Plan outfits before you pack

According to Cassandra, establishing a game plan for the aesthetic or vibe you’re looking to achieve while you’re away is critical for proper outfit execution. “You don’t have to be all parts of your style or character for every trip; it’s OK to play up or down different elements for ease of packing,” she says. Do this by making a physical list of what outfits you plan to take so you can work out what you can a) mix and match, b) rewear and c) eliminate due to any duplicates. 

Another one of Cassandra’s tips to help avoid overpacking is to look up whether there’s a washing machine where you’re staying so you can cut down the amount you bring dramatically. 

Pack your essentials first

Think about what you can’t live without while you’re travelling. For Cassandra there are two items that are non-negotiable: a cosy sweatshirt for those cold plane rides and reusable eye gels for dark circles (after 24 hours in transit, these count as essential items to “wear”). There are also obvious pieces like undies, bras, socks, PJs, shoes, pants and T-shirts.

Beyond that, Cassandra recommends adding your core items to your list first. The top five items you’ll always find in her suitcase are hyaluronic acid to keep her skin supple, a tank top for everyday wear, some comfy sneakers to explore the destination, the perfect white T-shirt to go with everything else in her suitcase and a pair of sunglasses to protect her eyes while out and about. Once you have your essentials, you can move on to the “extras”.

Added tip: consider essentials that will reduce your impact while you’re in transit, like stasher bags for food and your own refillable water bottle.

Capsule dressing

Capsule dressing – choosing a selection of staple pieces – is the easiest way to minimise the amount you pack and will also banish outfit anxiety while you’re away. “While travelling I have learned less is more and it’s the key to packing efficiently,” Cassandra says.

A capsule wardrobe will often consist of a dress, a T-shirt, a shirt, a skirt, jeans, trousers, a jumper and a jacket, and it’s an easy checklist if you’re heading on a trip that’s going to last for over a week. One of each (bar the T-shirts as you may need a couple) is a perfect start.

Cassandra says if you’re opting to go for that capsule style, the best thing to do is to make sure all your items are super versatile so you can mix and match them: “This means anything basic and minimal, choosing solid neutral colours, seasonless styles that can be dressed up or down, items that can be worn on their own or paired under that one core jacket.”

Include a few hero or statement pieces

Packing less and with versatility in mind doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. “I always try to include a few statement or hero pieces when packing for a trip,” Cassandra says. This could be introducing a bold colour, printed garments or edgy accessories. “Ideally whatever these pieces are, they need to be able to be worn with more than one outfit.”