Fall Packing Guide

This fall, I’m predicting a big swing in looks from day to night with moody dressing that ranges from super casual, hiker chic days to luxe, silky, velvety evenings. I think we are all about extremes right now, and I’m here for it. Here’s what I’m buying and packing for the cooler weather (and no, there are no bargains this time - just inspiration for Googling look-alike items).

For day, I’m packing work wear and outdoor gear that feels sturdy and comfy, while not going too granola:

Peruvian Alpaca Sweater
The softest of the soft, made from Peruvian alpaca and so darling. Man, I am going to need an extra suitcase for Peru, the home of everything alpaca. For some shopping inspiration, I love these two from Christy Dawn, including a literal alpaca on an alpaca sweater and a happy floral.

Dungarees

How cute would that second sweater be over these? With some pigtails or braids on a road trip in the American West.

A Great Pair of Jeans

While I’m still pretty partial to a perfect pair of Levi’s, Jamie Haller makes a more polished pair (the Kenickie, also my favorite character in Grease!) with just the right amount of stretch. A splurge to be sure, but also a classic cut that you can wear forever.

The Perfect, Oversized White T-shirt

The never-ending search for the perfect white T. Right now, I’m into super oversized ones like this one from Ruadh.

Hiking Shoes

I love a rugged looking shoe that looks like it knows it has a job to do. But these Keen Jasper Zionics are also cute enough to wear around town or to Amangiri in Zion.

Packable Fleece

I’m obsessed with this one from Hikerkind. It’s so cozy and also so unique for a fleece. Must have it. And I also love the matching shorts. So chic AND outdoorsy at the same time.

Rain Jacket

The classic, longest lasting, best wearing jacket you can find. I love this one by Barbour for its quality and it’s also reversible and fun for the barn or on the road.

Suede Bag

All suede, all the time in fall. I love these big suede bags by Jamie Haller and just bought one that was handmade in Italy at the county fair. Sounds awful. It isn’t.

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For night, I’m packing sleek, glam, with the requisite luxe fabrics and finishes:

Velvet Blazer

Also, all velvet, all the time. This one by Blaze Milano is stunning and would look great in well, Milano.

Fringe Skirt (or dress)

Have always been obsessed with fringe. Still am. Just bought this one from Natalie Martin to replace my Doen lace-trimmed silk skirt which was torn to shreds by my cat – he’s ready to move on. Natalie also makes a fringe dress in creamy white silk that is to.die.for.

Tall Suede Boots

A little cowgirl, a little sleek and slouchy. The only pair you need.

Scarf Blouse

I LOVE this silk satin set from Rohe, but I would never, ever wear it with this bag or flip flops – shame on Net-a-Porter for styling it like this.

If you’re young, rich and skinny, I like this one from Doen. However, please stop with the scarf around the waist trend already, I’m over it.

Chloe Swan Bag

Hands down, my biggest wish list item this season. Maybe Santa reads this?

Summer Packing Guide - High and Low

Here’s what I’m packing this summer that will take me from the streets of Rome to the lavender fields of Provence. While I like a splurge, I try to buy fewer, high quality pieces that last me for several years, rather than following trends too closely. For the splurgier items here, I’ve also given you a similar vibe at a lower price point. Happy packing!

Long Shirt – A blue shirt is timeless and this one is perfect for both a cover-up at the beach and a dress shirt walking the streets of Rome.

Splurge: Toteme

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White pants – I’ve never loved white jeans, but white pants have become one of my top wardrobe staples in the past year. Paired with the blue top a la Toteme or a matching white top or jacket, tres chic.

Splurge Toteme

Save Free People

Black on black – Yes, we all loved Margot Robbie’s black shorts and long-sleeved T look, but black on black has always been a classic. Here’s my take.

Splurge Shorts Banana Republic and Intimissimi Tee

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Mesh Shoes

I have the black Alaia’s similar to Margot’s and I LOVE them. I wear them constantly.

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Linen top/short set

I love this long top and short short set from Mamene Studio

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Issey Miyake Pleats Please dress

Pleats Please

I’ve long been obsessed with Issey Miyake’s pleated perfection and I finally ordered myself a few pieces for a summer wedding since it’s so light and packable.

Splurge – the real deal.

Save Asos

Something Golden

Whether turmeric, ochre or Mandarin orange, golden is the must-wear color this summer. Get yourself something!

Splurge Jamie Haller

Splurge Khaite (very Carolyn Bessette Kennedy)

Save Rove Byron Bay

Woven Sandals

I’m into this Sézane pair, and here’s a very similar save.

Raffia Bag

Each summer, I add a new fun summer bag to my collection (usually from Loewe but I have to say I miss the Jonathan Anderson days). Here are a few ideas for this year.

Splurge: LemLem

Save: Amazon (just please cut the balls off)

Instead of (or in addition to!) raffia, macrame is also cool and Prada always comes out with the bags you have to have like this one.

Swimsuit

I’m not even going to tell you to buy anything except this Lido swimsuit – my absolute favorite. Just splurge on it already.

Wedges

I’m going to predict the wedge thong as the shoe of the summer. I can’t wear them, but have at it.

And the Stuart Weitzman splurge version.

For people with not-so-pretty feet like me I like this one from Alaia. Obsessed with the mint color.

Water Shoes

If you’re a Euro Summer baby, you have to have your water shoes for all those rocky ass beaches. Here are my faves from Xeroshoes, always a save.

I’m still on the lookout for the perfect caftan, I’ll let you know when I find her (or shoot me an email if you have one you love).

As an Amazon partner, I may receive a commission from some of these items.

Packing with a Pro Part II: Toiletries

I always have my toiletry bag pre-packed and ready to go so I can easily throw it in my suitcase without a lot of thought before a trip. I also like to have some special little treasures inside my travel bag that feel like a fun discovery when I arrive at my destination. Here are my must-haves:

Travel size Augustinus Bader Rich Cream – I’m old and the Rich Cream makes my skin look great. If you’re young, imagine the magic it must bring.

Bader Lip Balm – So good and a beautiful case too.

Barbara Sturm Eye Patches – Undereye bags go with the territory when traveling, so these are my morning pick-me-ups. Plus, there’s something so soothing about taking them out of this container.

Bronze gua sha – Ditto here, de-puffing hero.

Olive oil cleanser by Vasseur or bust. It’s the best and keeps my skin hydrated. I buy the large and then refill the travel size pump bottle for my carry on.

Sunscreen – For my face, I swear by Vasseur’s Day Glow version of Day 25. For body, Vacation smells like, well, vacation.

Face Mist – I use this magical EarthTonics Botanical Toning mist whenever I need a spritz of fairy dust (aka every day).

Makeup Kit – I like the makeup free look so I rarely wear much more than what’s included in this kit.

Marvis whitening toothpaste – The only toothpaste anyone should use. 

Oribe Gold Lust travel set – I always bring my own shampoo and conditioner, no matter how good the hotel is.

Mason Pearson brush – A classic.

Josie Maran Body Butter – I love this pro-retinol version for my aging skin. I wish I would have started using it earlier in life. You should start now.

Travel Medicine Kit – if I’m going out of the country, I pretty much always throw up so I always have a few medications in my bag.

Lafco Sachet – This doesn’t go in my makeup bag, but I always keep a nice smelling sachet in my suitcase to keep my clothes fresh and I love this one.

Add these to your usuals like Q-tips, eye drops for dry plane eyes, floss, a special toothbrush, some nice deod, and you’re good to go for every trip, rain or shine, snow or beach.

As an Amazon partner, I receive commission on purchases of some of these items.

Packing With a Pro Part 1: The Basics

I’m a big believer that packing should not be stressful, it should be fun. About a week prior to each trip, I try on all of my clothes and put together outfits to see what I’m missing, what definitely has to come and what needs to stay at home. Then, I hang the winning items on my door and look at them over the week to decide if they bring me joy or not. If they don’t bring joy, they stay home.

Here I’m sharing a few of my favorite picks for your packing basics that you can easily (and quickly) get delivered from Amazon (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases). Think of it as packing in black and white.

Briggs & Riley Suitcase - Always a carry on, because nothing’s worse than losing your stuff! I’m obsessed with my Briggs & Riley - the thing is like a bottomless pit. No joke, I have traveled for two weeks out of this suitcase. If you’re like Troy and prefer the spinner wheels, this one’s for you. If Briggs is too pricey, Away makes a nice hard shell.

LV Duffle - My packing combo of choice is always the B&R suitcase with my Louis duffle. And guess what!? Amazon has some pre-loved duffles. So go on, get yourself one. It’s important to look good and feel good when you travel.

White Mesh Packing Cubes - Who doesn’t love a nicely organized suitcase, with all of the things in their places. These are especially great if you’re going to multiple destinations with different clothing needs - i.e. maybe a beach for part of the trip and city for the rest. Pull out only the cubes you need for each destination and leave the rest nice and tidy. If you’re a nut like me and like things to match, Briggs & Riley also makes some lovely cubes.

Apple Air Tags - I’m kind of obsessed with these and want to put them in everything. Put one in your suitcase just in case you have to check it, put one in your purse, put one on your husband if he wanders off. Always makes me feel better.

Mesh Laundry Bag - Yes, I’m a neat freak. Yes, I love having my dirty laundry in a laundry bag so I know what’s what and can isolate it from the rest. You should too.

Hanging Makeup/Toiletry Bag - You must be able to hang your toiletries up just in case the bathroom is too small for a lot of counter clutter. This one is a little pricey, but will last you forever. And, you can wash it. Please wash it every once in a while.

Cashmere Wrap - Another always for me. Cashmere wrap to keep you cozy on the plane when you’re shivering. Black goes with everything you might need to wear it with once you get there.

Ballet Flats - This one’s just for the girls (or Harry Styles) but I always throw in a pair of ballet flats, they’re easy to squeeze in and look great with everything and are a level up from sneakers.

Bose Headphones - I hate ear buds, air pods, whatever. They give you brain cancer. I love my Bose noise cancelling headphones. Put these on with a movie, glass of wine and a nice face mask and tune the world out. Heaven.

A Good Book! - My pick for happy reading, Theo of Golden.

Next up, toiletries. A critical component of a successful trip. Let me know if you have any topics you want to be sure I cover!