How To Pack Like a Pro

I’m leaving on another trip tonight, so I thought I’d do a quick tutorial on how to get the most out of your suitcase and “pack like a pro.” After taking dozens of trips this year, I feel like I have it down to a science by now! This trip is a work/sightseeing trip, so several things are important: the ability to mix & match (versatility) and comfort!
When planning what to pack, I usually lay all of my clothes on my bed to create different outfits before packing them away in my suitcase. You want to stick with a neutral color palette and pack a lot of basics with just a few statement pieces thrown in. With the pieces shown above, you can create more than thirteen different outfits!

Here’s a great packing list for a five or six-day trip (including outfit changes for both day and night):

Six tops:
A layering piece:
this tropical-print kimono (it’s also a good idea to bring a scarf!)
Two dresses and/or rompers:
a black romper that can be dressed up or down + a comfortable tank dress
Bottoms:
one pair of white pants (or jeans) + two pairs of shorts (white shorts and jean shorts
Two handbags:
Two pairs of comfortable shoes:
Neutral sandals for walking + dressy heels for evenings
Accessories:
One straw hat + a pair of black sunglasses
To save even more room in your suitcase, one of the outfits can be worn to the airport! Whenever I travel with a hat, I prefer to wear it to the airport instead of packing it in my luggage – I have had several hats get ruined that way.
white tank // kimono // white pants // Tory Burch sandals // tan tote bag (less than $40)
Here are just a few of the outfit combinations that could be created from the items I had listed above. My personal favorites are this striped off-shoulder top and this black tank (I have both 🙂

Any guesses where I’m headed this weekend!? Here’s a hint… I’ve been here before, two years ago, and HOPEFULLY it will be a lot cooler and less humid here than it is in North Carolina right now 🙂

Be sure to follow along on instagram & snapchat (cmcoving!)
xoxo

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31 Comments

  1. Love the picks! <3

    xo Vanessa from http://www.TheTrendique.com

    6.17.16Reply
  2. I see you are really a packing pro! Thanks for the input, I have potential in this context 🙂
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    6.17.16Reply
  3. Hi Caitlin, I am packing for a trip to San Francisco next week. I never seem to know what to pack. I will be at a conference for three days, but that's pretty casual. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    6.17.16Reply
  4. This was so helpful!! I definitely need to start getting better at packing, I always end up overpacking. Thanks for sharing, I hope you have a great trip!

    Ashley
    MyWellDressedLife.com

    6.17.16Reply
  5. I seriously needed to see this post because I'm SO bad at packing lightly! Love all these tips!

    http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com

    6.17.16Reply
  6. What size do you have in the black tank? I also love the striped tank, but just not sure how the sizing in that brand runs. Thanks!

    6.17.16Reply
    • I have a size US 4! Topshop runs small, so the US 4 is an equivalent of XS. Hope that helps 🙂

      6.17.16Reply
  7. Great packing tips! Have fun on your trip!

    xO – Steph
    http://www.urbanblonde.com

    6.17.16Reply
  8. I have been loving the content you've been putting on your blog lately! This post is great (I have that white scalloped top and I'm obsessed with it). I love your fashion posts, but the mixture of things like this and Friday Favorites are really nice! I hope you keep them up 🙂
    http://www.amemoryofus.com

    6.17.16Reply
  9. This is such a great and fun post!! Have fun on vacay! 🙂

    xo Kelsey | http://www.chasingcinderellablog.com

    6.17.16Reply
  10. These are such great tips this is definitely going to help me out next time! Xo
    http://www.laneyslooks.com

    6.17.16Reply
  11. I love this! I always have the hardest time bringing the right amount and usually end up overpacking. However, with two kiddos I spend more of my time focusing on what to bring them than myself ha. 🙂

    Rachel
    Simply Rachel Nicole

    6.17.16Reply
  12. I literally do this in my head every time I pack, but what a great way to do it!

    xo,
    Sara Kate Styling

    6.17.16Reply
  13. ok this is the best idea ever! love this!!!!!

    @stylemelauren
    http://www.stylemelauren.com

    6.17.16Reply
  14. Great packing tips. I always pack pieces I can mix and match to take the most advantage of the cary-on space. Have a wonderful vacation and weekend.
    XO,
    Maria
    MariaOnPoint http://mariaonpoint.com/ | Find me on IG https://www.instagram.com/mariajabad/

    6.17.16Reply
  15. I love the idea of mixing + matching + packing most neutrals with very few statement pieces! That's a huge room saving tip 🙂 I can't wait to find out where you're going!

    http://www.toreystreasures.com
    @toreystreasures

    6.17.16Reply
  16. This is genius! I have the bad habit of overpacking and wearing less than half of what I bring, so this was really helpful!

    xo, Carey
    https://thedaintydetails.wordpress.com

    6.17.16Reply
  17. This is so helpful, I'm going to Hawaii in July so I'll definitely be using this!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

    6.17.16Reply
  18. Great tips!! Love your blog ❤️ ! Have fun and safe travels!

    6.17.16Reply
  19. Love this post and all the outfits! I am going to New York next week and will be using this post to pack!!

    6.18.16Reply
  20. This is great!!! More of these, I love it! I am going on a Maui honeymoon next year and need styling and packing ideas!

    6.18.16Reply
  21. Loving all the summer styles!

    Jill
    smallkineliving.blogspot.com

    6.18.16Reply
  22. In love with your page girl. Would love to connect with you, check out my latest London lookbook!
    Kisses xo | From Aliona With Love

    Instagram @alionawithlove
    Twitter @alionawithlove

    6.18.16Reply
  23. Anonymous

    thanks for this post ! 🙂 loving this (packing) style

    love your blog xoxo K.

    properlifehome.blogspot.com

    6.18.16Reply
  24. where's the hat from?

    6.19.16Reply
  25. I love your tips and can not wait to see your outfits!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

    6.19.16Reply
  26. Love this post! I also love seeing what other people pack for inspiration! xox

    6.19.16Reply
  27. Anonymous

    I love this post! It's great to see what you pack – you do so much travelling, you must know how to pack well! Plus that black romper is gorgeous – SO adding to cart right now!

    http://www.blushandbordeaux.com

    6.19.16Reply
  28. I love how much thought and detail you put into your posts!

    6.20.16Reply
  29. This post is super helpful! It is great to be able to visually see how each piece mixes and matches so easily!

    Jordan: The Teacup of Style
    Instagram: @teacupofstyle

    6.21.16Reply