Comedy sketches have been written based on women packing for trips. If we could fit in the kitchen sink, we’d probably consider taking that, too. It’s never too late to get a handle on the process so you can carry exactly what you’ll need, not a shred more. A well-packed suitcase also takes the stress out of dressing when you’re on the road.
Heed these packing tips from Monica Escamilla, Ming Wang Product Specialist, and you’ll take a load off your mind, not to mention your hands.
Women usually over pack their luggage. How do we avoid that?
I think it’s important to always have a set of basic foundation pieces that work with multiple outfits. Instead of packing several pairs of jeans or black pants, pack one of each that looks good with all tops and jackets. The two pieces will give you dressy and casual looks. As for shoes, I recommend packing a casual flat pair of shoes, such as ballet flats, and a dressier shoe, perhaps a black pump or boot (depending on the weather). Shoes take up a lot of space in your suitcase, so the fewer you take the better. Also save space by wearing your bulkiest items on the plane, such as boots or coats.
What pieces are essential for every kind of trip and why?
We recommend five Ming Wang pieces for every customer:
- Basic pant or ankle pant, which create a tailored look when paired with one of our jackets, or a cleaner, modern look when worn with a tunic.
- 25” skirt gives you another alternative to wearing a pant or jean. For those hesitant about showing off their legs, a nice pair tights can be worn with the skirt. For a little bit of fun, try a patterned pair of tights.
- Basic black tank, the perfect piece to go under any top or jacket. It’s great for giving more coverage if you have a jacket that’s cut a bit too low.
- Tank dress, which can be layered with a jacket or worn alone with a single strand of pearls for a classic Little Black Dress look.
Ming Wang’s Basic Pant, Ankle Pant, and 25″ Skirt.
The Basic Black Tank, and Tank Dress.
These pieces should be in neutral colors, such as black, white, brown or navy. Neutrals go well with anything and allow you to get more use out of each garment.
What are the best fabrics for traveling and why?
Knits from Ming Wang are always great traveling fabrics because they are wrinkle-resistant. The best way to avoid wrinkles is to fold garments in half and roll them when packing. Rolling your clothes also saves room. If wrinkles do show up when you’ve unpacked, then hang the piece it in the bathroom and let it steam while you take a hot shower. Ming Wang knits are soft and comfortable and can be worn all year round.
What’s an alternative to taking bulky coats when going somewhere cold?
Layering is the way to go! Warmth is not measured by bulk, so you can be just as warm by layering multiple thinner pieces. Then, you can shed a couple of layers if you get too warm.
You might want to start out with our black Ming Wang tank dress (one of your basic items), followed by a lightweight cashmere cardigan, which is an amazing insulator and perfect for keeping warm. Top off those two pieces with a jacket. Add a scarf and opaque tights for additional warmth.
Must you have a fresh outfit for every day you’re away on business and on vacation?
Rotation is the key. When you pack the essential foundation items I recommend, all you really have to do is switch out your top and/or jacket to create an entirely fresh look! If you’re on a business trip, are you meeting with the same people every day? If not, it’s ok to wear the same outfit more than once during a trip, which will save you room when packing.