Packing well isn’t about bringing more — it’s about bringing intention. Whether you’re heading to Disney with your family, flying to New York City for back-to-back meetings, or escaping for a girls’ weekend, the key to effortless travel style starts before you zip the suitcase.

Research your destination’s weather patterns (not just the forecast — the average temps), typical local dress codes, and the tone of your itinerary. Is the restaurant scene polished? Is the office business formal or smart casual? Are you walking miles each day? A five-minute scroll through the hotel’s tagged photos or the neighborhood on social media will tell you far more about what people actually wear than a packing list ever could.

For amusement park days, think polished practicality: elevated athleisure, cushioned sneakers, breathable fabrics, and a lightweight layer for indoor air conditioning. Crossbody bags keep you hands-free, and strategic color choices hide spills and sweat. Challenge yourself to not use the way too popular belt bag. While convenient, there are other options that pack just as much ease AND style.

For business trips — especially when your schedule doesn’t allow for outfit changes — lean into wrinkle-resistant fabrics like ponte, performance blends, stretch suiting, and quality knits. Choose pieces that hold structure after hours of wear and photograph well from morning presentations to evening client dinners. A tailored blazer over a refined knit dress or fluid trouser in a monochrome color scheme creates a one-and-done look that reads intentional all day. Steam in the shower, pack with compression cubes, and build around a tight color palette so every piece mixes effortlessly.

Girls’ trips call for versatility with personality. Plan outfits around activities — rooftop dinner, daytime exploring, brunch — but anchor everything with two core pairs of shoes and a consistent handbag strategy. Statement earrings take up zero space and instantly transform basics. The smartest packers edit by silhouette: repeat the same trouser shape or skirt cut so tops rotate seamlessly. And remember, your travel wardrobe should support your lifestyle — not compete with it. When your suitcase reflects where you’re going and how you want to show up, getting dressed becomes the easiest part of the trip.

And if you want the easiest way to shop for the season ahead, don’t miss out on my Style the Season Masterclass happening next week.

On Friday, February 27th at 12:30 EST (on Zoom), I’ll walk you through Spring/Summer’s biggest runway moments and translate them into real-life outfits — the best colors, the trends worth the investment, what to skip, and shopping links to make updating your wardrobe simple.

Seats are limited—grab yours here before time runs out! If you can’t attend live, don’t worry, I’ll send the full recording right after.

Shop the destination dressing edit here.