Traveling as a mom has definitely changed the way I pack.
There was a time when I could build an entire suitcase around outfits, shoes, and the possibility of needing three different looks in one day.
Now?
I still care about what I wear. I still want to feel cute. I still love putting together an outfit.
But I also need everything to actually work.
I want pieces I can walk in, sit in, travel in, chase kids in, wear to dinner, and hopefully not have to steam for 45 minutes in a hotel bathroom.
Over time, I have figured out a packing formula that makes traveling feel a lot easier without giving up the fun part of getting dressed.
This has probably made the biggest difference in the way I pack.
Instead of throwing five tops, four pairs of pants, and a few random dresses into a suitcase and hoping it all comes together later, I plan actual outfits.
I think through:
What are we doing that day?
Will we be walking a lot?
Is there a nicer dinner?
Will I want something easy for travel days?
Dresses are one of my favorite travel shortcuts.
One piece. One outfit.
Done.
A casual dress can work for sightseeing with sneakers during the day and feel completely different with sandals and jewelry at dinner.
I especially love dresses that do not wrinkle easily and do not require a complicated bra situation.
Those details suddenly become very important when you are traveling.
I love a good shoe.
But travel has humbled me.
If we are spending the day walking around a city, I am not sacrificing my feet for the outfit anymore.
A clean sneaker, comfortable sandal, and one nicer shoe will usually cover almost everything I need.
And yes, I have absolutely packed shoes before that never left the suitcase.
I am learning.
Accessories take up almost no space and can make the same outfit feel completely different.
I usually bring a few pairs of earrings, sunglasses, a belt, and one or two bags.
A simple outfit suddenly feels much more intentional when you add the right accessories.
This is especially helpful when I am repeating pieces during a longer trip.
Because I absolutely repeat outfits on vacation.
Airport outfits have become their own category in my life.
I want something comfortable enough to sit in for hours but still put together enough that I do not feel like I am wearing pajamas through the airport.
Usually that means layers, comfortable pants, sneakers, and a bag big enough to carry all the things that somehow become my responsibility.
Snacks.
Chargers.
Water bottles.
Random toys.
Someone else’s sweatshirt.
You know the drill.
This one requires self-control.
I try not to completely fill my suitcase before we leave because I know myself.
I am probably going to shop.
Whether it is clothing, something for the house, or a little find from a local store, I love bringing things home from trips.
Leaving extra room means I do not have to sit on my suitcase at the end of the week trying to make it close.
At least, not every time.
I definitely pack differently now than I did years ago.
There is less “maybe I’ll wear this” and more “I know exactly when I’m wearing this.”
But I actually enjoy it more.
I still get excited about planning outfits and finding pieces I love.
I just want them to make sense for real life too.
Because the best vacation outfit is one you feel good in, can actually move in, and do not spend the entire day adjusting.
Bonus points if it still looks good in the pictures.
