Tomorrow, I’m flying to Atlanta to see my family and I’ll be there until Monday. As you know – or may not if you’re new – I struggle with packing EVERY time I travel. I get quite anxious, always worried that I won’t have what I want to wear at that moment (I’m an emotional dresser), that I won’t be warm enough, that I won’t be comfortable, or that I forgot something. Most of the time, my packing fears never come to pass, but because I’m so obsessive about what I’m wearing I will worry about it long after I’m finished packing and until I get on the plane tomorrow.
This time, I decided I was going to try packing all in one color (black), thinking that would solve at least some of my problems deciding what to bring. It does and it doesn’t. Part of what I love about my wardrobe is that everything goes together because everything is either white, black or gray; I never have to worry about colors clashing (god forbid!!!), or what to wear with what. So deciding pieces to bring based on color isn’t really the issue for me, it’s more about the shapes and styles of what I bring, and will I have enough variety to keep me sartorially satisfied while I’m away from my larger closet.
So, as I was going through my clothes and playing dress-up (highly recommended!!) the other night trying to figure out what to take, I decided that this trip, I was just going to do the drapey-slouchy-oversized thing and stick with leggings and long tops/sweaters. But that also made me anxious (sticking to just ONE silhouette for 6 days), and so I’m going to bring my James Perse canvas pants along for the ride to give some variety – and warmth if need be.
Basically, here’s what my monochromatic travel wardrobe looks like:
Not linked above:
H&M Tunic
H&M short skirt
Admonish custom leather tote
What I’ve packed:
Bottoms
Two pairs of black leggings: James Perse & Splendid heavy weight
Two black mini skirts for layering: H&M
James Perse dark grey canvas surplus pants
Tops
Splendid Long sleeve black layering tee
Splendid thermal raglan sleeve top (gray)
Splendid thermal cowl neck (charcoal gray)
James Perse black long sleeve tee
H&M black chiffon tunic
Splendid layering cami
Everlane black ryan tank
Dresses
So Low mini dress
Sweaters/Jackets
Everlane taupe cashmere cardigan
Lululemon long black open cardigan (couple of years old)
HELMUT Helmut Lang black sweatshirt jacket
Accessories
Virginia Johnson wool shawl
Vince Blair haircalf sneakers
No6 clog wedges
Admonish custom leather tote
Of course you’ll notice that there are a few non-black pieces in there. If I had those specific items in black, I would bring them instead, but I don’t, and I wanted to bring those specific SHAPES, so there they are. And maybe I also chickened-out at the last minute and couldn’t do ALL black. Seriously – I’m tempted to throw a white t-shirt in there!
I’ve already taken outfit pictures of everything and will post them daily, but this is pretty much it. I’m going to try NOT to add anything or adjust any of these items as I pack tonight, but of course, I can’t guarantee anything. If it turns out I have TONS more room in my carry-on, I may throw a few more things in there, like some slouchy pants, a long dress, a short James Perse t-shirt dress, and my cashmere blanket 😉
FYI, my carry-on is this small Heys hard case with a section for my laptop in the front. It’s very small, so I’m forced to be very careful about what I bring, but since I’m traveling alone, it’s literally the only bag I can comfortably lift into the overhead bin. And I tend to also get very anxious when I travel, mostly about getting to my seat and being able to get my bag in an overhead bin, so it’s essential that my bag will fit anywhere, and be easy to lift.
So there you have it. I feel good. We’ll see how I feel once I start packing! Of course, I’ll update you on what, if anything, I added or subtracted from my list above, and how it all worked out for me in the end. Could you do it? Construct a travel wardrobe with all one color?
I have the worst time packing too! I either under-pack and not have enough or over-pack and end up wearing the same outfit everyday! I can’t win. I’m curious to see how the So Low mini-dress looks so make sure to wear that 🙂
i think that’s my friday outfit!! 🙂
yes, i did make a list and assign days to outfits. i’m REALLY REALLY trying to do this!!
I like your choices. I could do it, because of my beloved earth tones. I also own a very mix & match wardrobe, so all of my clothes work well together. I hope that you have a great trip, and I look forward to seeing your monochromatic outfit posts!
This is a really great set! If I may make one suggestion: I’m not sure why you need to have duplicates with two pairs of black leggings and two black miniskirts. You’re gone for six days, so if you bring three bottoms, that’s wearing each one twice. Easy peasy. If you’re staying with family, you could likely do laundry if needed, right? Plus, you know you’re going to shop and buy stuff there! Resist the temptation to throw in extra stuff last minute before you leave. Stick with your well-planned wardrobe and you can’t go wrong. You’ve done great, just relax and have a great time. Bon voyage!
PS – I have a Heys hard-sided carryon case, too. Heys is a Canadian company as well. We are really sneaky!
excellent points laurel – as always 🙂
i just finished packing, and i did remove one of the mini skirts, but added a pair of slouchy pants, and some leggings and a tank to do pure barre podcasts in. i took out one of the splendid thermal shirts because it’s in the laundry.
here’s my problem. first, the leggings are slightly different – the splendid ones are heavier weight, in case it gets REALLY cold (LOL), and/or for wearing around the house. second, i don’t like to wear my “street” clothes in the house. i’m really weird like that. as soon as I get home, i change into a pair of target leggings, a long hanes t-shirt and my husbands sweatshirt – with my bra OFF of course – and i’m in. so i wanted to have something to wear around the house that i don’t HAVE to wear out. if that makes sense. it’s hard enough i won’t be able to bring my ugg boots that i use as slippers or my cashmere blanket 😉
man..you guys are taking over!
OK, that makes sense that you’d bring workout clothes, too. I never do–I get enough exercise running to catch my plane or train! 🙂 And yes, bringing warm clothes in case Atlanta gets snowmageddon again is a good idea. Have fun!
This is really good, and helpful, since I leave Friday. I’m trying, really trying, to do the monochromatic packing thing. I’ve even played around with making “sets” on Polyvore ( I’m obsessed! It’s so much fun to plan outfits with pieces I own.) I’m actually going for a semi-monochrome look, with either navy or grey (haven’t decided yet) and a pop of color with my scarves and jewelry. I’ll show you what I decide once I settle on my set! Have fun o
In Atlanta!