Pack cute, pack smart & pack stylish for study abroad
Written by Greta Felton
Are you excited for the “best four months of your life” that are about to begin in less than a month? Me too. The various trips, new friends, delicious food—and the clothes, oh, the clothes. It’s no secret that wherever you’re traveling will be filled with hundreds of eclectic wardrobe ensembles adorned by both yourself and strangers. But the one thing all packers dread, whether they appreciate a fashionable outfit or not, is zipping that suitcase closed. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been scouring the internet (by that, I mean TikTok) for the best abroad-packing advice. Below is a list of the key takeaways I’ve gathered.
Make Use of a Clothing Rack
Like many of your favorite influencers who pack for trips, make packing both fun and smart! Use an old coat rack or even a curtain rod to work through various outfit options, ensuring you can visualize every piece you plan to wear.
3-3-3 Method
Similar to a capsule wardrobe and a favorite of Vogue, the 3-3-3 method aims to create as many outfits as possible from just a few pieces. The idea is to pick three pairs of shoes, three tops, and three bottoms and mix and match from there. For example, try wearing your midi skirt as a strapless flowy top or reverse your cardigan for a cute off-the-shoulder look.
Packing Cubes: A Tried-and-True Method
Not only do packing cubes help conserve space, but they also ensure you stay organized. Acting like puzzle pieces, packing cubes help you remember how you packed everything and where each item belongs, reducing the chances of leaving anything behind.
Get some inspo
To avoid packing random items you "might" wear, think about how you want to dress and who you want to be on your trip! Get excited by scrolling through Pinterest or mood boards for outfit ideas tailored to the climate and vibe of your destination.
Roll Your Clothes
A long-debated topic: is folding or rolling better? It’s confirmed—rolling is the most efficient way to pack your clothes. By rolling smaller tops into the corners of your suitcase, you can maximize space and fit more into your bag.
Make Use of Visitors
Have a parent or friend visiting you halfway through your trip? Make the most of it! Ask them to bring an extra suitcase so you can send home clothes you no longer need. This way, you’ll free up space in your luggage and keep your wardrobe manageable.
Plan Your Purchases
It’s hard to resist shopping while abroad, so plan strategically. For example, if you’re heading to Florence, save space by purchasing a leather jacket there instead of packing one from home. Similarly, consider buying hair tools at your destination to ensure compatibility with local outlets and wattage. On the flip side, pack versatile basics you love so you won’t feel the need to buy simple items like tees and tanks while abroad.
Packing for an extended trip abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of strategy and creativity, you can balance practicality and style. By focusing on versatile pieces, planning for purchases, and staying organized, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free experience and enjoy the adventures ahead.
So, whether your suitcase is full of swimsuits for a Sydney summer, piled high with colorful scarves for a Stockholm winter, or packed with sparkly dresses for social days in Barcelona, make the most of these four months and your suitcase. And with all this in mind, don’t forget to take lots of pictures of the outfits you worked so carefully to curate. Safe travels and au revoir!
Edited by Hana Razvi
