Over the past two weeks, I’ve made two separate packing lists for two back-to-back but very different trips, and two very different packing styles, or systems, that I’ll be leaning into.
First up is a week in the North Fork, where I’m writing from now. Mainly to get my kids to summer camp, but also hoping to squeeze in a nice outing with a mom friend after several days of camp drop-offs and pick-ups. Maybe end-of-week sunset cocktails while the kids watch a movie?
Then, as soon as we get home, it’s time to get on a plane to Costa Brava and Barcelona, where we’ll be spending time at the beaches in Spain and then in one of my favorite cities.
To keep my stress level manageable after getting back from the North Fork, I started packing for Spain before we even left. The idea is that when I get home, I can do whatever essential laundry is needed from the week and have almost everything else ready to go. I’ll keep you posted on how this works IRL...
Packing for a car trip is obviously very different from packing for a plane trip that then turns into a car trip. But this is the part of packing I find the most fun. I like thinking through the function and utility I need from my bags, while also finding pieces that are aesthetically pleasing, figuring out how many I actually need, and then trying to make the whole setup as efficient as possible.
For me, good packing isn’t necessarily about packing less. It’s mostly about making sure everything has a purpose, and ideally more than one.
Once I choose my bags, I start pulling together a balance of pieces I know I’ll need, pieces I’m certain I’ll be reaching for more than once, and then a few fun things that come to life when I have a vacation or a destination to bring them to. They’re not necessarily the most practical things in my closet, but they make a trip feel like a vacation.
My biggest rule is that almost everything needs to do double duty. A bathing suit that doubles as a top and can be dressed up with a shoe and jewelry for dinner. A button-down that works as a beach cover-up and over pants at night. A bag that can be a beach bag one day and a personal item the next.
I’ve also found that having a system for the bags and luggage is almost as important as what’s inside them. Especially when you’re moving between a car, a plane, another car, a hotel, the beach and dinner. The goal is to make everything easy to find and easy to move.
Packing for the car
The North Fork trip is the easier one, mostly because we’re driving. There’s no real luggage limit beyond what can physically fit in the car, which means I can be a little more generous. But I still like having a system.
And that system is: as many totes as are needed to do the job. Big old totes! Durable, roomy, open totes with sturdy handles that make it easy to grab and go. I have a collection of old L.L.Bean Boat and Totes, along with several other canvas totes that are just so functional.
One tote for my clothes, one for shoes, one for beach things, one for each kid, another for food and snacks, and one easy-access bag for the car. Bags within bags keeps everything organized without requiring much actual organization.
For clothes, I’m thinking in uniforms rather than outfits: shorts + tee, easy pants + tank, swimsuit + oversized shirt. Pieces that can be mixed around without requiring me to think too hard. Usually, these are the pieces I wear throughout the week anyway, already hanging on the back of my chair.
Then I add a couple of things that can shift into evening mode with a different shoe, bag or piece of jewelry.
The goal is to be comfortable enough for camp logistics and beach days, keep it real, but still have a little fun with getting dressed.
My favorite one-piece that doubles as a top
Sheer black button-down (I love wearing it over my swimsuit as a coverup, or with a pair of drapey bermuda shorts to look a bit more polished)
Poplin drawstring pants (gives Leset at a fraction of the price)
The best face sunscreen stick (that I chase my kids down with)
Packing for the plane
The Spain packing list is a different story.
Here I’m thinking much more carefully about volume, weight and versatility. Everything has to earn the space it takes up, especially because we’re going from beach days to walking around Barcelona to dinners and drinks. I don’t want to pack an entirely different wardrobe for each.
I’m looking for pieces that can move between settings: a lightweight button-down that works as a beach cover-up or over pants at night, shorts that work with a tank during the day and something slightly more polished for dinner. Shoes are probably the hardest category because they take up so much space, so every pair needs to have a very clear job, preferably several.
I also want the bags to work just as hard. The luggage I’m bringing is lightweight and durable, with a top opening that makes it surprisingly space-efficient. I’m a big fan of anything that makes packing and unpacking a little easier.
And the bag I carry onto the plane should ideally become useful once we’re there. A smaller crossbody that works for walking around Barcelona should also hold the essentials for dinner. A roomy tote can be the beach bag, but also the thing I throw everything into when we’re moving from one place to another.
Basically, I want every bag and every piece of clothing to have a job. And, if I can give it two or three jobs, even better.
The Carry-On Bag
This nylon travel tote is super lightweight, durable and comes with tons of interior organization. Features a zippered top, comfortable straps and comes in two sizes and fun prints.
Canvas and Leather Tote with an adjustable shoulder strap and a zip top — feels chic and elevated, very versatile.
Nylon and Leather zippered weekender — I have another bag from this brand that I love. It’s beautifully designed, materials are top-notch, straps are comfy, and features a very organized interior.
Cheetah hair pouch (doubles as a clutch)
My favorite on-the-go face wipes
Sculptural and refillable cream blush (I find a little color on my cheeks helps after an overnight flight)
Jet lag eye patches in a handy single pack
Lip balm (this is my favorite clear balm— it’s moisturizing and not greasy feeling)
Large City Tote / Beach Bag
Giant double sided leather and suede tote (chic enough for the city, durable enough for the beach)
Cosmetics and Toiletry Bags
Clear toilety case with magnetic closure (I love being able to see everything so easily)
Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence (feels like a spa in a spritz bottle)
Kosas Multistick (I love this color as a perfect lip to cheek)
Travel size miscellar water (I’m also just a sucker for any product that comes in a travel size!)
The perfect red nail polish for a quick touchup
Jewelry and Sunglasses Case
Versatile travel case for jewerly and sunglasses (it has interchangeable compartments depending on what you need to carry)
Black Khaite sunglasses (these are pre-owned)
The Row x Eyevan sunglasses (sadly sold out, but here’s a pair and a good alt here)
Spiral Calder-inspired earrings from one of my favorite stores, Vestige
Underwear and Socks Pouch
This has been my go-to bra, for comfort, fit and smooth lines
Lounge shorts in super soft terry (and comes in the cutest colors)
High-cut bikini briefs in a soft breathable cotton elastane blend
Monogrammed croco embossed oversized pouch
My favorite cotton ribbed socks
Suitcase / Base level pieces
I alternate between this medium check-in when I’m traveling solo, and this larger expandable suitcase when I’m with my family, and need more space (it also opens on top so it saves space in the hotel room too) and these packing cubes (or these striped cubes)
Chartreuse wide-leg pants (I have the shorts version too)
White tee (this one is cotton but has a bit of a slouchy feel)
Softest leather loafers (another pair that looks very chic and comfy)
Extra pieces to create cocktail-ready looks
Black leather bag (perfect for crossbody by day, and as a shoulder or clutch in the evenings)
My favorite strappy sandals with a very comfortable padded footbed
Daytime at the beaches
Leather sunglasses holder (I never lose my glasses with this, or sometimes tie it onto my bag to keep them within reach)
Arch support flip flops (I wear these when I know I’ll be walking 10-15K steps)
Ok now I will wrap this up with a few of my favorite pro-packing-tips I’ve collected over the years:
Always pack a swimsuit, you never know!
Stick to a cohesive color palette if possible
Invest in quality bags and luggage so you can use for years
Choose shoes by end-use and functionality (I try to limit to 3 pairs)
Leave some space for shopping or bring a packable extra bag
Other things on my mind:
If you are going to Paris anytime soon, or just want to plan a trip there, you must check out Rose Florence ‘s incredible art-focused guide. One of my favorite substacks by the way!!
I love how Kelly Williams speaks to repeating pieces as B.O.R.E. (as illustrated by my packing approach)
These bowls have been elevating all my pastas and my bits and pieces all summer
I know I am still in full-on Summer mode, but this collection by Auralee is getting me very excited for Fall layering
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Always a treat to see your packing, but what I really want is an image of your bag closet once you’re home. You have more totes than, well, anyone on Substack, and it would be fun to see them all in their natural habitat.
The Pompon is a packing-style no-brainer. So glad to be in the edit, Joyce.