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Smart packing

Get tips on what to pack for your next vacation

Smart packing

Get your dream vacation off to the right start and avoid nightmarish packing dilemmas with these no-fuss packing tips. They'll keep you looking sharp without taking too much along.

Streamlined essentials Stick to easy mix-and-match essentials. Colour coordinating separates in a neutral colour scheme of black, white and tan with a couple of hits of colour or patterns are guaranteed to look sharp. For a seven to 10 day trip pack one dress, two pants (one crop, one full-length), two skirts, five fitted t-shirts, two dressy tops, one cardigan sweater and one cropped lightweight cotton jacket. Steer clear of the stereotypical tourist garb of a logo'd tee, shorts and running shoes. Skirts or cropped pants look more polished than shorts and a cotton blazer is a sophisticated alternative to a jean jacket.

Versatile extras Pack pieces that will work double-duty like a sarong that works over a swimsuit at the beach but can be dressed up with sleek pants and heels at night. A pashmina wrap keeps you warm on the plane as a blanket, but looks great as an evening wrap with a dress. Pack a tunic top to wear as a beach cover-up or wear it in to town with white jeans. A top-quality, sleek swimsuit in a dark shade looks surprisingly sophisticated when paired with evening slacks.

Accessorize The right shoes, jewelry and bag take the simplest clothes from casual to dressy in a cinch. You'll need four pairs of shoes—one pair of evening heels (metallic gold or silver are easy to match and neutral) and one pair of polished walking shoes, one pair of flip flops (they'll work with your beachwear or with a skirt or cropped pants), one pair of running shoes (if you plan on exercising or taking long hikes). A small evening clutch keeps jewelry organized in your suitcase and also dresses up a basic dress or pants and top. Sparkling chandelier earrings look great with everything from a t-shirt and jeans to an evening dress.

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