5 Packing Tips for Your Next Summer Adventure

A love of this big, beautiful world is one of the many things that brought me to Noonday Collection as an Ambassador. I’ve been fortunate to experience many cities in America and countries around the world, especially now that I’m working with Noonday Collection and their global network of Artisans. Along the way, I’ve learned some good lessons (mostly the hard way) on how thoughtful and efficient packing really adds to my overall enjoyment of a trip.

I’ve narrowed down my most-used packing tips for you, which I hope will come in handy whether you’re driving somewhere for the weekend or flying abroad for a couple weeks!

1. Pack a capsule wardrobe of coordinating colors.

In all of my travels, I have yet to return home and think, “I really wish I had brought even MORE clothes with me!” I was 18 the first time I went overseas, and I will never forget lugging two rolling suitcases with me across Germany and Austria. It still warrants a hardy face-palm to this day.

A capsule wardrobe is an idea that has been catching on in the fashion industry over the last few years and is beginning to transition to the mainstream rather than stay in the “ethical fashion” bubble. The idea is to utilize a few key pieces of clothing and maximize their usage. It’s a great philosophy for your daily wardrobe but translates beautifully to packing for a trip.

Take this combination of two pairs of pants/shorts + two dresses/skirts + four tops + one denim jacket. Mixing and matching these nine pieces gives you roughly 16 outfits to coordinate together in various ways. I love a great t-shirt thrown over a dress and cinched at the waist in a knot; it’s ubiquitously flattering and lets your dresses serve double duty as well. 

2. Packing cubes are your bestie. 

There are various schools of thought on rolling versus folding your clothes, but it’s all for naught when they end up being tossed about in your suitcase. Utilizing packing cubes not only maximizes the limited space you’ve got in your suitcase, but the satisfaction of seeing everything still in place when you arrive at your destination is priceless. 

Bonus tip: dryer sheets keep the funk away. Throw one in each cube to maintain freshness, especially if you plan to re-wear. 

3. Punch up your travel wardrobe with great accessories. 

Once you’ve selected your capsule, add interest to your outfits with beautiful accessories. A few of my favorites from Noonday Collection’s Spring 2019 line that will be joining me on my next trip for sure are:

Jamdani Bandana: Woven in India, and perfect for your hair, tote bag handle, or around your neck as a scarf.

Summer Skies Earrings: Made in Guatemala and beautifully reflective of the sunsets that we tend to appreciate so much more while on vacation. 

Eclipse Cuff: The combo of dark Vietnamese marble and textured brass ensures that it matches with absolutely everything. Seriously, everything. 

4. Bags are the workhorse of travel: corral the little things in pouches, rolls, and clutches.

If you’ve purchased from Noonday Collection before, you know that products often come packaged in these beautiful little drawstring pouches from Rwanda and India. They are perfect for keeping your earbuds, charging cables, bobby pins, and lip gloss in order. 

I love throwing protein bars, water enhancer, and other miscellaneous comforts in one of Noonday Collection’s gorgeous clutches. Not only does it keep things where I know to find them, but I can also justify bringing it along if I want to use it as a purse for a fancy dinner out. 

Don’t let your thoughtfully curated jewelry get tangled in transit; the Postmark Jewelry Roll organizes it for you in the most beautiful way. Did you know you can also throw your phone and lipstick in the zippered compartments and use it as a clutch purse? Now you do!  

5. Keep your cash close and your passport closer: this ain’t your mama’s fanny pack. 

The newest addition to Noonday Collection’s rustic leather family is this wallet. Just like her big sisters, she’s ethically and sustainable crafted of goat leather and patinas over time from a light fawn color to deep caramel. 

The practicality of it in fanny pack mode on travel day speaks for itself, but the strap is both adjustable and removable, so it can transition to a crossbody or wallet in seconds. With three ways to wear it, you’d be crazy to travel without it. 

…OK, one more!

These TEVA Platforms have become my most loyal travel companion. They are easy on and off for security lines, adjustable if you are prone to swelling on long travel days, and are waterproof to boot. I heard them once described as “walking on yoga mats,” and I’m here for it.