The Art Of Packing Well

With travel season upon us, and having just touched down from a quick little trip myself, I've been thinking about a few travel tips and tricks that might be helpful for your upcoming vacations. Nothing groundbreaking, just little things that make packing feel less chaotic and getting dressed feel easier once you’re there.

Hero accessories

Identify a few hero accessories that can elevate an otherwise simple outfit. Statement sunglasses, a scarf, a studded belt. These things don’t take up much room to pack but make a big impact.

Bonus points when a hero accessory functions in multiple ways. I packed my triangle cashmere scarf over Christmas and wore it over my shoulders with one outfit, wrapped around my waist as a chic belt with another, and could have styled it a couple other ways too. For warmer destinations, a gauzy linen scarf can do this beautifully — beach layer by day, soft wrap at dinner.

Tried & true shoes

Do not — and I repeat — do not pack new shoes that haven’t been worn in. You do not want to find out that those chic little ballet flats cut deep into your heels on day one of vacation speaking from experience!!). Stick to your tried and trues.

If you’re itching to purchase something new for your getaway, let it be just about anything else.

Multipurpose bags

Something I'm always on the lookout for is a purse or bag that suits multiple purposes. As much as I love an oversized leather tote, an evening bag (or two), and a roomy crossbody — packing all of these takes up a whole lot of valuable real estate.

Look for pieces that can shift roles. A crossbody with a detachable strap that becomes a chic clutch for dinner. A compact piece that expands when you need it (hint hint!)

Of course, a keote checks the roomy tote box while only taking up a modest little 2in x 3in spot in your suitcase. I almost always pack a couple, and without fail it ends up being the most useful thing I brought. Beach bag. Farmers market haul. Extra sweater carrier. Souvenirs on the way home. You get the idea!

Build around a color story

This is something I recently started doing, and it definitely makes a difference. Choose one general color family for the trip. Creams and taupes with espresso brown or Navy and washed black with tans. Bonus points for pops of color like a cherry red or olive green.

When everything works together, you automatically create more combinations without packing more pieces. Getting dressed feels easy, even when you’re living out of a suitcase.

Wear it on the plane

Not sure if you have room for your favorite statement coat, knee-high boots, or thick sweat set? Wear them on the airplane. Styled correctly, this is a nice little hack to look chic at the airport without even trying. And if you overheat easily, and you have a keote on hand, you have a safe place to stash that statement coat while you move through the airport and settle into your seat.

Hope some of this got your style brain stirring for your next trip — excited to pack instead of dreading the moment you lift your suitcase onto the scale at check-in. (And for the record, I’ve absolutely used my keote to unload a few “overweight items” at the counter more times than I can count… so truly, no judgment here.)

Bring your keote along for the adventure — and if you do, tag us @shopkeote. I love seeing where they end up.

Love & blessings,

Rachael

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