Map It Out: Take out your favorite pencil and notepad and make an outline for your packing: jot down the activities you're likely to do on your trip, as well as the predicted weather. Be realistic about how much you need based on how long your stay is. If it's a long weekend, versatility is key. Mix-and-match neutrals with a couple of accent pieces thrown in will be the ticket. It's also likely that wearing the exact same look more than once isn't going to warrant a visit from the fashion police. Your family will doubtfully notice. Try to make a list of pieces after you read this article to keep things simple.
Keep it Neutral: When it comes time to pick your wardrobe, neutrality is king. There should only be one standout piece (such as a cocktail dress, printed jeans, etc.) in the whole lot. The rest should be the black, white, cream, navy versions of your most loved go-tos. Long sleeved T-shirt, cardigan, wool sweater, and jeans should be in basic colors. Always consider something wrinkle-resistant before you throw in that pure silk number. Cotton is your best friend.
How To Pack: There are a lot of theories on the bast way to pack it all into a small space. You're supposed to layer heavy things on the bottom and lighter things on top and throw in a good luck charm right in the center and then put your toiletries in a secret hidden location you've sewn in the bottom — or something like that. Here's a simple strategy: simply roll wrinkle-resistant items (jeans, socks, undies, bras, Ts, sweaters) into tubes after you fold them in half. File them in the suitcase like you would files in a drawer. The remaining empty space on the bottom works to stack items that may wrinkle. Keep it flat and wrap in plastic wrap to preserve. Another trick for those wrinkly items: fold them inside out so the most obvious wrinkles won't be seen when worn. If you have corners free, this is a good place for shoes. You shouldn't need more than four pairs. Don't forget, you have an outfit to wear during your commute. Some extra basic pieces can be worn to the airport.
Pour your necessary beauty products into sample size containers you buy at the drug store. Put them in outside pockets or inside plastic bags. Do the same for your jewelry, if you don't have a jewelry roll. If you can afford one before your trip, pick one up. Got belts? Outline the edge of your suitcase in them, so they keep their shape.
What to Bring: We wouldn't leave you without some suggestions for what you should be taking with you, in a broad sense. Use this list to build, add, or subtract from what you've got in mind already.
Via: Pack Like the Pros for the Easiest Trip Ever