When it comes to preparing for trips, you may have a tendency to either pack too much or too little. In the worst of cases, you may even end up bringing none of the right items with you.

While it can indeed be difficult to figure out what clothes to pack, it’s not impossible. Below is a list of things to consider. With these helpful tips, you can put together a packing list for fuss-free fashion, no matter where you’re headed to.

The Climate of Your Destination

It’s always important to dress appropriately for warm or cold weather, so you should bring comfortable clothes that are versatile and practical for different climates. For example, sundresses, loose pants, tee shirts, and tights for women are great staples to include in your travel packing list. You’ll also want to bring two kinds of outerwear so that you can easily layer up or cool down on the go.

How Often You’ll Be Doing Laundry

For shorter trips, you’ll usually be able to bring enough clean clothes to last you until you head home. But if you’re leaving for an extended period, you’ll most likely have to cycle through them, meaning you’ll have to do some laundry every once in a while.

With this in mind, you’ll need to choose garments that are easy to wash and dry. That said, you can get away with packing light if there happens to be a laundromat located near your hostel or hotel. You can also make things easier for yourself by bringing outerwear that doesn’t require as much washing. That way, you can save a lot of money on laundry services.

Your Baggage Allowance

Most airlines only let each customer bring a certain amount of check-in or carry-on baggage. Additionally, you should take note of the maximum weight allotted per bag. Otherwise, you may get charged a hefty fee for any excess baggage. This is especially important if you’ll be flying with multiple airlines, as each one may enforce different baggage allowance capacities.

That being said, try not to bring clothing made of thick and heavy fabric so that you don’t go over your baggage allowance. You may also want to avoid packing larger shoes, as they can be rather weighty. Instead, opt for garments and footwear that are made of lightweight materials.  Not only will your luggage be light, but you’ll be able to pack more pieces of clothing as well.

How Your Clothes Mix and Match

When planning what clothes to pack, you’ll want to strategically pick garments, footwear, and accessories that go well together. This means picking pieces that all match in terms of color, style, and fabric, regardless of how you mix and match them. That way, you won’t have to spend as much time coming up with outfit combinations on the fly.

What Places You’ll Be Visiting

Before heading to the tourist attractions on your itinerary, you’ll want to make sure you have the right clothes for each one. That’s because certain places (such as churches, temples, and theaters) may enforce their own dress codes. Some may require you to wear formal outfits, while others may have clothing requirements that are specifically tied to their culture. So take the time to look this information up ahead of time so you can bring the appropriate clothes for each venue.

The Activities You Plan on Doing

Generally speaking, it’s best to study your travel itinerary in advance so you can plan your outfits accordingly. If you have an idea of what activities to expect, it’ll be much easier to pick clothes that are suitable for certain occasions.

To illustrate, a family reunion may require comfortable clothing for casual get-togethers as well as a few formal outfits for grander events. On the other hand, a destination wedding typically has several events lined up, which might require you to pack more formal clothes than usual. Additionally, understanding the specific itinerary can help you plan your wardrobe accordingly, ensuring you’re prepared for every occasion. For instance, attending a ceremony at one of the top places to get married, such as a romantic beach or an elegant vineyard, might call for attire that suits the ambiance and theme of the location. Ultimately, thoughtful packing ensures you’ll not only look your best but also fully enjoy each special moment.

What Clothes Can Work for Unexpected Occasions

No matter how well you plan ahead, there’s still a chance that you’ll run into surprising situations. For example, you might make a new friend who’ll invite you to a party or two. Or if you happen to be single, you may just meet someone who’ll want to take you out on a date. That said, it doesn’t hurt to pack at least one outfit that would be suitable for these types of unplanned events.

However, the specific clothing combination doesn’t have to be complicated. You can opt for a look that’s simple, comfortable, but dazzling enough to make a statement. With that in mind, try picking a single piece like a short dress or cute jumpsuit. Then, match it with a pair of low-heeled shoes or wedges. With your special back-up outfit packed up, you’ll always be ready to look your best when the situation calls for it.

Coming up with a packing list that blends fashion and function can be challenging at first. But with these tips, you should find it easier to put your travel wardrobe together for all your future trips.