light weight sweaters or dressy sweat shirts. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-much-would-you-pack#post-1243639 Tue, 06 May 2014 17:42:23 +0000 carter 1243639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ .