https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:40:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-654231 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 22:20:26 +0000 Gaylene 654231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, ManidipaM might be on to something... As tourists, maybe we have some sort of obligation to become a topic for conversation as compensation for getting in the way of the locals? Although we all would probably want to be in the "wow, she looks fab" camp, maybe contributing to laughter lines can also be a good thing?</p> <p>Oddly enough, I was an Option 3 super star when most of my traveling was for business purposes-- probably because I worn the same "uniform" to every convention. Now that most of my travel is for pleasure, I think I want more of "me" in my choices. That leads to way more indecision.</p> <p>Thanks everyone for letting me peek into your suitcases. I feel better now.</p> <p>And Rachylou, your experience reminds me of how exasperated my daughter-in-law gets when people ask her if she can speak Chinese. Her family has been in Canada for over 200 years. Her last response was "No, only Arabic", which left the questioner looking more than a little puzzled. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-654082 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 19:55:14 +0000 Angie 654082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, Gaylene. You know how I pack. </p> <p>Fun thread </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-654061 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 19:28:22 +0000 Sylvie 654061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I'm #3, with perhaps a small dose of #1 and #2. I determine what I'm going to bring based on activities and climate. Most of my vacations involve a LOT of walking around so I always bring flats and pack light.</p> <p>Camping trip=gear.<br /> European city in winter =Wool coat + flat boots.<br /> Humid summer=Breezy dresses<br /> Indian wedding where I'll be transported by car = heels</p> <p>Yes, I rejoiced in the ability to wear dresses in Europe last winter (#1), but now I've gotten bolder and wear dresses in my every day life anyway (#2). </p> <p>I don't wear a skimpy tank top in India for the same reason I wouldn't wear one here - I don't want the sun exposure. I have no shame. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653916 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:37:38 +0000 rachylou 653916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Combo of #3 and #2. </p> <p>On the subject of #2 - So like, it's funny... in the U.S., for me, it's *Oh! You have no Chinese accent at all!*. In Europe, it's *Yes, but what IS Japan like?* In China (never been to Japan), it's *So what are you? From the Central Steppes?*</p> <p>I totally give up and wear what *I* wear. Also, made-for-travel clothes are really ugly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653896 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:03:33 +0000 Anonymous 653896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh. After reading all the comments, I've forgotten what the numbers correspond to, lol! I usually work from the bottom up, choosing my shoes (I don't bring athletic shoes--too bulky) and then figuring out what non-wrinkly bottoms work with them, then what tops work with the bottoms and last, what jacket will work and a couple of scarves. At the end I get really nervous and unsure and throw a bunch of junk at the last minute! So there's a fair amount of #4 too. I don't wear a ton of jewelry and accessories at home so I don't know what makes me think I'll wear it on my trip. :/ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653707 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:05:51 +0000 harmonica 653707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do #1 in general, but try to do #3 for packing. Though must admit that carry-on suitcase is a tough one. Actually that is easier if it's all family vacation and no dressy or work related occasion </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653698 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 08:16:03 +0000 goldenpig 653698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, I guess I'll be the only one to admit I do #4! I'm usually rushing around late at night packing clothes and supplies for me and the two kids. (DH is in charge of gear and camera equipment). I usually bring way more than I need because I don't want the kids or myself to run out of clothes or underwear! Thankfully since I buy most of their clothes from one company (Tea) once or twice a year, it all goes together (mix and match pieces with coordinating colors). I wish I had that sort of option for myself! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653688 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 07:58:30 +0000 fashionista 653688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Option # 3 with a big suticase to fit in whatever I am taking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653686 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 07:51:42 +0000 ManidipaM 653686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm some combination of #1 and #2 --- I keep in mind the climate and terrain, as well as the dressiness level of the city if I know enough about it; but I also dress like myself in that I'll skew dressier but not go entirely formal or skew casual without being in shorts and T-shirts, as well as bringing a few Indian-style garments that may well stand out on the street. Hey, it makes life interesting --- a change for me plus a new thing for locals perhaps!</p> <p>Like Suz, I'm aspiring to #3, but far from being there yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653637 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 04:48:17 +0000 Diana 653637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#3 all the way! In terms of how I want to dress, I do #1 generally.</p> <p>I hate preplanning outfits but I hate dragging around heavy luggage even more (it makes me SO CRANKY), so I'm pretty ruthless about getting everything to fit in a small bag or suitcase. As long as I don't bring a ton of shoes it's not too hard. I try to make sure most things are remixable so I have at least a little spontaneity in my outfits. I also like to leave a little empty space just in case I buy stuff at my destination. (Or I bring an extra tote bag folded up in my luggage). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653616 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 03:47:57 +0000 Gaylene 653616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like YLFers are people who do consider local scene (Option 1) but remain true to their own personal style, even when traveling (Option 2). Interesting, especially since most "how to pack " advice seems based on the assumption that Option 3 is THE way to build a travel wardrobe. Angie's advice on how she assembles her travel wardrobe seems much more realistic and helpful.</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2010/03/17/not-so-light-packing/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2010/03/.....t-packing/</a></p> <p>It's also fun to know that I'm not alone in using travel as an excuse to let out my inner UWP or tomboy. But I have to admit that I'm more than a bit envious of my Option 4 daughter-in-law. She can pack for a two-week vacation in less than 15 minutes and look stylish in every travel photo in spite of a suitcase that looks like a total disaster. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653576 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 02:29:21 +0000 Isabel 653576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I worked and travelled for work, it was option 2 ( varying only according to off duty activity ).</p> <p>Now, it is definitely a combo of 1, 2 and 3. I pack the appropriate "gear" but I like wearing a casual dress, for example, while camping but I will bring "nice" sport sandals that I can hike in too. If I am in a city, I stick to my style, but no sneakers. But then I rarely do sneakers unless exercising.....</p> <p>This has been a fun thread ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653575 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 02:27:12 +0000 annagybe 653575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#!, #2 and #4. I have a very bad habit of shopping at the destination so I can blend in any more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653572 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 02:19:11 +0000 Deborah 653572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Option 2 is probably me, but I must clarify that I never wear kahki or athletic shoes lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653569 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 02:09:32 +0000 Suz 653569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fun thread!! Takes my mind off my woes, LOL! </p> <p>Actually...it helps me put it all in perspective. </p> <p>And also offers another clue to what's going on for me. Because I see I do not really have a packing strategy or style. Maybe if I picked one I'd have an easier time. </p> <p>I guess what I do is sort of a combination. I definitely scope out the weather other conditions. I want to be physically comfortable. </p> <p>And if the destination is casual, I go casual. If it is dressier, I try to pack dressier (or shop for stuff when I am there). </p> <p>But all this within my own style framework, if you will. So...I may be slightly more casual in the mountains than I'd be in my own small city...but I won't be as casual as some of the other tourists or as many of the natives. In NYC I would not look as hip and cool as some of the natives (but I would do my darnedest!) </p> <p>I WANT to do #3 (but don't seem to have that down yet, LOL!) </p> <p>I can't handle #4 because it when I've done it, it's turned into a disaster of what will I wear each morning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653555 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 01:55:50 +0000 Sheila 653555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I merge #1 &amp; #2. I plan very closely what I think will work, keeping in mind every destination I will be visiting. We travel a lot. often long road trips, and visit big cities, small towns, and scenic "wonderlands". I edit out any clothes that might only get one wear on the trip. Last year we were gone for almost 6 months straight so I also had to factor in the seasons (summer through winter). The only things that I had to buy were planned in advance--major boot shopping in Manhattan! Woo hoo! (can you spell "Frye Flagship Store")</p> <p>I do try to use my everyday wardrobe as much as possible, but especially when we are in a chic city such as NYC or Paris, I try to blend in as well as I can. I don't want to look like a typical American tourist, no, no, no!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653491 Sun, 24 Jun 2012 23:38:27 +0000 Jjsloane 653491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All but 3. I like to have options. I start putting aside the clothes for a trip in a pile on a chair and then pack them as outfits allowing for temperature and dressiness variations. I'm packing tonight but we're driving so I'm not as limited as I might be on a plane. This usually means I overstuff and then overedit at the last minute and end up not having something I want when I get there. Trying not to do that this time. We shall see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653486 Sun, 24 Jun 2012 23:34:56 +0000 Anonymous 653486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Option 1 too, it lets me break out of my mold but not in a carry on :)</p> <p>I like to pack all my options </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653462 Sun, 24 Jun 2012 22:18:11 +0000 Anonymous 653462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like you, I do #1 following #3 as closely as possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-in-your-suitcase#post-653420 Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:27:22 +0000 Gaylene 653420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz's recent post on packing got me thinking. How do you put together a travel wardrobe?</p> <p>Option 1:<br /> Scope out the location and plan outfits that would--hopefully--help you blend in with the locals (gear in the mountains; scarves and ballet flats in Paris).</p> <p>Option 2:<br /> Wear what you would normally wear, holding to your own style regardless of what the "natives" are wearing (dresses and heels in the mountains; khakis and athletic shoes in Paris). </p> <p>Option 3:<br /> Plan an efficient travel capsule that can be packed in a small suitcase or carry-on (coordinated, multi-purpose, washable and wrinkle-proof clothes; shoes that go with every outfit).</p> <p>Option 4: Throw whatever grabs your interest into a large suitcase and use your creativity to put together outfits when you get to your destination. (The plane is leaving in a couple of hours and you have to get to the airport).</p> <p>Now that I'm thinking about it, I've come to the realization that I tend to Option 1 with a healthy dose of Option 3. I quite like putting together outfits that would raise eyebrows in my local community but are the norm in other places. So a trip to New York means I get to play urban warrior while Paris is about accessories and well-cut jackets. On the other hand, a vacation in the mountains is time to channel my inner tomboy by wearing jeans, hiking boots, and parka. And, if I can pack my wannabe fashion persona in a carry-on, that's the icing on the cake! </p>