Personal stylist reveals the BIGGEST mistakes people make when packing for a trip – as she shares her ULTIMATE travel fashion formula for putting together stylish outfits on the go

US
By James

Wondering why your holiday outfits never turn out the way you planned?

Take some tips from Toronto and New York City-based personal stylist Kim Appelt, who are revealing the real reasons why the travel ensemble you dream of just doesn’t work.

The personal stylist has revealed the biggest mistakes people make when preparing their outfits for a trip – as she shares her perfect packing formula that she says creates perfect ensembles for any occasion.

Speak Unpleasant InsiderAppelt noted that β€” while trendy pieces may catch your eye while packing β€” it’s actually a lot easier to create outfits on the go if you stick to the items you know work for you on a daily basis.

New York and Toronto-based stylist Kim Appelt has revealed the biggest packing mistakes people make when going on vacation

The fashion expert also shared her top tips for putting together ensembles on the go – and revealed why people should focus less on trends when planning a trip

The fashion expert also shared her top tips for putting together ensembles on the go – and revealed why people should focus less on trends when planning a trip

β€œFor example, if you are someone who likes sportswear, you are a very casual dresser… It is not the time to unpack those pieces in your closet that are extremely feminine and full of flowers,” Appelt explains.

It may be tempting to imagine an Instagram grid full of fantastic vacation photos, but make sure you bring outfits that you already know how to style.

The fashion content creator, who has amassed more than 60,000 Instagram followers for her sage style advice, guided attendees on how to dress for both the environment they visit and the “vibe.”

The celebrity stylist recommended “edgy” all-black outfits in New York City, including combat boots and black jeans.

However, just because you’re dressing for the environment doesn’t mean you have to eschew all your old favorites when it’s time to hit the road.

Appelt, who wrote the book Style for Everybody: A Guide to Curating Your Essential Wardrobe, admitted that she still wears her white linen blazer while traveling around Manhattan because it’s a wardrobe staple.

The author of Style for Everybody advised people to bring basic wardrobe staples, like her favorite white linen blazer, which she can wear in multiple ways.

The author of Style for Everybody advised people to bring basic wardrobe staples, like her favorite white linen blazer, which she can wear in multiple ways.

'Avoid clothes that only match one specific outfit, which will limit your options. Each piece should be able to be worn three ways,” the style pro shared

‘Avoid clothes that only match one specific outfit, which will limit your options. Each piece should be able to be worn three ways,” the style pro shared

Jetset style! Kim’s Ultimate Packaging Formula Revealed

  • Start with comfortable basics like jeans, T-shirts and neutral, lightweight sweaters
  • Choose items that can be mixed and matched effortlessly
  • Stick to a neutral color palette, which translates well in trendy cities
  • Combine layering pieces such as thin cardigans, blazers and light cotton jackets to add style to your outfit
  • Choose comfortable clothes that breathe, made from quality fabrics such as cotton, linen or modal
  • Pack pieces that can be worn casually or casually, such as a simple black dress that can be worn casually with sneakers during the day and dressed up with a blazer at night

The style expert and author urged everyone to ask themselves a few quick questions before they start packing, including: ‘What is your personal style? Is it athletic, is it preppy, is it casual?”

Once you find the answers, Appelt says, it’s easy to put together a perfect capsule wardrobe for travel that won’t cost you a lot of money or burden your back with a heavy suitcase.

One of the stylist’s best packing tips is to make sure each item can be worn three different ways, noting that a linen blazer is easy to pack and just as easy to style.

She guides people to start with versatile basics, creating a foundation such as “classic jeans, fitted T-shirts and neutral lightweight sweaters” before mixing and matching, which “maximizes outfit options with the smallest number of pieces.” It helps to start with a neutral color palette, which makes it easy to mix and match.

Appelt is an expert in creating a capsule collection that is actually wearable, and wrote a book on creating an 'essential wardrobe'

Appelt is an expert in creating a capsule collection that is actually wearable, and wrote a book on creating an ‘essential wardrobe’

Instagram commenters loved the content creator's fashion advice, which helps them travel without checking their luggage

Instagram commenters loved the content creator’s fashion advice, which helps them travel without checking their luggage

However, one Instagram commenter read her advice after traveling with two extra suitcases because they hadn't had access to her packing tips

However, one Instagram commenter read her advice after traveling with two extra suitcases because they hadn’t had access to her packing tips

β€œThe biggest mistake is trying to pack all those clothes you bought on IG while you were scrolling, or on sale that you’ve never worn,” Appelt told DailyMail.com.

“This is not the time to try to get your money’s worth.” These unreliable items may not fit properly and you probably don’t know which shoes will go best with them.

The personal stylist shared her expert tips on Instagram and commenters were quick to share their thoughts.

‘Good advice! Dang, I just arrived with two oversized suitcases plus my carry-on for a week trip lol. Too late,” one follower opined.

β€œKnow your WOFs (without fail) and head out with a small suitcase,” another agreed.

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