Packing Light - Mix & Match

I've written a previous post about packing light, but wanted to add more ideas to the mix. If you pick a color palette to work with, it's easy to mix and match, allowing more outfits from less items of clothing.  For example:

• 3 tops x 3 bottoms = 9 outfits (I stick with neutral/solid pattern bottoms and more colorful tops.)

3 tops x 3 bottoms = 9 outfits!

• Summer dress = Dual purpose 
• Wear alone during the day or add a blazer for fancy dinner out!

• Accessories 
• Pashmina or cardigan serves both to dress up a sundress, as well as keep you warm on air conditioned planes.
• Small clutch (wallet)/purse - Often dinner out is a formal event. So, I recommend two purses - one for day and another (small) one for evenings out.                                           

An extra (small) evening purse helps
dress up casual daytime outfits.

• Shoes - Multi-purpose
• Sandals (can go from day to night)
• Flip-flops (for beach or shower - Very important in hostels!)
• Tennis shoes (for rushing around the airport or keeping your feet dry after a summer rain)