Traveling Fashionable and Light

“I’m leavin’ on a Jet Plane”
- John Denver

Packing light to avoid the “Luggage Weight Restrictions”


I recently attended the out of state wedding of my niece. We were there for four days and would be attending two formal to semi-formal functions, and several casual events.

So…what do you bring, how do you pack for an occasion like this? With airline weight restrictions and baggage costs, it is not easy. I found that stretching my wardrobe helped me pack lightly and still look great for each occasion.

This trip is a great example of how building a basic wardrobe can make planning for those special events less stressful!

First my packing list: 1 khaki cotton shirt dress, 1 lightweight cream cardigan sweater, 1 denim pencil skirt, 1 green sleeveless sweater, 1 multi/brown light cotton t-shirt sweater, 1 cream tank top, 1 brown tank top, 1 gray wrap dress, 1 brown silk dress, 1 pair tan flats, 1 pair low heel metallic sandals, 1 pair red high heels, 1 pair high heel champagne silk sandals, 1 silk multicolor scarf, 1 lightweight multi color pashmina, 1 bracelet, and 2 statement necklaces: one formal, one casual.

Day One:
We flew out Thursday morning to arrive in Little Rock at noon. Planning a versatile travel outfit paid off, as we went from 55 degrees in Minneapolis to 95 degrees in Little Rock!

Layering was the key. I wore my basic cotton khaki shirtdress with a brown tank top, lightweight cream cardigan sweater, and tan flats. I kept everything neutral and monochromatic. I was then able to wear my dress for a casual lunch with the soon to be bride, by switching out my travel tank and sweater for a narrow belt, and statement necklace. I also changed my travel flats for a metallic sandal that was perfect for a casual lunch.

That evening we were attending a welcome dinner for out-of-town guests. Again this was a casual event. I wore my basic dark denim pencil skirt, with a lightweight green sleeveless sweater, and a fun silk and fringe scarf. My metallic sandals work perfectly for this outfit also.

Day Two:
My denim pencil skirt was perfect for the next day when we had some time to ourselves to walk and site-see. I paired the skirt with the flats I wore on the plane, and the multi/brown light cotton t-shirt sweater. It was warm outside but I stayed cool, comfortable, and put together.

That evening we attended the groom’s dinner. This was a semi-formal event and I wore the basic gray wrap dress for this occasion. I was able to dress it up with red heels and a beautiful red statement necklace. This outfit was simple yet elegant.

Day Three:
Saturday, was the wedding day, we had more time to relax and see the city that day. I was able to pair my denim pencil skirt with my lightweight cream cardigan sweater from the airplane, my cream tank top, and tan flats. The cardigan worked for going in and out of air-conditioning.

The big event, I wore a brown raw silk dress with champagne color open toe heels. The dress was elegant and I only needed a sparkly stone bracelet to complete the look. I brought my beautiful multicolor pashmina along for the evening chill as we were walking from the church to the reception and then to the hotel afterwards.

Day Four:
On our way back to Minneapolis after a perfect wedding weekend! I wore the khaki dress, tan flats and the multicolored pashmina. The pashmina was great for the chill in the airplane and the cooler weather in Minnesota.

Although I needed special outfits for the two special events, I was able to take pieces from the basic wardrobe I’ve built for myself and mix and match them to create four days worth of outfits.

My weekend was fantastic and I always felt put together. I would love to talk to you about creating your stress free basics wardrobe that will carry you through any occasion.