When it comes to mastering the art of the travel wardrobe, it’s no surprise that our favorite fashion insiders also moonlight as packing pros. In My Packing Style, we tap some of the most well-traveled people we know for a peek inside their travel bags and vacation wardrobes to see how they take their style on the road.
You’ve bookmarked the trip, you’ve screenshotted the outfits; now, a look at how it all comes together.
If we had to wager which professional packs for life on the go best, we’d say that few do it better than models. Take Carolyn Murphy for example; or more specifically, take her upcoming travel schedule.
“I’m off to Paris, then taking the Orient Express to Florence, then headed to Milan for Vogue World and to launch my new collection with La DoubleJ,” she says. We caught her as she was prepping for a whirlwind few weeks on the road—who better to impart some travel capsule wardrobe wisdom?
By this point a seasoned professional at the art of red-eye style, Murphy has her airport uniform down. She’s a fan of a sleek pant and a menswear blazer; put-together, but off-duty enough for the cabin.
The contents of her actual suitcase are similarly expertly edited—a matching set or two (her favorites are Phoebe Philo and vintage YSL), some basic button-downs, an array of neutral heels, if you count leopard print. “I’m quick and methodical after a lifetime of travel,” she says.
Ahead, Murphy shares how she puts together a capsule wardrobe, what beauty products are currently in her plane bag, and why she’ll always defend over-packing.
Are you a pre-packer or a throw-in-and-go type?
Mentally, days ahead. I like to plan my outfits and imagine them in the environment. I’m definitely a pre-packer—the night before. It makes the day of travel so much easier, and I like to move slow.
Do you pack in outfits?
I do prefer to pack outfits for work trips (I’m more relaxed for vacations). I know what I like and everything works well together so it’s easy to mix things up if my mood changes.
What’s your go-to brand for vacation dressing?
I like classic pieces that are stylish, transitional, and can be layered for any climate. I always go back to brands like The Row, Khaite, TWP, and Sablyn for essentials, Eres for lingerie and swimwear, Kallmeyer and Magda Butrym for elevated day or eveningwear.
What’s your go-to travel bag right now?
I use an Away suitcase, and the Mark Cross Eleanor Tote as my carry-all.
Do you have a travel outfit formula?
I’m old school in that I think traveling nicely dressed is respectful. I keep it comfortable but chic—usually with a stretchy cigarette pant from High Sport, a ReDone T-shirt, and a men’s Armani silk jacket, with a G Rossi leopard ballet flat.
What are your in-flight non-negotiables?
I never travel without my Falke silk socks because I usually wear a ballet flight when I fly and I will not expose my bare feet to people or a dirty floor!
Team travel scarf or travel sweater?
I’m both—I always have my Loro Piano Extra scarf because I get cold on flights, and a light sweater is so easy for layering if need be.
What are your vacation beauty product MVPs?
I swear by too many but I don’t travel without my Advanced Night Repair (including the face and eye masks) because it’s like magic. ReNutriv Cream is a necessity for ultra skin hydration after travel; plus the Futurist HydraPlump lip balm in Clove Cushion can be used on my lips and cheeks to make me look fresh on arrival.
Do you have a strategy for approaching accessories?
My strategy is that accessories make the outfit! I usually have too many shoes, and at least two day bags; then, an evening clutch and evening shoe. My everyday jewelry is minimal but I’ll occasionally add in a statement watch, necklace, or bracelet.
Travel steamer: Yes or No?
I’m not too worried about fabrics and most places have steamers on hand… but if not, I’ll just hang the garment on a hanger in a hot shower. It does the trick every time. I think if your suitcase is well-packed and organized, it makes unpacking at the destination so much easier. I abhor “living out of my suitcase,” so organizing my things upon arrival helps me enjoy my space and time more.
What has been your most-worn vacation item?
I would say my Simone Rocha slip dresses, because they can be worn anywhere, any season. I’ll add a cardigan and tights for cooler months.
What staple piece is always in your suitcase?
I like sets: a jacket and a matching pencil skirt or trouser. My go-tos are Frankie Shop, Phoebe Philo, or vintage YSL. This way I can wear the pencil skirt with a vintage t-shirt or fitted sweater; and use the jacket with jeans and a sexy bodysuit.
Overpacking or leaving room for souvenirs?
I overpack and I leave room! I like to have the choice in choosing outfits and/or acquiring more via shopping; and I do love finding treasures like linens, stationary, and vintage clothing.
What’s the best packing lesson you ever learned?
It’s best to pack more than less. Also, pack your clothes laying flat—I am de-bunking the roll-up theory—because you can fit more in your suitcase.
