How to Pack for a Week Away with One Major Event

Here's how we pack efficiently, but more importantly fashionably, for a week away. xo

We're heading off to London and Glasgow this week for my niece Daisy and sister-in-law Lisa’s joint birthday party. We’ve got a week of fabulous outfits to plan, presents to pack, and a theme to consider: "Wear red or pink.” Here’s our process for deciding what to bring and packing everything neatly so we don't have to schlep too much.

Step #1: Bag(s) Selection

The critical first step is to pick which bag(s) you’re bringing. Since it’s a longer trip, we are checking bags. I have not moved to wheels yet; I am still doing the bro-shoulder carry-check bag thing. At 57, I am still too young to switch to wheels. So, I carry a large orange duffle bag from The North Face. Duckie, however, has moved on to wheels and loves this wheelie from Patagonia.

We needed an extra bag for presents, so I stacked them all in bag form and tried a few that fit. We do like shopping, so this bag will be handy for us on the way home.

And what about a carry-on bag? I use The Row Idaho Bag. It has lots of compartments, is lightweight, and is very chic. Or I’ll fill my large Bottega Veneta Cabat to the brim—another classic.