Whether your car is full of gas or your plane tickets are burning a hole in your inbox it’s time to get the heck out of dodge and down to Newport Beach. Even if you’re only traveling a short distance, packing properly is the essential first step to having a great trip. What should I pack, you ask? Well I’m here to go over the basics as well as some commonly made mistakes and show you how to travel in style.

#1 – Nothing gets packed unless it goes with at least two other pieces! (Hint: this is also a great tip when buying clothes). We all fall into the pattern of over packing with miss-matched items thinking that we’ll have some ah-ha moment and make a spectacular outfit. Don’t do it, make a plan! List all the places and events included in your travel itinerary and think of the clothes that will be perfect for them.

Multi-use of DL 1961 Premium Denim create multiple outfits… Find them at American Rag Cie

#2 – Commit to neutrals on at least one half of your body; save the other half for prints. For instance pair a bohemian printed skirt with a white tank, or a striped Breton top with your favorite denim. Remember that the color grey is the best working neutral for both day and night.

Sans Arcidet, Parisian designed bags perfect for a vacation from Laguna Supply CDM

#3 – Bring accessories. One of the ways you can be stylish is by adding a versatile bag, a statement necklace or a wrist full of bangles. They will certainly take up less space and will still allow you to create different looks. Avoid bringing your expensive pieces; there’s no better vacation buzz kill than losing an expensive or sentimental item.

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#4- This might be controversial for my shoe lovers (if you know me personally you might think I didn’t write this) but limit shoes to no more than two or three pairs. Remember your outfits should have already been preselected, so there just is no need for the extra baggage. A pair of comfortable sandals or even espadrilles would work well, and one dressier pair for evening is all you really need.

Now, that you have a plan it’s time to pack, I suggest rolling, NOT folding. You’ll find that you will have a lot more space and the items won’t shift around so easily. Make sure all toiletries are separated into plastic bags! Shoes should be neatly wrapped in a shoe bag with jewelry tucked inside the toe. You’re all set, have a great vacation!