How to Pack Light: Smart Tips for Stylish Travel | Travel Clothing for Women – Lacson Ravello

Kristina's Foolproof Travel Packing Tips

It started with a boss who banned checked luggage.

I was fresh in my fashion design career, just trying to get my bearings (and my hair dryer) into a suitcase, when I was told: “Carry-on only.” I protested. I resisted. But I complied. And somewhere between airport security and a Parisian hotel lobby, I became a convert.

No baggage claim. No lost luggage. No waiting.

Suddenly, I was breezing through customs and skipping past the carousel chaos. These days? I travel carry-on only—no matter if it’s a 3-day girls’ getaway or a 14-day international adventure.

So if you're someone who wants less fuss, more ease when it comes to travel—this one’s for you.

Let’s get into my no-nonsense, stylish, sustainable, and yes—comfortable—approach to travel packing.

Step 1: Start with a Strong Foundation

Build a capsule wardrobe. I always start with neutrals—black, white, denim—and toss in maybe one or two color pieces for pop. Think through your itinerary and what you’ll actually be doing—then build outfits that can flex with your plans.

2-3 versatile tops you can layer
1 easy dress or skirt
1 go-to pair of pants
1 favorite pair of denim
1 cardigan or jacket
2-3 shoes (max): sandals, sneakers, or flats

Pro tip: Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane (hi, sneakers), and only pack pieces that mix and match well with others. If it can’t pull double duty, it stays home.

Step 2: Pack Efficiently

Rolling saves space. Folding saves time. I do both. Focus on the big items first—clothing, shoes, outerwear—then organize using packing cubes. According to a 2023 study by Condé Nast Traveler, packing cubes increase packing efficiency by up to 30%.

Bonus: Packing cubes make living out of a suitcase a whole lot easier.

And always choose fabrics that are washable and wrinkle-resistant. Which brings me to...

My 2 Travel Must-Haves:

Black and White Striped Sweatshirt | Long Sleeve | Boatneck

The Arva Sweatshirt

Cozy comfort of a sweatshirt without actually looking like one. The Arva Sweatshirt is made from ultra-soft bamboo—keeps you cool when it's warm and warm when it’s Arctic-level AC on the plane. The cut is elevated enough for dinner, comfy enough for a nap, and always looks pulled together.

Palazzo Pant for Women | Comfortable Wide Leg Pants | Black Knit

The Vivian Pants

Wide-leg magic. They breathe, they stretch, and they don’t wrinkle. Seriously. I’ve worn them for city walks, beach dinners, and even impromptu Zoom calls. Bonus? The Vivian Pants go with everything, and they don’t scream “travel pant.”

Step 3: Fill in the Cracks

Makeup, skincare, phone chargers—nestle them into the spaces between. I keep the essentials in a zip pouch for easy access mid-flight. As for those “just in case” extras—leave them. Full-size toiletries, too many shoes, backup outfits you’ll never wear...they don’t deserve the space. If you truly need something, you’ll most likely find a replacement at your destination. Packing light is almost always the better trade-off.

According to Statista, 76% of travelers say staying organized makes their trip less stressful. I couldn’t agree more.

Step 4: Wear. Wash. Repeat.

Yes, do laundry! Here’s the secret to packing light: only pack for 4–5 days at the most—no matter how long the trip. Check ahead—does your Airbnb have a washer/dryer? Is there a laundromat nearby? Does the hotel have laundry services? If yes, you’re golden. Bring only what you love, then wash and rewear. No extra baggage fees, no overstuffed suitcase, and way less dirty laundry to haul back home. Wear. Wash. Repeat.

At Lacson Ravello, we design clothes that travel well—versatile, washable, comfortable—and made to keep up with real life (and real luggage limits). Packing light doesn’t mean dressing down. It just means dressing smarter.

Final thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about gliding past the baggage claim with your perfectly packed roller bag, knowing you have everything you need and nothing you don’t. Packing light isn’t about deprivation. It’s about freedom! And maybe, just maybe, a little smug satisfaction.

Now you tell me: What are your can’t-travel-without-it items or secret packing hacks? I'd love to know.