YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Would love some packing help

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Would love some packing help https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:04:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Style Fan on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822591 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 22:05:18 +0000 Style Fan 1822591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree about not scrimping on undies.  I pack lots.  I can happily wear the same bottoms over and over but I do like a clean shirt, bra and undies. I like the idea of plotting out outfits.  I am going to use that one for my next trip. Suz on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822569 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 20:06:31 +0000 Suz 1822569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is great about the Air Canada weight limit! I was flying Icelandair, so it wouldn't have applied to me anyway. Oh well. It was worth it. I could not have fit a bigger bag in the shared rental car for our trip to the north.  It's really hard to pack super light when you are doing lots of different TYPES of activity in varied weather. I always like to hike or go for runs wherever I go -- hence, gear, which takes up room. And 9 times out of 10 I am also going somewhere fancy at least once, or giving a presentation, or doing "city" stuff.  I don't like to compromise on style, either. But I do sometimes compromise on variety...I would really like to take a white jean on my next trip, for example, but I think I'll stick with white shorts instead and keep my other bottoms dark (even though I will feel constrained by that.)  I am lucky with this next trip because I won't be presenting and it's really all casual. That helps. A bit, LOL.  I'm not sure I ever published the written list for the Iceland trip and I don't have photos of all my things so what I showed was not complete. It's amazing what I stuffed into that little bag, when you think of it!!  Elizabeth P on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822545 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 18:29:46 +0000 Elizabeth P 1822545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha, fashiontern, when I went backpacking around Europe I followed some rule that said 5 pairs of undies, and it was the stupidest thing ever.  They take up NO space, and I felt I was washing them constantly.  Never again.  Live a little :) Thanks for the article JAileen.  You are right, not for me this particular trip, but still a good read.  thanks for this list, Suz.  I had actually looked back at your Iceland post to look at what you took.  I saw the photos, maybe this written list was further in the post?  I didn't realize Gaylene recommended that, but I kind of have gone through a process like that, which is probably what has generated such a long list of mine!  It's not just about numbers, it's about the RIGHT numbers for the varying things I know I'll be doing. Oh, did you see that Air Canada has got rid of a weight limit for carry ons?  I just saw that today (but it's not new).  Very smart.  You just have to be able to lift it up to the overhead bin. Stagiaire Fash on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822502 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 15:19:47 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1822502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 5 pr undies for a week long trip? Sorry, NYT. There are few areas where I won't skimp, and you just found one. But otherwise that sounds like a great rule. JAileen on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822493 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 14:35:33 +0000 JAileen 1822493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A recent NYT article about packing was very interesting. Not that it would be right for you, but I'd never seen the 5,4,3,2,1 rule before. I always pack too much. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/28/travel/the-right-way-to-pack-for-travel.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share" rel="nofollow">https://www.nytimes.com/2017/0.....hone-share</a> "DO THE CLOTHING COUNTDOWN. If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” rule for a weeklong trip, limiting yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. The list can be modified to suit your needs, with a swimsuit and exercise gear or a suit jacket and dress thrown in, depending on the trip." Suz on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822484 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 14:22:20 +0000 Suz 1822484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have trouble travelling light, too. Especially when it comes to footwear. And I also long for the perfect thing to wear for everything I'm doing. But it is possible to get by with less variety than you'd do in regular life, LOL. ;)  Have you tried Gaylene's suggestion of making a list of all the activities you are going to be doing each day and plotting an outfit for each? I sometimes do this when I am stressing about what to bring. I even plan options for cold or wet weather or warmer weather when I'm going to an unsettled climate.  My trip to Iceland and Toronto was 12 days, cooler temps than yours (except in Toronto) but similar activities. No opportunity for laundry beyond washing undies in sink.  FWIW, here was my packing list. I fit it all into a carry on sized bag and small knapsack (as my personal item)!!! But the bag was so heavy I had to check it. ;)  You will see, I had FAR fewer bottoms than you do. I really only had 3 that I could wear for daily wear (vs. gear). And that was totally fine for 12 days. In your position, I'd want at least one shorter/ lighter weight item (mine were all relatively warm for my cooler temps). But I would say 4 bottoms for 2 weeks should do it, 5 if you can fit in suitcase. I plan to bring 5 for an upcoming 2 week trip (one being a skirt).  Packing list Iceland/ Toronto Computer Plug Cords Kindle Mask etc for plane Passport Footwear Hiking boots. (gear - hiking only) Sneakers. silver Grey weather proof bootie (for in town/ city)  Fit Flops (for pools/ hot springs) Toppers Navy Blazer. (needed for a presentation)  Rain jacket bright pink (gear)  J. Crew raincoat. navy.  North Face puffer pink. (I layered this under the raincoat sometimes).  Bottoms Slim jeans Navy crop Sloans Kit & Ace black crops Rain pants (gear -- to wear over base layer or leggings only)  Leggings (gear only for me) Tops/ sweaters Toile silk top. (needed for presentation/ fancy dinner) Denim shirt Navy-white stripe cotton sweater J. Crew Off white cotton mariner LL Bean Grey t-neck Kit and Ace Navy merino BR Striped grey cashmere J. Crew Cream peplum top J. Crew Navy short sleeve tee. BR Silver linen tee, J. Crew Scarves: Grey/ white Red Blue/ purple Cashmere Light blue/pink BATHING SUIT BASE LAYERS (wool + poly plus camis) Undies  PJs  Socks HAT/ gloves Lisa on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822458 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 14:01:40 +0000 Lisa 1822458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I adore packing posts and I travel fairly often for work and non-work.  I always take a minimum of 3 different pairs of shoes/boots.  One on the plane and 2 in the bag because footwear on a trip behaves very differently than at home.  I also am a fan of materials that don't wrinkle easily.  Either thick fabrics (ponte) or fabrics that when you grasp in a fist don't wrinkle.  For activities, moisture wicking clothes work well, they can wash in a sink and typically dry overnight.  I'm also a big fan of layers on a trip.  I've worn up to 4 layers (fleece, thin wool sweater, t-shirt, tank top) and will strip down as needed.  Also scarves and ponchos are very forgiving to pack, don't take up much room, and add warmth when needed.  Have a fun trip! Elizabeth P on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822435 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 12:52:01 +0000 Elizabeth P 1822435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all so much!  I know it takes some time and thought to come up with these suggestions, so I really do appreciate them.   I'm not going to respond individually, but I am going to seriously consider each and every comment. FYI my mother is there now, and she says that I'll probably be comfortable in shorts.  I've got one pair, and two skorts.  Can prob drop one, come to think of it. I am considering dropping the beige skort and navy/beige tank.  My hesitation is that this is a break from dark bottoms, and like the idea of wearing it with white, or the orange top (likely with a topper too) for a total change of pace.  But I do have the white jeans. I'm reluctant to drop a pair of capris - when the weather here is the temps it's likely to be, I live in them.  So I can see wearing them 4-5 days in the first week, and a couple times on the second.  I think they'd be great for the drives.  They both "dress up" if needed. Also reluctant to drop a pair of gear long pants.  One pair is tough, needed for walking through heather, and will be great on a boat if it's cool.  The other pair I'm thinking will be good for hanging out if it's cool... or for general midge protection.  I'll think about that - maybe the gear pair is enough. Joy, I like what you said, however I don't really HAVE items that will dry overnight.  Well, some of my bottoms fit that description, but not the tops.  I thought about taking a couple of merino tees, as they can be worn multiple times between washings plus dry quickly, however I'm not liking mine at the moment.  Which sucks.  I will think about dropping a couple of tees though.  I know this is more than I need. I do think dropping one long sleeved top would be fine.  A tee with a cardigan or hoodie pretty much does the same thing. See, this is why I suck at traveling light.  I HATE not having the the "right" thing for what I may want to do. I know I won't need/wear it all, I just don't know which pieces will end up redundant!  Keep the comment and suggestions coming.  They ARE sinking in Anonymous on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822409 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 11:28:59 +0000 Anonymous 1822409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wonderful! I'm following your post because I'll be going to Scotland in the next year or two. Very good idea that you keep boots there! I'll have to bring boots because I'll literally be "mucking about", visiting a shepherdess whose farm is near this monument to James Hogg aka "The Ettrick Shepherd". <a href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/selkirk/jameshoggmonument/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.undiscoveredscotlan.....index.html</a> MaryAnne on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822405 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 10:51:47 +0000 MaryAnne 1822405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your trip sounds amazing! I hope you have a great time! I would suggest keeping 2 pr of athletic pants, a pr of jeans and capris. I would keep all 3/4 and long sleeved tops, 2 short sleeved tops and omit the tank top. Consider trading one of your skorts for a longer, fluid skirt, which could be paired with several of your tops for evenings. rachylou on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822377 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 07:25:37 +0000 rachylou 1822377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lol, I'd be freezing cold, I know it, in Scotland! The shortest sleeve I'd do is 3/4. And I'd take a heavy sweater and skinny jeans - no light weight pants. I really like skirts, but hate drafts... I'd take only midis, way past the knee. I could do two weeks with two pants, two skirts, sweater and puffy, but that's probably too light for most... Anonymous on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822374 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 06:33:34 +0000 Anonymous 1822374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It looks like you could cut this by a third, at least, if you take garments in fabrics that can dry overnight after being washed out in a sink and rolled in a towel or finding a laundromat the second part of the trip. there seems to be lots of duplication. You will be sick of the clothes you took by the time you get home but will be able to travel light. Suz on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822315 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 02:34:24 +0000 Suz 1822315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How fabulous! I hope the weather is decent for you. And how I understand the rigours of a trip that includes a variety of activities in unsettled weather! Like Sal, I am all in favour of taking as many shoes as you can, so don't skimp there.  I'd probably remove one skort. It probably won't be warm enough to wear it all that much and anyway, they are dark. I might also remove one pair of "mucking about" capris. And maybe a shirt or two. But otherwise, if you can fit it, take it. Luckily, it's easier to pack summer things -- they fold up small and light. The scarves will give you a great boost of colour if it is grey.  Have a fantastic time!!  Sal on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822293 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:38:22 +0000 Sal 1822293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How exciting! I think both wardrobes can be similar with one or two dressier evening options for week 2. I like your choices - great colours. I would take three pairs of pants/ jeans in total. I think you could also remove s couple of tees- and at least one of your dark long sleeve tops. Tops are easy to hand launder if required (jeans are not). I am generous with shoes - this is the area I like to change it up a bit so I would keep the paid you have costs. Sal on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822292 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:37:10 +0000 Sal 1822292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How exciting! I think both wardrobes can be similar with one or two dressier evening options for week 2. I like your choices - great colours. I would take three pairs of pants/ jeans in total. I think you could also remove s couple of tees- and at least one of your dark long sleeve tops. Tops are easy to hand launder if required (jeans are not). I am generous with shoes - this is the area I like to change it up a bit so I would keep the paid you have costs. Stagiaire Fash on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822289 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:32:26 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1822289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 20 degrees sounds like a perfect summer day to me. I'd much rather be back in northern Europe than in Florida where I live now. The only thing I see that you could leave behind would be one of the pairs of capris for mucking about, and a couple tops. It looks like everything goes with everything, so you could just sniff to choose your shirts for the last few days of sightseeing. (I know, ew, but it could save weight.) I've had a  21" (including wheels) Travelpro wheelie for 20 years, and I sometimes use a carpet bag that fits under the seat as long as I don't stuff it tight. I also wear a teeny-tiny crossbody that's just big enough for essentials. It's so small I don't take it off. I could easily pack everything in your pix in them, and not need to check luggage. Happy birthday to your mom! JAileen on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822288 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:14:55 +0000 JAileen 1822288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We were in Scotland in August several years ago for nearly two weeks. It rained every single day, but one. I don't know if this was normal or not. So obviously rain gear was important, but what seemed strange to me, was that it wasn't very cold. A rain shell with a very light sweater was more than adequate. i didn't wear shorts or sandals at all. Hopefully you'll have better weather. Elizabeth P on "Would love some packing help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-love-some-packing-help#post-1822280 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 22:52:48 +0000 Elizabeth P 1822280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Since I know how many people here love posts about packing, and are rather good at it, I am appealing to you.  I'm heading off to Scotland at the end of the week, for two weeks.  I have spent some time trying to decide what to take, and feel like I'm at something I can share.  I also feel like this is too much, but I'm honestly not sure what to delete.  I need to be prepared for all kinds of things and weather!  I am not trying to go in a carry-on, however I'd rather not take way too much.  The fewer suitcases the family can fit into, the better. So this is the scoop:  Temperatures look like they'll range (during the day) from mid-high teens, to low 20's.  I know temps there feel warmer than here, but it's still not what I call "summer" weather.  Evenings will be low-mid teens. First week will be spent walking the hills, playing in boats, playing on the beach, having bonfires, hanging out with family, and having a birthday party for my mother.  Maybe one or two trips to town, but basically we'll be in the middle of beautiful nowhere.  The midges are brutal in the evening.  Days could be shorts or capris, there is a slim chance it'll be warm enough for tank top.  There is also a chance it'll be cool and wet.  I don't like to wear long pants at this time of year unless I really have to.  Evenings will probably want long sleeves and legs of some form, esp if we have a bonfire or go for a walk (it gets dark really late).  I do want to be able to change into decent clothes for the evening, for supper and if we are hanging out inside with family... decent, but still comfy.    Second week is traveling north, where we'll be doing some hiking, some sight seeing, and some long days in a car.  This week will be restaurant suppers. It's Scotland, so rain gear (pants and jacket) are necessary.  I keep rubber boots over there, so don't need to actually pack any.  Definitely needed though! I'll have access to laundry facilities the first week, but not after that.  So we will basically need 10 days worth of things after the final laundering.  This is the reason I've got eight tees... will get two wears out of some, but not all, depending on the activity.  OK, this seems too many. Love your thought on what, if anything, could stay home.  1.  Clothes for "mucking about", primarily the first week.  Pants row is showing two pairs of capris, and two pairs of gear pants... one pair are tough hiking pants, the other lighter, for evening bug protection. 2.  Clothes for evenings, and sight seeing days. 3.  Outerwear, and scarves.  Raincoat, anorak, and warm fleece 4.  Outfit for the birthday party... a lunch. You'll note some things are in more than one picture... I did this so I could make sure I had enough pieces for the activity.  Some is good for both. If anyone is still reading, thank you!  And if anyone has the strength to offer me anything, I'd love to hear it.