How to pack a carry-on bag for a 20-day trip

When you travel, is packing always a challenge/torture? As wonderful as showing off amazing, stylish looks is, you can leave the huge amounts of pieces from your fashionista soul at home and just take the basics and creativity with you. Personal stylist Ana Rita G. Ferreira teaches how to choose which pieces to take for a 20-day trip in mild seasons (such as autumn and spring) and how to put them on all inside a carry-on bag without suffering.

the magic list

• 1 jeans
• 1 pair of black jeans
• 1 leggings
• 1 denim shorts
• 1 night out shorts (can be a skirt too)
• 1 day skirt (or 1 dress)
• 1 dress (or other skirt)
• 2 lightweight sweaters (knits work well)
• 1 light coat
• 1 leather jacket
• 3 basic tank tops (black, light and gray)
• 6 blouses (choose between shirts, t-shirts and smocks)
• 10 panties
• 6 pairs of socks
• 3 bras (or tops)
• 2 tights (one thicker and one thinner)
• 1 pair of comfortable sneakers for walking during the day
• 1 pair of sneakers that match all the pieces
• 1 pair black ankle boots
• 1 pair of slippers
• Necessaire (one or more)

1. Shoes first

According to Ana, all the “bottom” parts are at the bottom in the organization of the suitcase. Separate the shoes you chose and place them in individual bags, accommodating them with the soles facing down in the corners of the bags. How to choose shoes? The personal stylist’s suggestion is to think between three and four pairs: sneakers, sneakers (or a more “tidy” model for going out), low-top boots (ankle boots) and flip-flops – the latter is essential if you are going to stay in a hostel. If you don’t like boots, change to a more comfortable one. You can also wear high heels if you prefer.

2. Lingerie and socks always together

You know that desperate feeling of needing to find something and not having the ~slightest idea~ where it is in the bag? If you group similar items (such as panties and socks) and leave them in the same place, this problem will not happen. How many to take of each? For a 20-day trip, consider the great possibility of washing these items. Then 10 panties and six pairs of socks solve your problem. Oh, if you’re wondering where the bras are, Ana Rita explains: “Prefer to take the pieces open and without crushing the bulge, so you occupy all the spaces in the suitcase and don’t damage the piece”.

3. Necessaire: a drama

Take up half of one side with the shoes and the other as well, trying to keep the suitcase “level”. Fit your toiletry bag in the space between your shoes as they have the same “height”, but don’t overdo it when choosing products: in hand luggage liquids over 100ml are not allowed, regardless of destination. If you like to carry a good amount of cosmetics and make-up, Ana tells the trick: “divide it into several smaller necessities and fit them into the spaces”. No need to suffer choosing red or purple lipstick!

4. Shirts without wrinkles

Whether on a business trip or on vacation, there is nothing worse than arriving at a place and having your beautiful shirts wrinkled. To avoid this inconvenience, do the following: put on a coat with the shirt inside, ironing the sleeves and collar well. Fit the blouse into the space of the suitcase, occupying the sides well – there is always a little corner that could be better used! Smart tip: if the shirts still wrinkle, hang them on a hanger and leave them in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will do all the de-kneading work.

5. Pants

Following the same logic as the bottom pieces, place jeans in the space above the shoes with the waistbands each to one side🇧🇷 This way they are level and not overlapping.

6. Finish with skirts and shorts

The personal also recommends taking leggings in addition to jeans because they are easy to match and comfortable. Fit the leggings, shorts and skirt into the rest of the space.

7. Rollers are friends, not enemies

There are those who love or hate making rolls with clothes – in fact, to keep Marie Kondo in your closet contraindicates this method – but to organize your suitcase this is the best way. We save space and ensure that t-shirts and tank tops do not arrive at their destination completely crumpled. Just make the rolls and fit in the corners of the bag.

8. Dresses last

For those who like little dresses and want to take at least one, Ana says that leaving them for last is the best way out, especially if they are made of light fabrics that wrinkle easily. You don’t need to bend too much, just fit the piece over the coat and close the elastic lock. Ready! Bags ready to go.

9. What about the clothes you are going to wear on the plane?

This does not count in the number of pieces for the days of the trip. Of course, if you use it later, it will be an advantage, but better not count on it: it can wrinkle, get dirty, sweaty and you won’t be able to enjoy it. In case you are not going to a place of extreme heat, take the heaviest items on the plane – coats, boots and the like that take up space and weigh in the suitcase. PS: there will still be a little place left for you to bring some souvenirs!

See also: See what clothes to wear on the plane