by Jess Atkins, Stylebook Co-Founder

On my latest trip to Aruba, I planned my travel wardrobe with Stylebook in advance so I could bring a month’s worth of outfits with me without having to check my bags (I didn’t go away for a month but I like to have options!). I came up with a packing list of 28 items that can be combined into 30 outfits and can fit into two relatively small bags along with my laptop, iPad, and toiletries. Creating a visual packing list with Stylebook was essential to achieving my super-ambitious space-saving goal! Keeping a virtual closet with Stylebook was already helping me plan my outfits for work every day, but using it to pack has made my closet inventory pay off even more.

• Planned Ahead Easily - Stylebook made it super easy to plan my vacation capsule and mix and match my pieces into as many outfits as possible. Since my wardrobe inventory is on my iPad, I was able to plan what to pack anywhere and anytime I had a free moment - like on my lunch break.
• Avoided Overpacking - After adding my outfits to the packing list, Stylebook automatically created a list of exactly the clothes I needed, so I couldn’t overpack. I finally stopped packing extra clothes that never get worn.
  
• Saved My Outfits in Advance - I saved my outfit ideas in the app, which helped me remember my outfits so I could get dressed quickly while traveling. This eliminated the stress of trying to put together outfits on the fly and freed up time to relax and enjoy my trip. Plus, Stylebook’s packing feature doesn’t need an Internet connection, so I was able to view it even without an international data plan.
• Saved Suitcase Space - Before leaving, I was able to quickly review the clothing list and eliminate similar items to save suitcase space.

You can plan your own packing list on your iPhone or your iPad with Stylebook

Overview of My Packing Strategy

The goal is to end up with a list of items that will totally mix and match. To get started, I chose a group of clothes that I thought would be a good fit, knowing the list was going to be edited. Then, I used Stylebook to find the optimal combination of pieces for my packing list. After creating my outfits, I used Stylebook to help me eliminate any duplicate items or extra pieces that weren’t being used (I’ll explain in detail in the next steps). At the bottom of the story, I’ve included a list of the 28 items I packed, and images of the outfits I created with them.

1. Initial Item Selection - First, I used the custom category feature to make a folder just for my vacation items. Then I searched my Stylebook virtual closet by color and season to find items in my wardrobe that fit my color palette and were appropriate for my destination. I temporarily moved these items to my new custom category. (I usually return them to their main categories after my trip.)

2. Saving Outfits - Next, I used the Stylebook outfit editor to make as many outfit combinations as I could with the items I selected, keeping my travel activities in mind. I saved these to a custom folder called "Vacation" in the outfit editor. I think of my packing list like a capsule and try to reuse pieces across outfits. The Clone Outfit feature makes that super easy: I duplicate an outfit, then swap out different pieces in the outfit editor (like accessories or shirts)! And when I have trouble coming up with ideas, Stylebook generates outfit ideas for me with the Outfit Shuffle feature.

Tip: If you have time, try your outfits on to make sure the proportions are right.

3. Creating a Custom Packing List - Next, I used the Packing List feature to create a list called “Aruba.” I added my favorite outfits to the packing list, and Stylebook automatically made a list of the individual pieces I needed to bring. This means every single item in my packing list is there because it’s being used in an outfit.

Tip: If you add the exact number of outfits that you need, then you’ll have a super efficient packing list with no wasted space.

4. Narrowing Down the Packing List - Next, in the generated packing list, I removed any clothing pieces that were too similar. For example, my initial list included two different pairs of black shorts, but I only needed one. I also reviewed my shoes. If I see that I have a ton of pairs listed, I try to cut down to just a couple pairs that match everything. Seeing the thumbnails side-by-side in the packing feature makes spotting similar pieces very easy. This step is critical for avoiding wasted space.

5. Use the Checklist to Pack - Once you're ready, open the checklist on the packing list screen and check off each item as you add it to your suitcase. Use our tips in the "Save Space In Your Suitcase" section below to make sure everything fits.

Why You Need a Visual Packing List

To pack efficiently, you need to see everything you're bringing at once. Stylebook makes this easy because it's a visual inventory of your actual clothes and a fun way to plan outfits. Once you come up with your outfits, add them into a packing list.

The app will then identify the individual clothing pieces you need to bring based on what’s in each outfit. Stylebook will then generate an interactive checklist you can use while you’re packing your suitcase. This means that you'll only pack clothes you know are being used in real outfits, automatically avoiding overpacking. This is what I call the "pack by outfit" method, and it's the secret to maximizing your suitcase space.

Save Space In Your Suitcase

In addition to creating a packing list, there are lots of tricks you can use to make everything physically fit in your suitcase. For example, wear some double-duty items on the plane and you’ll save a lot of space in your bag. Here are my favorite tips:

• Clutch - Pick a casual clutch that can also function as an iPad case.
• Purse - Leave your regular purse at home and carry a foldable tote that can fit in your bag. Use your personal item (in my case, a Lo & Son’s O.G. Bag ) to carry your laptop, undergarments, and pajamas.
• Workout Pants - If you plan on working out, wear gym pants on the plane.
• Sneakers - Pick shoes that can also be worn in the gym while you’re at the resort.
• Gauzy Scarf - Planes can be seriously cold so wear a gauzy scarf that can double as a beach cover-up.
• Cardigan and Lightweight Jacket - Dress in layers instead of a heavy coat. Even warm places can be chilly at night - if you wear a lightweight jacket on the plane, it may come in handy later.

How to Fit Everything

To successfully fit everything in your carry-on, you’ll need a little help from luggage organizers like packing cubes. Luggage organizers are inexpensive and worth every penny. They’re kind of like drawer dividers for your suitcase, helping you to neatly fit all of your items into a small amount of space. Without these packing aids, fitting so many items into a carry-on would be impossible.

packing envelope, shoe bag, two-sided packing cube, clear pouch

• Packing Cube (2) - You can fit two packing cubes side-by-side on one side of your carry-on. I used these to pack all of my skirts, shorts, dresses, and swimsuits.
• Clear Zip Pouches (2) - I use these for toiletries and to hold things that would normally be inside my purse. While on vacation, I carry a straw tote and the pouch prevents my purse essentials from falling out.
• Shoe Bags (3) - Put your shoes in shoe bags to protect your clothes from getting dirty.
• Packing Envelope (1) - This is my favorite organizer: as long as you iron your tops before you pack them into the envelope, they won’t wrinkle. On top of that, a single envelope can fit 12 shirts!

My Month of Outfits

Here are the 30 outfits I was able to create using the checklist of clothing items at the bottom of the article:

Bottoms (5)

Dresses (2)

Accessories (4)

Tops (12)

Swim (2)

Shoes (3)