When traveling and building my vacation wardrobe I’ve come to have found the minimalist in me. After years and years of sitting and jumping on top of my suitcase trying to zip it with no success, I’ve finally given in. Traveling abroad or packing for a weekend at the cabin is easy, but require planning.

Quality over quantity. Instead of bringing 5 pairs of heels, bring a pair of black or skin colored pumps that goes with everything. Bring one piece of jewelry. Or even better wear a watch, a pair of earrings, simple necklace or your favorite bangles during the entire trip. Whatever it may be, make it a statement piece and own it.

Color coordinate. Everything that has to be matched has to match. A dress or a playsuit may differ from the rest of the packing since it’s worn on it’s own, but the rest has to work mixed and matched. I personally try to stick to white, black, grey and beige. Everything works together. If you have a more colorful wardrobe bring what you love, but bring neutrals that goes with all the colors you pack. If the shoes and bag (you only need one) works with everything, you have succeeded and saved yourself lots of space.

Another thing I try to always keep in mind when packing is the mood of the trip. Will I be au natural most of the time? In that case I pack a wardrobe that goes with that. I know how I roll. I can’t wear a neon pink dress paired with a makeup free face and air dried hair. I envy those of you who can.

Compromise. Can’t even believe myself when I say this, but now a days when I travel for a beach vacation I pack a pair of sandals for the beach/ pool/ day trip (read Birkenstock), a nicer pair of sandals for dinner time and a pair of work out shoes. Unless I know I have an event to attend I leave my beloved heels at home. Instead I make sure my footwear intended for evening is appropriate even when dressed dressier. These can be anything from gladiator sandals, ballerina flats, nice espadrille’s etc.

Hat and sunnies. A hat and a cool pair of sunglasses is everything if you’re going to the beach. It saves any bad hair day and makes you look fabulous. As someone who loves to take photographs for my personal family album, I also love how a nice hat looks in pictures.

When I travel I leave work at home. I want to enjoy my experiences and I also vacate from vanity. Knowing that, I want to have a suitcase I can trust, making getting dressed easy and care free. We all have to get dressed. That is a fact. All I want is to put something on my body I feel comfortable in. Not having to think about my choice of outfit a single time during the day.

shirt & other stories// shorts hm// shoes birkenstock/ hat brixton

Pictures by Janita Autio