How to Look Pulled Together on Your Next Trip

First thing to do whenever you start packing for a family trip: pack your outfits first. 

This way, you have enough time to plan out your outfits and won't have to hit the local gift store to buy one of those tie-dye bikinis with fringes and beads.

On my first trips, I used to pack the hubby and kids first and then ended up grabbing whatever I could find for myself before we left for the airport. This either led to bringing too little options or stuffing my entire closet into the luggage by fear of forgetting something. Not very efficient.

For our Hawaii trip this past winter, the challenge was to plan clothes for a 3-week trip and for a weather switch from -30C to +20C. We also wanted to fit everything into two big suitcases and two carry-ons so I had to pick pieces that could easily mix and match and leave enough space for beach toys and lifevests.

My personal challenge was that all my clothes had to fit in my Longchamp bag (the Sac Shopping model). If it didn't, then I had to edit edit edit. 

W.O.W. tip: If you edit well now, it will be so much easier and quicker to dress while on vacation when the kids are rushing you out the door. 

Here's a list (the first of many) of what I brought for our trip to the beach. You can tell from my picture that I love stripes, polka dots and leopard. 

1. Day Wear:

- 4-5 bikinis (they don't take too much space so go crazy here, I like to mix and match prints);

- 1 panama hat;

- 1-2 pair of sandals or flip flops;

- 1 pair of jean shorts;

- 1-2 rompers;

- 1 jean shirt or beach cover up;

- 2-3 t-shirts or sleeveless tops;

- 1 sportswear outfit;

2. Evening Wear

- 2 skirts;

- 1-2 dresses;

- 1-2 silk shirts;

- 1 big scarf;

- 1 jacket;

- 2 pajamas;

- Clean underwear for 10 days;

- 2-3 bras, including a strapless one;

- 1-2 pair of socks;

3. Miscellaneous:

- Makeup;

- Jewelry;

- 1 beach bag;

- 1 purse;

- Beauty creams;

- Sunglasses;

- Books & Magazines;

W.O.W. Tip: This approach can be applied to your daily routine too. Getting ready before the kids wake up will ensure you have a little fun every morning to look your best. Just make sure you have one backup outfit  available in case of spills.