How to Plan Your Outfits for Travel

Posted on 22nd September 2021

It’s not secret that going on holiday is so much fun, we all love it. But so many of us tend to overpack and while we’re going somewhere only for a few days, we end up bring at least a week worth of clothing. And that’s no good. Carrying a heavy suitcase, or even paying additionally for our overweight luggage is definitely not the greatest of options. But how do you actually pack, so that you don’t have to pay any additional fees?

Plan ahead

Firstly, you definitely need to think about what you are going to do while you’re away. Is it a nice party you’re going to be attending? Maybe a brunch? A family visit and a walk in the park? Whatever it is, you need to be prepared. The easiest way to remember everything would be to get a planner, or even a simple notebook, and write all of your activities down. This way, you will be able to plan a new outfit for every single day.

Create a list

Yup, we’re not done with the lists just yet. If you haven’t created your own packing list, try looking for one online – those usually prove to be incredibly helpful, especially if you tend to overpack. You’ll see what you need to take with you, so that you don’t forget about the essentials.

Pick the clothes

Now that you’ve got all your activities in front of you, it’s time to actually decide what you want to wear for each occasion. Lay out the outfits on a flat surface and decide whether you actually need all of the items you’ve picked out. Remember, it’s all about the colour coordination and colour palettes, so try to go neutral. For example, pick that pair of jeans which will go with two or even three tops – create those outfits either in your head or in front of you. You’ll notice that it’s going to get easier to just disregard some of the clothes, because you’ll be able to mix and match many of the items.

A word of advice, however, make sure you stick with the clothes that you have already worn, the items that you’ve tried out and tested, so to say. Because there is nothing worse than being on holiday and wearing something that doesn’t quite fit you or happens to be itchy or uncomfortable.

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."

- Arthur Ashe

Try it all on

Before you actually start packing everything into the suitcase, it’s a good idea to try everything on, especially if you have some time to spare. Check out those outfits in the full-length mirror, see what shoes go best with that dress or those shorts. Even if you have worn the outfit before, try it on to make sure that it still feels as comfortable as ever. It’s particularly useful if you know you need to do laundry before you go – this way you’ll be able to also assess the state of your clothes to make sure you only bring the items that are all clean and fresh.

Pack

Finally, take everything you’ve decided to bring with you and fold it nicely into the suitcase or a bag. When doing that, it’s useful to remember a few helpful tips. For example, don’t pack heavy clothes (if you have any), just wear it! This way you’ll save some place in your suitcase and it won’t be as weighty. Moreover, try to put everything into the compression packing cubes, instead of putting everything straight into the suitcase. Just remember, it can and probably will crease your clothes a little, and will make your suitcase heavier, but maybe it is worth it for some extra space?

All in all, planning your outfits ahead doesn’t have to be such a difficult task – it can be fun and really helpful. By following these few easy steps, you will organise your suitcase, and it will surely make your journey stress-free. Don’t be afraid to do some thinking before you go, complete that packing list and make sure you bring everything you need. You will thank yourself later.

Stay tuned for more useful and varied Gear Geek resources in the coming weeks and months, including guides on our new and exciting products.

Thank you!