How to pack like a blogger: 11 genius tips from our Style Panel
When it comes to summer vacations, packing isn’t the most fun pastime, especially when you’re expected to pack all your fave outfits into one (or two) bags. Sure, jet-setting to (insert destination) is exciting, but who hasn’t stood in front of their empty suitcase the night before and wished they could just take their whole closet and be done with it? Well, before you go pack everything into your carry-on and check-in bag (or worse, not pack anything), let us lend you a hand.
We all know fashion bloggers have packing down pat, being pro-travellers and all (#goals). So we tapped our very own Style Panel to share their packing tips. Given that this weekend will be the second-last long weekend of summer, we want to make sure you’ve packed all you need to travel in style wherever you end up. Behold, here are 11 blogger-approved tips how to pack for your summer vacation, from covering your basics to packing that special, statement piece.
Question 164: How do you pack for a trip? Read the answers now! »
Kayla Short, 29
Halifax | Short Presents
When it comes to packing, it’s kind of funny because I’m almost always the one that packs the least. People tease me with remarks like “you’re the style blogger, where’s your other bag?” The thing is I know what I like to wear. The trick is to pack what you feel the most comfortable in, and what you’ll wear no matter how hot it is or how bloated you feel. I cover the basics (shorts and tees) and add one basic day dress, one sexy evening dress, one jacket I can layer over anything, and I try to colour coordinate shoes and accessories so I don’t need other options. If you’re going to be swimming a lot, pack lots of swimsuits that mix and match because you basically won’t wear anything else anyway.
Kayla’s wearing. Pants, top, jacket, bag, Bench. Shoes, Under Armour.
Alyssa Beltempo, 30
Ottawa | Ms. Beltempo
Having just returned from vacation, I can safely say that a standout maxi dress is a must for any summer vacation. Normally I love mixing separates, but a maxi works perfectly for day with a block heel or flats, and can get easily dressed up for night with a strappy sandal and some fun jewellery. Bonus points if it’s a fabric that doesn’t wrinkle!
Mikayla Kuehn, 19
Toronto | MakStyle.ca
When it comes to packing for summer vacations, I choose basic pieces to wear such as t-shirts, shorts, casual skirts, etc. I then have some fun by injecting statement pieces such as a cool hat, a fun purse (or backpack) and accessories. While traveling in style, I go for a comfy t-shirts and denim cut-off shorts with a baseball cap. I added the choker to stay on trend and popped on a pair of cool reflective sunglasses. My carry-on would be this adorable pink leather bucket bag backpack!
Mikayla’s wearing: T-Shirt, H&M. Shorts, Forever 21. Hat, Go Jane. Shoes, Converse.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 28
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
This year for our summer getaway, we are heading to New York, in the middle of August, which apparently will be insanely hot. So I’ve planned to pick up a few more light dresses that can take me from daytime adventuring to late night drinks. This Marimekko print is perfect and the lightweight fabric of the dress is ideal for taking on the city summer heat.
Barbara’s wearing: Dress: Marimekko for Target. Mules, Zara. Glasses, Derek Cardigan for Clearly.ca.
Kira Paran, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure
For me it’s a struggle to find a balance between light, easy packing and overloading my luggage like a hoarder. I constantly live in fear that I’ll miss something vital. Recently I started focusing on the basics to ease that stress. For tropical vacations you need a few simple items that can coordinate with one another: a wide brim hat, dressy shorts, a cute top, a maxi dress and a great beach cover-up. I pick a colour palette for the majority of items I pack, that way they all coordinate with one another, making the possibilities endless!
Kira’s wearing: Top: J.Crew. Shorts, H&M. Sunglasses, Karen Walker.
Conni Jespersen, 35
Toronto | Art in the Find
I made a list of all of the summer pieces and made sure they fit into my summer wardrobe essentials suitcase. Your summer wardrobe essentials might be a bit different from the next gal, so I made very broad categories in case you want to check some of these off your summer list too.
6 pieces to add to your summer outfit ideas:
Shorts
They are my summer wardrobe essential. Plenty of them, including striped shorts, jean shorts and lace shorts, all top my list.
Sleeveless dresses
From drop-waist to fit-and-flare to maxi dresses, sleeveless dresses are pieces I’m currently living in all summer long.
Open-toe sandals
t=Tan, black, and silver are three of my summer sandal darlings on rotation, and in a bag with me everywhere I go.
Cross-body bags
These convenient little gems leave your hands free to carry around other necessities, like your coffee and farmers market goods.
Tote bags
Fabulous summer straw bags are delightfully roomy and are perfect for packing a beach picnic, loading up on your market veggies or even doubling up as a weekend bag.
Stripes, stripes, and more stripes
A natural go-to for summer. I’d say that 50% of what I pack in my suitcase are stripes.
Hafsa Pathan, 28
Toronto | Hafsa Pathan
Culottes, cotton shirts and comfy sandals are my summer vacation essentials. In terms of accessories, I like having a small bag with me (nothing big or bulky) with only the bare necessities packed: wallet, lip balm and cell phone. Oh, and a fun pair of sunglasses.
Hafsa’s wearing: Top, culottes and shoes, Zara. Bag, Matt & Nat. Sunglasses, Aldo.
Liat Neuman, 39
Toronto | YomanChic
Summer vacations are all about feeling free and enjoying the relaxing moments under the sun. When it comes to packing for an exotic destination, I always tend to pick bright and bold pieces which reflect the joys of summer time and pair them with easy breezy fabrics, like this denim skirt. This is a functional item that works under multiple occasions, both for walking near the seashore or for a dinner.
When it comes to accessories, lace-up flat sandals are a great way to create a fashion forward look without losing the comfort. And, of course don’t forget your stylish panama hat that screams summer.
Liat’s wearing: Skirt, Aritzia. Top, Mendocino. Hat, Urban Outfitters. Bag, Nine West. Sandals, Aldo. Sunglasses, Free People.
Christopher Norris, 26
Moncton | Exploreco
When packing for vacation, I say there are two categories to focus on. Category one: the basic, versatile things that will have your back no matter the activity on vacation; and category two: the most fun, loud, experimental things that you otherwise haven’t worn out in public yet. Everything in between can be left home.
Your basic, probably neutral items will have you covered (literally and figuratively) for whatever your vacay brings, but this is the perfect time to go all out with those items that you try on in front of the mirror and second guess yourself every time. Vacation is like your big coming out party. Don’t be afraid to go loud and go proud. I did so here by throwing caution to the wind with this bright floral top, and blingy gold bracelet. If anybody’s hatin’, you probably won’t understand his or her foreign language anyway, so strut your vacation stuff.
Laura Mitbrodt, 31
Victoria | Laura Jane Atelier
When it comes to packing for a summer vacation, I make sure to bring a lot of versatile dresses. I like to wear dresses when I am travelling because they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For example: I love this tunic-style dress because it can be worn to the beach or out and about on sightseeing trips.
Laura’s wearing: Dress, Chic Wish. Sunglasses, Forever 21.
Sarmistha Goswami, 35
Ahmedabad, India | Style Over Coffee
I love to mix comfort and style while on a vacation. I try to travel light so that there is room for souvenirs to bring back from my vacation. So, I believe in packing smart with items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. For a day look, I pack a pair of well-fitted skinny jeans with few basic tops, a pair of shorts, few sundresses and a jacket or a blazer. For a night out, an evening dress and a couple of blouses in darker colours work well for me. My footwear choices include sneakers and sandals for the day and a pair of high heels (usually black) to go with my evening outfits. I carry accessories like scarves and sunglasses that take up less space and can add a spark to an outfit.
I definitely love to travel in style, which is why my airport look comprises of smart wardrobe staples. Dark skinny jeans, a striped tee and ankle boots keep me comfortable and stylish. I wear a cover-up as the cabin temperature often gets cold. A black blazer is my must-have item to stay warm and yet not compromise the style factor while on the go.
Sarmistha’s wearing: Top, Only. Jeans, Boohoo. Blazer, H&M. Boots, Mango. Sunglasses, Aldo. Hairband and earrings, Local shops in India.
