8 Travel Wardrobe Packing Rules You Don’t Wanna Miss

Packing for a trip should be exciting — the start of a new adventure. But for many people, it’s stressful, overwhelming, and ends with a suitcase full of clothes that never get worn. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients who struggle with this, and the number one mistake I see is overpacking items they never actually use.

So today, I’m sharing my travel wardrobe packing rules you don’t wanna miss. These tips are practical, beginner-friendly, and will help you pack light without sacrificing style. Whether you’re going away for a weekend or a three-week holiday, these rules will save you time, stress, and even money.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links at no extra cost to you.

Before you start tossing items into your suitcase, remember this: your trip is not the time to “test” new clothes or shoes.

Here’s why:

• New shoes can cause blisters, pain, and discomfort — the last thing you want while exploring a new city.
• New clothes may not fit the way you thought they would or might not be comfortable for all-day wear.
• If something doesn’t work out, you won’t have time or options to replace it.

Pro tip: Only pack items you’ve worn before and know are comfortable. If you want to wear something new, try it at home first — walk around, sit down, and see how it feels after a few hours.

This is one of my favorite stylist-approved packing hacks: for every bottom (skirt, trousers, shorts, or jeans), pack three tops.

Why it works:

• It multiplies your outfit options without adding bulk.
• It keeps your looks fresh while reusing base pieces.
• It makes color coordination easier.

For example:

• 2 pairs of trousers + 6 tops = 12 outfit combinations.
• Add a few accessories, and you’ve got even more looks.

This rule alone can cut your suitcase weight in half while still giving you plenty of variety.

Shoes take up the most space and weight in your luggage, so choose wisely.

• Daytime exploring: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
• Evenings out: A dressier shoe — but make it comfortable! If you’re not used to wearing heels, skip them. Opt for a chic pair of flats, loafers, or low block heels.
• Avoid heavy shoes: The lighter, the better — especially with most airlines’ 10 kg cabin baggage limit.

Packing tip: Use shoe bags to keep them separate from your clothes. This prevents dirt from transferring onto your freshly packed outfits. I personally love these Amazon shoe bags — they’re affordable and reusable.

One of the biggest game changers for stress-free travel is planning your outfits in advance.

Here’s how:

1. Lay out all your potential outfits a few days before your trip.
2. Try all the looks and take photos of each outfit — including accessories and shoes.
3. Keep the photos in your phone's gallery

When you’re on vacation, you won’t waste time deciding what to wear each day. Just check your album and get dressed. No stress, no overthinking.

Accessories are a traveler’s best friend. They’re small, light, and can completely transform your outfits.

My go-to travel accessories:

• Scarves: They take up almost no space, add color, and can be worn in multiple ways — around your neck, as a headband, tied to a bag, or even as a belt.
• Layered necklaces: If you love layered necklaces but hate the hassle of putting them on one by one, try the Amazon Multi Necklace Layering Magnetic Clasp. You attach all your necklaces once, and when you want to take them off, you just do it in one move. Life-changing.

Packing cubes are a traveler’s secret weapon. They keep your suitcase neat and make it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything.

I suggest:

• One cube for tops
• One cube for bottoms
• One cube for underwear and sleepwear
• One small cube for accessories

Bonus tip: Rolling your clothes inside packing cubes saves even more space and reduces wrinkles.

Shop the items | Black wide leg pants | Denim shorts | CUSHIONAIRE CHAI Women’s Strappy Sandals | NIKE Women's Sneaker | Zara shorts | Fanny Pack Crossbody Shoulder | COS white t-shirt | One shoulder jumpsuit | Zara SHORT OXFORD SHIRT | Ana Luisa heart necklace | Amazon brown top | Amazon cross bag | Faux Suede Jacket | 18K Gold Plated earrings | Retro Small Oval Sunglasses | ADSBIAOYE Women's Leather Strap Watch

Packing a capsule wardrobe for travel is about maximizing outfit combinations while minimizing bulk. The number of pieces depends on your trip length, climate, and whether you’ll have access to laundry, but in general:

7. The Perfect Travel Capsule Wardrobe Formula

A well-balanced capsule for travel is usually 10–15 pieces (excluding underwear, sleepwear, workout clothes, and accessories). This can create 30+ outfits depending on your choices.

Suggested Breakdown:

Accessories → Scarves, belts, and jewelry (lightweight but powerful to change looks).

3–4 Tops → Neutral + 1–2 accent colors or prints.

2 Bottoms → One pair of trousers/jeans + one skirt or lighter pant.

1–2 Dresses → Can be worn day-to-night.

1 Layering Piece → Blazer, cardigan, or light jacket.

1 Outerwear → Coat or trench (season/weather dependent).

2–3 Pairs of Shoes → One comfortable walking shoe, one dressier shoe, optional sandal/boot.

Example (Spring/Autumn City Trip – 10 Days):

• Tops: White blouse, striped Breton tee, black silk camisole, soft knit sweater.
• Bottoms: Straight-leg jeans, tailored black trousers.
• Dress: A versatile wrap dress.
• Layers: Beige trench coat, navy blazer.
• Shoes: White sneakers, ankle boots, ballet flats.
• Accessories: Silk scarf, gold hoops, belt.

That’s 12 pieces (excluding accessories), enough for 30+ chic combinations.

If you’re tempted to pack something “just in case,” ask yourself:

• Have I worn this in the past month?
• Can I wear something else I’m already packing instead?

In most cases, those “just in case” pieces never get used — and they just take up valuable space.

Before zipping up your bag, go through this quick checklist:

• ✅ Every item is comfortable and already worn before.
• ✅ You can mix and match each piece with at least two others.
• ✅ All shoes are lightweight and versatile.
• ✅ You’ve packed according to your trip’s activities and weather forecast.
• ✅ You’ve taken photos of all your outfits.
• ✅ You’ve left space for souvenirs.

Traveling light doesn’t mean dressing boring. With a little planning and the right wardrobe strategy, you can have plenty of stylish outfits without dragging a heavy suitcase around.

If you’re a fan of effortless French style and want to build a wardrobe that works for every season, I’ve created a brand-new 168 French Style Ebook - click here

This ebook includes:

• Clickable shopping links
• Outfit ideas for every month
• A curated list of timeless, versatile pieces

And just to clarify — this is a completely new ebook, different from my previous French style guide. If you already bought the old one, you’ll still want this updated version with new items and fresh inspiration.