Packing Tips for Women

This is an article from the Seattle Times:

"Packing tips for women
Whether it's a weekend getaway in the car or the trip of a lifetime overseas, some basic guidelines can eliminate the hassle of too much...

Whether it's a weekend getaway in the car or the trip of a lifetime overseas, some basic guidelines can eliminate the hassle of too much stuff.

"Most people do overpack," said Stephanie Solomon, Bloomingdale's fashion director. She doesn't.

"Make it very, very simple. Otherwise, your back will regret it. Your feet will regret it. Everything will regret it," Solomon said.

One basic color: "Pick a palette. A basic, like black. Add two colors. Stick to it!" said Solomon. "Black, white and red. Period."

Gregg Andrews, a Nordstrom national fashion director, agreed:

"You need to think about looks that are strongly color coordinated. What is your neutral? Is it black? Is it brown? Is it navy? Then play off it. Pop it with other bright colors, so it all makes sense."

Pack a few versatile basics: "If you can only wear something one way, one time, don't pack it," Andrews said. "It's about how many outfits you can make with a few pieces, that's the key to great packing."

Solomon's musts are a basic black dress, one pair of black trousers "that fit you sensationally" and a black cocktail dress. If it's coat weather, a lined Burberry-style classic trench in black or tan can work in any setting, "including evening," she said.

Those few pieces with some tops, accessories and shoes — a max of one dressy pair, sneakers, flats and flip-flops — "will take you through a month, and you'll always look very cool and chic," Solomon said.

Accessories: "Costume jewelry is very important. Shoes are very important ... the ultimate touch," said Nicole Fischelis, Macy's fashion director. She also suggests a standout belt or a "bold" jewelry statement, either a single piece or an armload of bangle bracelets.

Solomon recommends leaving expensive jewelry at home: "I have been robbed in expensive hotel rooms."

Avoid wrinkles: Skillful packers choose jersey and knits that can be rolled up rather than folded. Or put clothes in dry-cleaner bags before layering flat in luggage.

Frugal fashion blogger Kathryn Finney (budgetfashionista.com) swears by vacuum space-saver bags that she buys online or at Target.

Smart moves: Finney also recommends taking a pashmina, a fringed scarf that also can serve as a plane blanket, beach cover-up or evening wrap."