How To Make Packing Easy? Stick To A Color Story!

How I Decided What to Pack For My California Trip

I just took a trip to California for a CEOChix business retreat aka business Bootcamp. It’s always inspiring to be around other female entrepreneurs. It’s also integral for me to share my challenges with like-minded women, learn more about the ways I can improve my business, and get invaluable insight. If you haven’t listened to the BizChix podcast…you should! My interview with the host is posted here.

Now onto everyone’s favorite topic… packing! 😉 Seriously, I have not met ONE SINGLE PERSON who enjoys packing. It feels like such a daunting and pressure-packed task, even for a pro like myself.

One of the things that helps me a TON… sticking to a color story.  In essence, you are packing your very own mini-capsule wardrobe where everything mixes and matches seamlessly. You’ll see in the photos below, that I stuck with a black and white color story. This meant I only had to pack black, white, and other neutral pieces.

Find even more packing tips in this post.

#1 | Black Tank Dress

I shared this look on Instagram. This tank dress is a MUST-HAVE!! If you want arm coverage, throw on a light jacket or sweater. The length and fit are AWESOME! And.. wait for it… you can wear a NORMAL bra!! And, last but not least… it’s ONLY $79!! I paired it with some white mules, white sunglasses, and a white bag!

#2 | Blazer & Jeans

I wore this look during the day. I was comfortable, professional, polished and covered. I’m the most confident and comfortable in jeans so I wore these comfy high-rise ankle jeans. I paired them with a not-so-basic-tee white tee and an $88 white blazer. Yes… $88!! It’s really chic and expensive-looking! To finish off the look I wore white booties and the same white bag from look #1.

Are you noticing the color story yet?

#3 | White Wide Leg Jeans

I am SO excited about these white, wide leg jeans! You’ll be seeing a LOT of these this spring and summer! They’re high-rise, super flattering, and have a cool raw hem (perfect length for petites. They will be cropped if you are taller). On top, I’m wearing a gray puffed sleeve v-neck top that’s also very flattering! And you guessed it…I’m wearing the same bag and white booties!

Just a little more about this bag…it is an investment! It’s the Givenchy Small Whip Shoulder Bag. It’s modern, chic, and my new favorite luxury bag I’ve added to my collection. It’s quite slim and sits flush to the body which is one of the reasons I love it. It’s also bright white and will go with everything!

#4 | Jeans & Bodysuit

I shared these Veronica Beard jeans in this video with tricks to look slimmer. I call them my magic jeans! The wide leg balances out curvy hips. The exposed button details on the hips and waist create the illusion of a tinier waist. On top, I have on an easy white bodysuit that’s really comfortable and so versatile!

Find more denim trends in this video.

#5 | All Black

This look is a little dressier. I LOVE that it’s the perfect combination of edgy and femininity. This sweater is super unique and modern. Someone wrote on Instagram asking what happened to my hand. Ha! I’ve just got it curled up a little. The sleeve isn’t that long. These leather pants make me feel invincible and they are super soft and warm. I just love black and white together!

How To Pack Light

I’ve mentioned before that sticking to a color story makes packing easier. As you can see, most of the pieces I packed are either white or black. By bringing black and white basics, everything mixes and matches seamlessly together almost like a mini capsule wardrobe. This made it easier to create outfits and pack in JUST a carry-on.

I try to limit shoes to 3 pairs, although sometimes I will sneak in an extra pair of lightweight flats. Notice in the images above, I’m carrying the same bag and wearing the same booties in almost every look. That’s a HUGE space saver! I’m also wearing the same accessories with most looks.

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend watching my video about packing here. I share all of the resources you need to pack in just a carry-on. It’s a MUST WATCH!

Be sure to subscribe to my exclusive weekly newsletter to get some freebies! Thank you so much for stopping by.