After some recent trips hopping on a plane everywhere from Paris and Rome to London and New York, I’ve put my packing skills to the test. Some of my suitcases have been major fails—like when I headed across over to Europe with far too few outfits I could wear for a winter holiday. But equally bad was a vacation later in the year when I overpacked and ended up with luggage full of wrinkled clothes.
So, if you’re heading on a holiday and want to employ only the most astute packing habits, which rules should you follow? Well, through some personal trial and error, I’ve discovered some holiday packing mistakes I’ll never make again, as well as some guidelines I’ll always follow. Ahead, I’m breaking down my travel packing rules and mistakes I avoid, as well as my packing list for holiday travel with the pieces that always land in my suitcase.
There are plenty of buzzy trends out there, but which ones are shoppers actually buying into? eBay just released its in-depth 2018 shopping report, which delved into sales data and came up with some interesting findings. One of the trends that have surprisingly taken off? Bike shorts. With everyone from celebs to fashion girls trying out the trend, it’s no wonder eBay shoppers have caught on as well.
“Nearly 110,000 cycling and biker shorts have been sold on eBay in 2018,” the site explained in a statement. “After celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski were seen wearing the trend, eBay sales for the shorts spiked, with a 27 percent increase in less than 90 days.” Scroll down for four chic ways to wear the trend and shop bike shorts for yourself.
If your closet’s filled to the brim and you’ve decided to try out capsules, you might have noticed there’s seemingly a capsule wardrobe for everything, from babymoons and travels to the holidays and a minimalist aesthetic—you name it. Sure, learning how to streamline your wardrobe to a few carefully curated pieces per occasion is quite helpful, but what if there was a capsule wardrobe that you didn’t need to edit, one that was just modest enough for each and every occasion? Running errands, grabbing coffee with friends, going to work… Imagine how easy dressing up in the morning would be knowing that you’ve finally decluttered your closet and now every item goes well with everything you own? Well, we asked ourselves that same question and came up with this easy way to help you figure out how to build a modest capsule wardrobe to fit all your needs.
Hint: It’s way easier than you think. Sure, at first it may sound like just another capsule wardrobe, but this one ranges from classic trench coats that are great no matter where you live to mules that are the ideal shoes for transitional weather to cropped pants that are modest but still fun, especially when paired with long-sleeve shirts and midi dresses that you already own. Doesn’t that sound ideal?
If you like what you’re reading, find the four key pieces you’ll need to make your mornings (and life) easier—at least when it comes to your clothes.
This dress clearly looks great with sneakers, so it will look just as good (or better) with mules.Wear this over your cropped pants for a chic layered look. Perfect for a date night.Everybody needs a good striped top in their wardrobe. As well as a button-down shirt you can layer over your striped shirt or wear as-is.This top is perfect for dressing up or down—it all depends on our choice of jewelry. Everlane is the MVP when it comes to cropped pants.A pair of wide-leg pants looks great with heeled or flat mules. Throw navy pants into your capsule wardrobe to integrate some color that is guaranteed to match seamlessly with everything else.Say hello to the perfect transitional jacket. How can we forget a classic camel-colored trench coat? But also, keep an eye for a trench coat in a sultry red to add some flare into your wardrobe.This color combination has us swooning. Sleek and chic.Sometimes all you need is some barely there heels.
Why yes, all of those holiday parties you’ve been receiving invites for are just around the corner. We’re headed straight for the heart of the festive holiday season, and if you’re wondering what to wear, know that you can’t go wrong by slipping into a cocktail dress.
Holiday cocktail dresses range from understated to extravagant, but they all have one thing in common. They all feel a little, well, “extra” compared to your ordinary dress for a night out. Whether it’s a slinky satin slip, an ’80s-inspired velvet bustier, a minidress covered in hundreds of glittering sequin, or a piece embellished with dramatic feathers, holiday cocktail dresses all feel a bit more special than what you’d wear for a date night or dinner with friends. Ahead, shop 15 holiday cocktail dresses fit for any party you’re headed to. They’re broken down from most to least expensive, so scroll to the end to shop the most affordable styles.
Hello, feathers.Isn’t this perfect for NYE?So much drama.You can’t go wrong with metallics.Try something ’80s-inspired.Pair this with strappy heels.You’ll want to wear crystal earrings with this.This was made for a holiday party.I’ve been waiting to wear this to a holiday party.Everyone loves a wrap dress.This comes in three colors.Try this unexpected color.Animal prints for the win.Here’s the perfect turtleneck dress.Velvet, velvet, velvet.
These hygiene kits are a great way to give back by providing essentials to people in need.This is a great gift for the beauty lover in your life.This gift doubles as a cute decoration piece for the kitchen.These scents can be used alone or layered for a more complex profile.Use this ergonomic meditation chair to recite your 2019 mantra in.This mist is sure to put your mind at ease.Relax with some tea in this cute cup before your meditation.Keep your lap warm in the New Year with this heavenly blanket by Ugg.This cute notebook will not only give you a reason to write a letter to yourself but also remind you to live, love, and laugh in 2019.Shine some light on your resolutions with this stylish desk lamp.These fun pens will keep you writing all day long.Keep your pens and pencils in one place with this case by Fjällräven Kånken.With over 50 prompts and exercises, these aesthetically pleasing cards will keep you focused inward.This classic candle will bring you into the perfect state of mind to focus on your intentions.Learn the Swedish art of eating harmoniously with this aesthetically pleasing cookbook.This journal will help you keep your daily and yearly goals organized.Put this pegboard up in a spot you look at often, maybe near your fridge or in the bathroom, and spell out the things you love about yourself. Treat your skin to some love with this cooling facial roller.The simple luxuries, like an Egyptian towel, will make your bathroom feel like a high-end spa.Make a good night’s sleep a priority in the New Year.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated by Andy Karp.
In addition to being a special time to gather with family and loved ones and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation, the holiday season also brings several occasions to dress up for. The plethora of events will most likely fill up your calendar and put a strain on your fall/winter closet. From office parties to family get-togethers to special dinners, there will be no shortage of events for which you need to muster up your best winter- and relative-approved holiday look. But if you’re feeling stumped about how to style your next ensemble, there’s plenty of inspiration from the street style stars. Whether you’re a minimalist who prefers pared-back styles or a trendsetter seeking something new and bold, we’ve rounded up some last-minute holiday outfit inspiration for just about every style. Keep scrolling for chic holiday outfits to try out this season, and consider your winter wardrobe set.
Spice up any holiday outfit with pops of red.Go bold in a head-to-toe monochrome look.When considering what to wear with your holiday sweater, never underestimate a striking pair of statement jeans.Don’t be afraid to mix and match unexpected pieces. A festive cardigan looks extra cool worn with a two-piece suit in a contrasting color.A maxi skirt in a cool fabrication—like patent leather—is an exciting winter-appropriate piece. Top it off with a shearling coat, and you’re ready to go.Available in sizes 0 to 10.If in doubt, a two-piece suit looks effortless and chic when pared back with a plain blouse or T-shirt. Choose an unexpected color to make an even bigger fashion statement.Oversize slacks look especially chic when cropped and worn with mules. Top off the look with a cable-knit sweater and long coat to stay warm.Argyle prints are always a hit during the holidays—whichever way you wear them.A chic blazer with a colorful statement skirt and boots is a surefire hit at any party.Top off an all-black ensemble with a velvet robe or blazer in an eye-catching color.Pair a tailored blazer with an A-line skirt for a sophisticated look that adheres to any dress code. A simple sweaterdress never goes out of style.
