A fashion industry expert has shared her picks for clothing that can make packing for your vacation stress-free.
The list follows a minimalist approach: seven must-pack items to swear by every time one travels by plane. Included in this selection are hard-working and compact accessories, lightweight and adaptable textiles, and at least one statement shoe.
Co-Founder and Style Expert at Australian fashion platform Brand House Direct, Leanna Spektor is behind this idea. Her wisdom on suitable travel attire comes from decades of experience in fashion retail and, of course, traveling.
Packing Choices for the Win
First on Spektor’s list is a neutral blazer, which she describes as “a secret weapon,” taking up minimal space but enhancing your whole look. She chooses cotton or lightweight wool, which pack well and remain breathable.
Another making the grade is one “perfect pair of jeans,” in dark colors. Jeans are a no-brainer as far as Spektor is concerned. Dark colors are great for hiding travel wear; what’s more, jeans work in day or night. “Pair them with trainers for sightseeing, swap to ankle boots for dinner,” she explains.
Perhaps the one item bringing relief to this austere method is number four on her list: the statement shoe. “Your shoes make or break an outfit,” Leanna says. “I always pack one pair that does double duty, so it’s comfortable enough for walking but stylish enough for nice restaurants. A leather loafer or Chelsea boot hits that sweet spot.”
Other picks include “the everyday crossbody bag” alongside “merino wool layers” and “the slip dress or midi skirt.”
Choosing Freedom over Decision-Making
Aesthetics and pragmatism are not often great partners, and Spektor feels she has the edge on those who pack “intentionally.” She values the freedom of not having to choose, with a travel wardrobe already preordained.
“I’ve learned that versatility beats variety every time,” she shared in an exclusive press release. “A neutral blazer styled three different ways is infinitely more valuable than three separate jackets taking up space. The same logic applies to shoes, accessories, and base layers.”
How The Other Half Lives
Instagram and TikTok already shower us with influencer reels showing us what they wore on their travels. There are many examples, such as TikToker @serentiffany, who models her many outfits worn on a recent Saudi Arabia trip.
Furthermore, Vogue’s annual summer campaigns often follow celebrities on exotic fashionista adventures. This summer’s feature revealed what stars like Kylie Jenner, Margot Robbie, and Dua Lipa wore as they hit foreign shores.
Of course, it’s one thing to look great on camera, but for most vacationers, this is a luxury while abroad. As influencers and celebrities pack for first-class luggage dimensions or a gleaming Jetstream, most travelers have to balance their packing priorities.
The Rise of Luggage Fees Makes Packing an Art
We live in a world where the price of luggage has been steadily rising. Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics indicates that in 2024 alone, airline operators raised over $7 billion in revenue.
An illustration of how airlines are doubling down on luggage revenues came with American Airlines. Passengers may have noticed from October 6 that the company removed bag sizers from gate areas across U.S. airports.
The company told Los Angeles news channel KTLA 5 it was now opting for visual bag size appraisals from staff members. However, bag sizers would remain in most airport lobby areas. United Airlines has made a similar move, and we might see other airlines follow suit.
At the Whim of Bag Sizers
Yet, while this streamlined process sounds like fair practice, we must also be aware of American Airlines’ oversized carry-on bag policies. A carry-on bag must fit in the sizer at the airport to be considered. Those who miss out on those sizers in the lobby run the risk of paying more check-in fees.
Therefore, Spektor’s luggage-hacking clothing ethos might be worth exploring, even for male passengers. Not only can this mindset save travelers hassle in the future, but it will likely save them money.
Ben is a lifestyle, travel, news, and features writer with bylines for dozens of publications, and he has bylines across many online platforms.
Raised in England and with a career background in international education, he now lives in Southern Spain with his wife and son. Ben has lived on four continents, including Africa, Asia, and North America, and he has worked diverse jobs, ranging from traveling film projectionist to landscape gardener.
He offers a unique, well-traveled perspective on life, with several specialties related to his travels, namely, international living and culture. Ben loves writing about travel, food, news, and trending cultural topics, among many others.
When he isn't writing, you will find him hiking with his family or on the nearest golf course looking for his golf ball.
