What to Wear on Vacation (Without Overpacking): The Art of the Easy Outfit Edit
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at an overstuffed suitcase thinking, “I still have nothing to wear,” this one’s for you. Packing for vacation doesn’t have to be stressful — or heavy.
In this week’s episode of Travel Styled by Sparkle, I’m sharing my go-to outfit formulas and packing strategies that help me look chic while keeping my luggage light and my looks effortless. Don’t forget to get your free Packing Checklist!
🎥 Watch the video: What to Wear on Vacation Without Overpacking
The Easy Outfit Edit Approach
If you’ve been following The Easy Outfit Series, you already know my golden rule: style should make your life easier, not harder.
That same principle applies to travel.
Before every trip — especially one like my recent getaway to Santorini, Greece — I use a process I call The Easy Outfit Edit. It’s all about refining what you pack so every piece earns its place in your suitcase.
The goal is to create versatile outfit combinations that work across multiple settings — sightseeing, dinners, strolls by the water, or travel days — without feeling repetitive or overdone.
Why Outfit Selfies Are Your Personal Stylist
One of my favorite tools for planning a travel wardrobe is something simple yet incredibly effective: outfit selfies.
Taking outfit selfies before your trip is like having your own personal stylist on standby. Here’s why:
They reveal what you actually love wearing. You’ll instantly see which outfits feel the most you — comfortable, confident, and aligned with your current style.
They help you identify patterns. Maybe you gravitate toward neutrals, or you realize you prefer one silhouette over another. This is how you start recognizing your personal style DNA.
They make outfit planning foolproof. You can see what works together, mix and match pieces, and note which accessories elevate a look.
Before heading to Santorini, I took outfit selfies while trying on different looks — keeping in mind the itinerary (city exploring, dinners, beach views) and the weather in August (hot, sunny, breezy evenings).
The result? A travel wardrobe that felt intentional, cohesive, and lightweight.
Shop Your Closet First
Before you start buying “vacation clothes,” shop your closet.
Pull pieces you already own that fit your trip’s vibe and color palette. Then, test them through your outfit selfies:
Can this top be styled three ways? (Daytime sightseeing, dinner, or casual stroll?)
Do these pants pair with multiple tops or shoes?
Can this dress be dressed up or down?
If the answer is no, leave it at home.
This practice not only keeps your luggage light — it ensures everything you bring supports your travel capsule wardrobe instead of competing with it.
My Packing Formula for a Stylish Yet Light Suitcase
Here’s a simplified version of my formula from the video:
Five Outfit Formulas: Mix and match key staples (think linen pants + tank + blazer, slip dress + sandals, etc.).
Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Neutral tops, versatile bottoms, and a standout piece that adds personality.
Accessories that Multiply Options: Gold hoops, silk scarves, belts, and a hat can take one look in multiple directions.
Footwear Strategy: One pair for walking, one for dressing up, one for casual days.
Day-to-Night Flexibility: Choose fabrics and silhouettes that can transition with a simple shoe or accessory swap.
It’s not about packing less; it’s about packing smarter.
The Power of Outfit Planning
By documenting your looks with outfit selfies and using your Easy Outfit Edit mindset, you’re doing more than preparing for a trip — you’re curating a style story.
Each outfit becomes an intentional choice that reflects your lifestyle, your personality, and your destination.
And when you land, getting dressed isn’t a chore — it’s a moment of alignment and self-expression.
Ready to pack smarter, not heavier?
Watch the full video for my top outfit formulas, capsule wardrobe tips, and the exact process I used to pack for vacation.
🎥 Watch “What to Wear on Vacation Without Overpacking” on YouTube
And if you’re planning your next trip, start by taking a few outfit selfies — your future self (and your suitcase) will thank you. And if you need help figuring out your style vibes, signature wardrobe, or help styling your next event, book your 1:1 consult and let’s create!
Created With You In Mind,
Sparkle