3 Packing Mistakes I Made Just Last Week
No matter how many trips we take or stories we write about perfecting packing, we’re all still prone to a mistake or two (or three). I say this because—as you might have guessed—I did exactly this just last week. While packing for my Fourth of July trip to Spain, I still somehow managed leave out certain essentials and overdo it in other departments. But hey, admitting you have a problem is the first step, right? Hoping to break my own bad habits and, of course, help our dear readers, today I’m outlining the three biggest packing mistakes I made while prepping for my recent trip—you’ll find them listed out below, along with some of my favorite vacation-approved items.
1. Overdoing it on “extras”
Despite actually planning most of my outfits out ahead of time (for once), I somehow managed to throw in a few extra skirts, an additional pair of jeans, and five tops of the “just in case” variety. Spoiler alert: I didn’t end up wearing any of them!
Shop Vacation Outfits I Love:
Top and Parker Pants (154) available in sizes XS to L.
Jacket and Utility Shorts ($25) available in sizes 2 to 26.
2. Forgetting about downtime
While I overpacked in some departments, one area I totally overlooked was downtime. In between beach days and dinners, I found myself without a single comfortable thing to wear, and I really missed my sweatpants!
Shop My Favorite Downtime Pieces:
Sweatshirt and Milan Joggers ($225) available in sizes XS to L.
3. Too. Many. Shoes.
Will I ever learn? As I mentioned before, I even planned my outfits ahead of time but couldn’t resist throwing in three pairs of shoes too many. Not only were they unnecessary, but this caused my suitcase to be overweight, forcing me to root through my suitcase at the airport and move some items into my husband’s bag.
Shop Shoes Worth Packing:
Now for the affordable Amazon item you should pack for every trip…
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.
-
I Asked Chic Jet-Setters What Fashion and Beauty Essentials They Pack in Their Carry-Ons—28 I Immediately Added to My Cart
Up, up, and away.
By Ana Escalante
-
Packing for Spring Trips Is Hard, so I Made a List of 8 Useful Things to Bring
Prepare for unpredictable weather.
By Allyson Payer
-
I Just Spent 2 Weeks in Japan, and These 5 Items Made Packing a Breeze
Two weeks, one suitcase.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
39 J.Crew, Reformation, and COS Items That Are Ideal for Spring Travel
Skip the last-minute scramble.
By Allyson Payer
-
I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves to Travel—30 Essentials I'm Packing This Year
Seriously good travel items ahead.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
You Have 48 Hours in Los Angeles—Here's Your Fashion Editor–Approved Itinerary
Get your Resy app ready.
By Natalie Gray Herder
-
I'm Getting Ready for a Month in Colorado—These 35 Items Are Nonnegotiable
Packing for a winter wonderland.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
I Packed for 5 Trips in One Suitcase—20 Versatile Items I Wore in Every Place
NGL, this packing job was stellar.
By Eliza Huber