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.
For Lili Chemla, a weekend in the Hamptons follows a fairly lax itinerary. “It’s a very nostalgic place for me. Days can be really unplanned, and are usually filled with the beach, long lunches at my mom’s bakery, Carissa’s, and cooking at home,” says Chemla. “By the end of summer, I’m usually craving that kind of slower pace.”
It only makes sense, then, that her packing list for a late-in-the-season getaway out East would be similarly casual. A few slip-on shoes, a handful of sunglasses, some simple layers—mostly sourced from Chemla’s brand Leset, of course—and a condensed post-beach skincare routine make up the bulk of her carry-on. (Plus a pair of Manolo Blahnik mules, just in case.) Her travel wardrobe trick is packing around a palette; in this case, a summery blend of blues with pops of marigold and mint layered in. It’s a cut-and-paste formula that works well for long weekends away—and with a little practice, can be just as easily translated to long-haul plane trips.
Read on to see how Chemla styles a long weekend in the Hamptons, what she always stashes in her bag for longer trips, and her tips for making wrinkles work for an on-the-go wardrobe.
Are you a pre-packer or a throw-in-and-go type?
I wish I were someone who packed days in advance, but I’m definitely not. I usually pack the night before. That said, my suitcase is basically copy and paste every trip; I’ve become a pro at traveling with nothing bigger than a carry-on.
Do you pack in outfits?
I don’t pack full outfits; I pack within a color palette where versatile pieces can be styled multiple ways. If everything works together, I know I can get dressed without thinking too much. For the Hamptons, I kept the palette within shades of blue with a few brighter pops of marigold and green. I like having a neutral base and then packing in shades of a specific color so it all looks cohesive.
What’s your go-to brand for vacation dressing?
Of course, Leset is the foundation of my suitcase—it’s what I genuinely wear every day—and I like mixing it with pieces that have more personality. I’ve accumulated a lot of vintage from the ‘90s and early 2000s, as well as summer throw-ons from previous trips to Greece and Italy. For this trip, I loved the embellished vintage black Prada top I packed; it’s exactly the kind of piece I like to use against really simple separates, because it makes everything feel less predictable. This Reformation one is similar.
What’s your go-to travel bag right now?
I’m very loyal to my Rimowa luggage. For my personal item, I carry a large leather tote that fits my laptop, book, headphones, toiletries, and whatever inevitably doesn’t fit in my suitcase—right now, that bag is from Toteme.
Do you have a travel outfit formula?
I want to feel polished enough that I could walk into a meeting, but comfortable enough to sleep on the plane, and dressing up a matching set is easy. I like a sweater thrown over the shoulders to break it up, a pair of sunglasses, and a leather bag to keep it from feeling too much like pajamas. I then pair this with a shoe that’s easy to pull on and off and allows easy walking.
What are your in-flight non-negotiables?
I always keep a small pouch inside my bag with everything I want within reach so I’m not digging through my larger bag. I love the Hervé Chapelier pouches. I have ones from back when I was a teenager as well as fresh ones I just got on a recent work trip to Paris.
Team travel scarf or travel sweater?
Always a sweater. It doubles as a pillow and my defense against overzealous airplane air conditioning. I love a really oversized men’s cashmere sweater that’s ideally too big. I’m always stealing my husband’s Elder Statesman Simple Crew—sorry!
What are your vacation beauty product MVPs?
For summer, I’m much more focused on hydration and keeping my skin calm and protected. I’ve been loving my Rejuran PDRN Serum because it’s incredibly hydrating and cooling, and sunscreen on repeat (people keep asking me if I’ve been outside this summer and it’s the best compliment I could receive)—I use the Elta MD sunscreen. I also always bring my Anablue hair serum to calm a post-ocean dip.
Do you have a strategy for approaching accessories?
I keep it incredibly simple. I wear the same jewelry almost every day, so I rarely pack extras. I like pieces that almost become part of you and can stay on whether you’re in a swimsuit or dressed for dinner. A great belt, sunglasses, and one versatile, small bag are usually all I need.
Travel steamer: Yes or No?
I don’t let wrinkles dictate what I pack, but I do gravitate toward fabrics that look beautiful with a little natural movement rather than needing to be perfectly pressed. Linen, washed cotton, lightweight knits, and silk all have a natural ease to them that works beautifully on vacation.
What has been your most-worn vacation item?
My James Oversized Crew. It adds a pop of color to every look and is lightweight enough to tie over my shoulders at dinner or layer over a dress on cooler evenings.
What staple piece is always in your suitcase?
I never go anywhere without my Arielle Pocket Pants in white or black, and usually I bring both. They’re comfortable enough for the airport, polished enough for dinner, and easy to style with everything from a swimsuit and button-down to a cashmere sweater or blazer. They instantly elevate any look.
Overpacking or leaving room for souvenirs?
I never really have the option to overpack because I only travel with a carry-on. That said, I always try to leave a little room because I love bringing home vintage finds or special objects that remind me of where I’ve been. I love finding vintage ceramics, small pieces of art, or something for the home that I couldn’t have found anywhere else. I recently got a ceramic tray that you’ll see in our upcoming Sunset Plaza Store, that I’m particularly excited about.
What’s the best packing lesson you ever learned?
Pack more versatile pieces and fewer “just in case” pieces. If one item can work in multiple outfits, it’s earned a spot in my suitcase.
Source: www.vogue.com
