The Holiday Traveler

My airport look formula + winter packing list

Hello from NYC where it’s been raining cats and dogs! Thanks to everyone who checked out our 5th Annual Female Founded Gift Guide! More fun ideas coming soon. This week, I was challenged by packing for an east coast trip where I need a black tie look AND deal with inclement weather. For those of you who weighed in on my IG poll, thank you for helping me decide between a puffer, long coat or rain coat. I ended up bringing both the long coat and the rain coat and so far, so good! I know many of us will be traveling soon for the holidays and I wanted to run down my carryon packing method for late fall/winter… It’s a whole other ballgame, but can be done!

Also, PSA - Away is having a big site wide sale. I’ve been traveling with Away suitcases since they launched and have used and abused them and they hold up extremely well. Plus, in case of any damages, go to the store and they’ll sort you out with a repair or new suitcase. Luggage also makes a great gift, especially for young people who are just embarking on their journeys in the world! Not an ad, just passionate about suitcases!

At this point, I’ve figured out my preferred travel day look. While I love a sweatsuit when relaxing at home or to take the dog for a walk, I don’t love wearing one on the plane. The pants get so baggy and I just feel sloppy. However, from time to time, I do enjoy wearing a tracksuit like my beloved one from Sergio Tacchini which has some vibe and style to it (1980s pro tennis player). Plus it doesn’t stretch out or look like I slept in it. For the most part, my ideal flight look is a relaxed jean or trouser, a t shirt, big sweater and a jacket. I wear my bulkiest shoes, either sneakers or boots (so they don’t take up room in the carry on). Sunglasses, baseball hat and compression socks (not optional lol). 

What I wore on the plane this week:

Citizens Ayla Jean - I’ve had these for years and every time I wear these, people go crazy asking about them!!! I can’t say enough good things. Love the crisp dark denim and the cuff feels refined. Size down, they’re still really loose.

Sunspel t shirt - My go-tos. They last forever and make me feel like a chic English woman.

Everlane half zip knit - I prefer to wear a sweater that won’t pill while traveling and this is just so good and under $100!

Ref long coat - My first outing with this coat and I am really digging it. Love the double breast and it kept me cozy on the cold plane. Put her on your xmas list :)

Newbark boots (RIP) - I was/am one of Newbark’s biggest fans and miss their perfect shoes all the time. Luckily, here’s a great comp for a boot to wear when it’s wet out.

This time of year, I like to pack the majority of my suitcase with things that can be dressed up. And then a dedicated sweatsuit for those cozy nights at home. There are always last minute invites to your mom’s friend’s house for some holiday cheer or an impromptu night out with your girls, so make sure you bring a couple extra things to play with. Now's the time of year to jazz it up! 

*Note, this is packing list is for 5ish days in the Northern Hemisphere, not for those of you spending the holidays in someplace warm like Hawaii, Mexico or Australia (lucky ducks!). Feel free to check out this summer’s post on Everything I Wore in Italy.

Fall in Brooklyn, a wonderful thing.

Home for the Holidays Packing List:

2-3 party dresses - Obsessed with this one I just got from Doen. This would make a great Thanksgiving dress. Ciao Lucia always crushes holiday.