Steve and I and I are headed to the Midwest for a Summer vacation which includes my 50th high school reunion, and a visit with friends and family. It will be hot where we are headed. I am joining Mary Ann and Annie today for some packing tips. Let’s talk about some Chic and Effortless Packing Tips for a 10 day Summer Getaway.
Can one pack efficiently in a carry on suitcase for a 10 day vacation or more? My advice is to keep your color palette simple. You can mix and match and create multiple outfits. Neutral colors are easiest. You can add a pop of color when needed. In this case let’s go with a palette of gray and white. Since July and August are hot almost everywhere, all of my fabrics are lightweight linen or cotton. I am using primarily Eileen Fisher capsule wardrobe items (generously gifted to me) that are timeless, with different summer accessories. You can read how I utilized capsule pieces from the Eileen Fisher collection here as well for more color options (almost everything is on sale here). I finally invested in this carry-on from Away a few years ago. This one from Amazon also gets great reviews and is much cheaper. I find packing cubes to be very helpful in keeping things from getting wrinkled and misplaced. This is my packing list. You can easily add a few items to extend your vacation.
Chic Effortless Packing Tips for a 10 Day Summer Getaway
I would try to pack three pairs of pants. Here I am wearing a favorite pair of J Jill white jeans with an Eileen Fisher sweater and Olukai white sneakers. I am prone to blisters so I love these convertible sneaks.
SHOP THE LOOK
I am wearing the same jeans with the Cynthia Ashby mesh tee, and Olukai sneakers with my Farmer’s Union Pour House baseball cap.
SHOP THE LOOK
These are my favorite Bryn Walker Casbah linen pants (XS) with the jack shirt from CP shades (S), Helen Kaminski hat, and no longer available Laid Back London sandals (similar here). You can also find some on eBay here. You can buy the Jack shirt locally at Roux Collective, or online at CP Shades. You can find my sunglasses locally at Specs by Kyla. My bracelet is from Parham and Co.
SHOP THE LOOK
I am wearing the same pants (you can find locally at Maison Mariane) here with a Michaels Stars white tee (S), and my Athleta sling. I love this bag for travel. It folds completely flat.
SHOP THE LOOK
The Cynthia Ashby mesh tee, necklace from Paula Carvalho, and Janessa Leone hat and Beek flip flops are great for a casual day.
SHOP THE LOOK
These white linen pants from J Jill are super airy with a gray tee from Michaels Stars and a light denim jacket in case it cools off.
SHOP THE LOOK
Eileen Fisher’s airy knit bateau top with cotton gauze tank underneath is cool on a hot summer day.
SHOP THE LOOK
The tank by itself (I don’t usually wear sleeveless) with the same linen pants is a simple solution in the heat.
SHOP THE LOOK
I love the versatility of this Eileen Fisher T-shirt dress (on sale). You can see how I styled it with a pop of color here. It can be dressed up. Yes you can dress up a T-shirt dress! Here I am wearing it with the Mer Sea Linen Wrap for an evening out.
SHOP THE LOOK
You could also wear it numerous casual ways like this option with the CP Shades Jack Linen Shirt tied at the waist and the fabulous Janessa Leone Felix hat.
SHOP THE LOOK
I bought this Hannah Wessel maxi dress on sale locally last year. It is great with a simple denim jacket and a napkin worn as a bandana. This dress could easily be washed out and worn many other ways as well. I have linked similar below.
SHOP THE LOOK
I love this Eileen Fisher poncho in silver worn over the same dress with a Paula Carvalho necklace from several years ago.
SHOP THE LOOK
You know how I love the Mersea wrap (here in gray) for tossing over the shoulders (and covering up the bingo arms).
SHOP THE LOOK
I would take at least one maxi skirt (here the lily from CP Shades). I am wearing it with a simple Michael Stars tee. I have dressed it up wit my favorite sunnies and Parham and Co Studio necklace and bracelet. I have the Mersea wrap in white tossed over one arm. I also linked a price friendly skirt from Amazon that one of my readers recommended.
SHOP THE LOOK
Here I am wearing two CP shades favorites, the lily skirt and the Jack shirt. You can find them locally at Roux Collective or online at CP Shades here. I am wearing another necklace from Paula Carvalho as well.
SHOP THE LOOK
Sustainable Water Buffalo Horn accessories are the perfect summer accessory here with the mesh tee from Cynthia Ashby. These tees last forever by the way. I don’t think this color is available, but you can find other colors here at Artful Home.
SHOP THE LOOK
You might enjoy my post The Ultimate Packing List for a Perfect Paso Wine Getaway here, or these articles if you are planning a trip soon.
How to pack a carry on Properly from CNET
US News-What to Pack in a Carry On Bag
If you are planning summer travel keeping your color palette simple is the easiest way to pack more efficiently. I created the above combinations out of simplicity. You could obviously add more color or pattern. I wanted to create a simple foundation on which you could expand. You could do the same thing with black and white, camel and white or a more colorful option. Just keep it simple if you want to maximize your wardrobe. Thank you for reading Chic Effortless Packing Tips for a 10 Day Summer Getaway. Now let’s pop over and visit Annie and Mary Ann they are both seasoned travelers.
MOST LOVELY THINGS
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
All of these looks are great on you. You know I’m loving my CP Shades skirt and now want a khaki one.
PS – you look 45 in the first one. So good.
That picture obviously was taken during the golden hour…I never look that good close up!!
Great tips for packing – love the color palette, and how cute is that bateau sweater. One suitcase (I can only dream). Have a great trip!
Love all these outfits you’ve put together. Would you tell me what size you’re wearing in the Eileen Fisher mesh sweater? Thanks!
Cindy! You look stunning in every look! I love how your packing list includes TWO hats! You are my hero! I am loving all the Eileen Fisher!
Cindy, you look as fabulous as ever! And I’m loving the hair pulled back…
Tres chic, ’tres Paree!’ (Paris)
Hi Suz
Thank you so much or should I say Merci!
Love the article. You always look so chic and elegant!
Hi Rae
Thank you so much! I do my best.
I love how you can look chic and comfortable at the same time. GREAT post.
Hi Mary Ann
Hope you are having a blast!!
Hi Cindy ~ I love everything you do. In fact, I purchased the Wagon Wheel Chandelier from Lamps Plus for my new home and the design is perfect over my dining room table. I also shop many of the same stores for clothing. I will try to incorporate your packing ideas to lessen the load of all the unnecessary items I put in my suitcase. I would like to make a suggestion about your photos. In your photos you look absolutely beautiful in all of them, but in one you are standing in front of a rain gutter and it appears to be growing out of your head. In the other photo the window frame is centered above your head. They are still great photos but this is something that I notice in many photos and also something that my husband does from time to time. Have a wonderful time on your trip and your 50th reunion. We are all excited to see photos of your trip!
Hi Kathleen
Sorry about the rain gutter photo and I am not sure about the window one? I am not a professional photographer and I often have to chase the sun. The courtyard is often my only option! Thank you for reading and keeping me on my toes!
These are great outfits and I love that it all fits in your carry-on bag. Safe travels and have fun.
Karen B.
Hi Karen
Enjoy your trip to Paso!
Cindy you always hit it out of the park with your choices and recommendations! I want one of each please! I just have a short trip with my daughter planned to Seattle for first week of August, don’t know what weather to expect but I imagine I will be a little bit of everything especially there along the water. Definitely bringing some linen and some sweaters!
Hope you and Steve have a great time visiting with your long-time friends. I know absolutely no one from high school or the ten years after. I need to make more friends!
Xo Heidi
Hi Heidi!
Seattle you never know about that weather! Such a fun place to visit though. We haven’t been in years. Would love to go back when time allows!
I enjoy your posts very much. I’ve never thought of using a napkin as a bandana. Aren’t you smart? I like the buffalo bone necklace. We travel a good bit, and I’ve really worked on taking pieces that go with several other things. It’s fun to plan for a trip and take as little as you can. Enjoy your reunion.
Hi Nan
It is a challenge isn’t it?
You really know your style and what looks good on you. Love all your choices. Many of your former classmates will envy your size and wardrobe style. I know I do. Enjoy!
Hi Carmie
You are very sweet. The beauty of being this age is no one cares!!
Beautiful assortment of outfits. I’d love to know which one you are wearing to your reunion. Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Tess
I am not sure. It is in a very casual location. I will probably wear the CP shades skirt or maybe the white dress? It will depend on the weather!
Wow! What a lot of effort and work went into this post, and thank you for modeling everything; you look wonderful in all of them.
I too would love to see a picture from high school.
Enjoy your trip, and I do believe you will be the most fashionable.
Hi Paula
I posted some pictures from high school a few years ago. Maybe I will drag my yearbook out!!
We are attending my husband’s 58th class reunion in August in Washington state. 58th, due to the 55th was cancelled due to Covid. I love your blog and pack my wardrobe in blacks, gray (or beiges) and white with a little denim or chambray thrown in. I do, however, add one color piece, usually RED. It makes it so easy to travel as everything goes together. We will be away 3 weeks. Fortunately, I have a place to launder at a friend home mid trip. Enjoy your reunion. BTW, I just ordered the Buffalo bone necklace..
Hi Juday
I will add some color as well. I just wanted to show you ladies how many options you would have within a certain color range.Having laundry mid vacay sure helps doesn’t it? Have fun at your reunion!!
I wouldn’t have thought of the two colors, gray and white, as the starting point for a travel capsule. However, with your beautiful silver hair, I think that combo is very complimentary and will be easy to add pops of color to. My favorites of these are the two Eileen Fisher pieces (short tops) and I may have to add them to my wardrobe. As you know, I am going to have to do some very savvy packing in the future for a very long voyage! Bon voyage to you and Steve.
Hi Wren
Those are my favorites as well. They offer so many options and they are on sale!!
Cindy, you win the award for first time I’ve heard bingo arms! I wear sleeveless in the summer despite my arms lol, form over function on that count. I love your outfits and great travel tips. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Carol
Form over function! I totally get it…I avoid it when I can!!
I have no doubt you will be the most chic, elegant, and comfortably dressed woman at your reunion. Enjoy the blast from the past!
I’d love to see a throwback photo from high school!
I will see if I can dig one out!!
Hi Bette
You are very kind!
I have really enjoyed your blog since I discovered you. I love your style!!! I am 68 years old and live in KS. I have also lived in WI, which makes me curious where you are from in the midwest.
Hi Teresa
I am from a tiny town not far from Purdue University called Monticello. There are two lakes there Freeman and Shafer. I grew up on Lake Freeman.
You look so great in all of these pics! Enjoy your vacation!
Hi Cheryl
Thank you so much! It will be fun!