Have you ever been on a trip with someone you swear packed their entire closet? Are you the person that seems to forget something on a trip because you didn’t know what to take? Vacation and family travel will soon be in high gear. Because of all the travel and weight restrictions placed on travelers today, you may find that you have added stress just trying to pack for your trip.

Several years ago, I traveled to Germany for a week. I challenged myself to see if I could pack for a week of travel and sight seeing while feeling comfortable yet put together using a small, “weekend” sized bag. The hardest part of this decision was choosing a signature color to wear for an entire week!! Rest assured it can be done.

Perhaps you are planning an exotic vacation or going on a weekend trip; maybe you are going on an extended vacation, or just to the relatives. Regardless of where you will be going, the rules really do not change in planning your wardrobe. My recommendation is to create stories, vignettes, or ensembles and remember these key words: core and signature color as you begin to pack. It will make your travel effortless and easy.

Core Color is a base from which all of your accessories and tops will work. It gives support to the other actors (wardrobe pieces) in the story. Signature Color is the color that you look good and feel great in. Working with your core and signature colors will give you flexibility to change your looks (your stories) as the day changes. No, you won’t have your entire closet, but you will endure a stress free, worry free wardrobe while away. It’s funny but true; less is really more if you follow these six travel tips.

1.Select 5 easy pieces in a one neutral solid color (black, brown, tan, or navy, etc)

-1 Slack

-1 Short

-1 Jacket

-1 Skirt

-1 Jeans(white or dark denim)

2. Select Novelty Pieces-add your signature color

-1 Raincoat or sweater (a outer layering piece adds color)

-1 White shirt or blouse

-1 White t-shirt

-1 5 tops in different styles in your signature color (3/4 length, tank, sleeveless, etc)

-1 Print top must be in signature color you have chosen (optional)

-1 Dress (optional-in core or signature color)

-1 Pashmina or wrap in your signature color

3. 1 workout or lounging outfit

4. Accessories in your signature color (scarves, handbag, necklace, bangles, etc)

5. 3 belts (1 dressy, 1 casual, 1 trendy- core color)

6. 3-4 Shoes (walking or exercise, dressy, casual flats, sandals or loafers core color)

It goes without saying that you will know to pack your sleepwear and lingerie. Just don’t forget special lingerie should your tops and bottoms require it. Once you have pulled your wardrobe looks (vignettes) together with your signature color, you will see how easy it is to mix and match your core pieces and create different mood altering looks. No matter what the occasion or where you are going, you will feel dressed appropriately.

Add a few accessories and be dressed for the evening. Change your shoes and be dressed for a day of sight seeing. It is easy, effortless and you’ll look good, feel great, and have fun doing it!

P.S. Don’t forget your camera to record all your great new looks and fun you’ll have!