039: Girl vs. Personal-Item Only Baggage

Packing for a 2 and a half day trip.

This weekend I achieved the elusive personal-item-only packing, and I can officially call myself an adult now. Budget airlines have a baggage option where you can only take a bag that fits under your seat, and the luxury of overhead locker space costs you almost as much money as one leg of your trip. This sinister baggage option was the only choice I had due to my last-minute flight booking, and as a chronic over-packer (much to my father’s dismay), I decided to take on the challenge.

I talk about how intentionality should be at the forefront when making wardrobe decisions, so this was the ultimate test to put that all into practice. The challenge lied in selecting items that would allow me to create outfits that felt true to my style whilst still being practical enough to cover as many bases during my 2 and a half-day trip. The games were on. 

Luggage: Away Everywhere Bag

My outfit choice for the airport reflected my intention to maximize versatility. I wore my Citizens of Humanity Ayla jeans, a staple in my wardrobe that effortlessly transitions from day to night, eliminating the need for separate evening wear. For my top, I chose a Victoria Beckham slogan t-shirt—casual enough for daytime but also perfect for layering during cool evenings. I layered this under my Uniqlo lambswool jumper, which serves as a warm and functional base that pairs well with various items.

Selecting a jacket was crucial since I could only bring one. It needed to complement everything I packed while also enhancing my overall look. I opted for the & Other Stories cropped jacket, whose sharp, oversized silhouette added aesthetic appeal while allowing me to layer comfortably for my airport journey. The shoes were the final touch, where I had to balance style with practicality. My snake print Aeyde Clara heels were the perfect choice; their mini heel makes them suitable for long days of walking, while the pointed toe and unique print elevate my outfits, giving the impression of greater effort than I actually put in. These heels allowed me to maintain style without sacrificing comfort, embodying my belief that every piece in your wardrobe should be chosen with intention.

That evening, I swapped my t-shirt and cardigan for one of the three going-out tops I packed. The low cut and thin straps of the Skims bodysuit made it an ideal choice for nighttime while taking up minimal space. I was able to create a dinner-ready outfit using the pieces I had worn during the day, and the versatile nature of each item was crucial in making such a small packing effort work.

The second trouser option I managed to pack was my Tibi sweatpants (similar here), which serve as the perfect undercover agent. They look like anything but sweatpants, thanks to their shiny material, straight leg, and oversized pocket detail, giving them the appearance of trousers while providing the comfort of loungewear. These sweatpants were ideal for casual days at the spa and leisurely wandering, pairing well with my jacket and shoes to offer variety throughout the weekend.

For knitwear, my second options was my navy blue Cos cardigan (similar here), featuring a slimming waist detail that added a sophisticated touch to my outfits compared to the Uniqlo jumper, which brought a different air to the looks.

Accessories completed my ensemble, with my trusty New Era cap adding a pop of colour when the base felt too simple. I also packed Madewell sunglasses for those days when the hat seemed excessive. My Bottega Veneta Jodie mini bag (similar here) was flexible enough to tuck into the bottom of my luggage and versatile enough for both day and night, emphasising the importance of transitional pieces in maximising the impact of each item during this trip.

Overall, I can confidently say that I aced this challenge. I didn’t have the lingering anxiety that if only I had packed X item, then maybe my outfits would have been better, as this deliberate approach to choosing the items I packed ensured that I felt comfortable and, most importantly, myself, during my trip. The only place I fumbled was skincare, as the travel options I brought left my skin dry and aching for moisture, so any advice on that front would be much appreciated.

Hope you have a lovely week and speak soon!

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