The Minimalista Packing List
Our Signature Packing Lists are your ultimate guide to packing light. Whether you’re a fashionista or a no-frills traveler, these lists are made for you to customize to fit your own personal style.
This isn’t your average packing list! The clothing shown has been carefully selected and offers you brands, colors, fabrics, and functionality that will help make planning your travel wardrobe a breeze.
By including a combination of well-known travel brands along with your favorite retailers, you’ll find that you really can find a happy balance between travel and fashion!
Pack like a pro with Travel Fashion Girl and don’t forget to download your free printable packing checklist!
Please keep in mind that each item shown represents visual ideas of how you can create a custom travel wardrobe. Read this guide
to learn how to adapt the items to the styles and color palette of your choice. For a complete introduction to creating a
travel wardrobe, please read Pack Light Stylishly.
You can use this sample travel wardrobe as a stand alone minimalist packing list or as the main core of your clothing. Long term travelers can use this list as well as vacation-goers. Keep reading to learn how.
Consisting of six pieces of clothing, these are basics chosen specifically to provide you with optimal function while maximizing your potential for varying travel outfits. As these are the essence of your travel wardrobe, make sure you can mix and match each item.
For long trips in particular you’ll need to choose fabrics that can wash and dry quickly and easily.
PERFECT FOR LOW MAINTENANCE TRAVELERS
WHERE AND WHEN ARE YOU TRAVELING?
This packing list is ideal for low maintenance women traveling in a single region or in warm climates. For cold weather, consider the Classic Packing List.
LAUNDRY
For weekend breaks, you may not need more than three outfits which are easily created with these six pieces and probably won’t have to worry about laundry. If you need more than three outfits review the Essentials Packing List for more options.
The last thing you want to do is spent your limited time on laundry. For more tips, learn more about packing for weekend travel.
If you’re using this minimalist packing list for longer trips, hand washing is necessary. Make sure to choose the right fabrics for your basics is necessary to ensure maximum use and swift washing times.
Suggested items to pack include a universal rubber sink plug and packable clothesline to make this process a breeze!
GUIDELINES TO CHOOSE APPROPRIATE ITEMS
As with all the lists, it is important to select clothing items that work well together and can be used interchangeably.
COLOR: One Color Story – solids, neutrals, limited patterns in same color story
FABRIC: Flexible for short trips; Strict for long trips: durable quick dry synthetics
CUT: Good fit in classic styles; every item must mix and match
STYLE: Appropriate in various settings: Beach, Temples, Villages, Cities, Treks, etc
TRAVEL BAG: 30-35 Liter backpack for long trips or weekender bag for short trips.
Travel organizers are the key to organization and the ability to maximize space especially for carry-on luggage. Watch this packing video to learn more!
Sample Minimalista Packing List
6 Pieces of Clothing
➊
Tops
➋
Bottoms
➌
Other
Two Tank Tops/Short Sleeve Tops in the heat or Two Long Sleeve for Cooler Climates Synthetic fabric, quick dry, solid colors or simple prints. Classic cuts that can be layered as needed. Should mix and match.
One Long Sleeve Shirt Light quick drying fabrics in the heat. Able to layer over other tops and dresses as a light jacket or cover up. Button up tops are versatile. Merino wool or cashmere to act as a top layer over other two tops as needed.
Remember to choose sleeve lengths that you like. Some women like sleeveless and others like long sleeves. Choose what works for you.
Two sets of Bottoms Highly dependent on your destination and the weather, choose items that can be used for every activity. Should mix and match with all tops.
Whether you choose long pants, capris, shorts, or skirts is up to you.
If you pack colorful or printed tops choose solid or neutral bottoms and vice versa.
One Dress or if you prefer separates choose a skirt instead. You can go one of two ways with this: bold colors or prints or classic style with neutral color. It depends on your style.
Versatility is key. For dresses choose one that can take you from day to night with some added accessories or an extra hint of makeup. If you’re only packing six pieces convertible travel dresses also offer you the added option of a two in one piece.
ADDITIONAL
Two Outerwear
One coat/jacket plus one layer for underneath.
One Bathing Suit
Reversible bathing suits allow you to mix and match. Choose one that has a neutral shade on one side so it can easily double up as a bra under your tops.
Two Bras
Neutral colors that matches with all your tops. Nude tones recommended. Read about choosing the best bras for travel.
One Sports Bra
For long trips if you plan on doing activities or have long bumpy transportation journeys.
Two Sleepwear
Pajamas depends on your personal preference but try to choose versatile items that can be worn outside the bedroom if needed such as running shorts and a fitness top. Silk or satin chemises and sets can be used as a light option as well.
Five-Ten Pairs of Travel Underwear
Quick dry, avoid 100% cotton or mesh. Quantity depends on length of trip. Read these tips for extended travel.
Two Pairs of Shoes
Choose versatile footwear. Style depends greatly on your activities and the weather but one thing’s for sure: choose comfort over fashion. A balance between functionality and fashion is ideal! Should mix and match all clothing and work for all activities. Read our ten step guide to choosing the best travel shoes for any trip.
Accessories
One belt that can be worn with pants and dress for practical style. Jewelry can be used to add color, change style, or add glam. Don’t forget them. Read the lazy girl’s guide to stylish travel accessories for more ideas.
Makeup
Take the essentials but leave the drawer filled with makeup at home. Decanter full sizes into smaller reusable containers with only the quantity you need. Read these posts for more travel makeup tips.
Alternate Packing List Combinations
Long Sleeve | Button Up | Sweater | Skinny Jeans | Jeans | Coat
3 Tops + 2 Bottoms + 1 Dress/Skirt (versatile, shown above)
4 Tops + 2 Bottoms (good for cold climates)
2 Dresses + 3 Tops + 1 Bottom (good varying climates)
2 Dresses + 2 Tops + 2 Bottoms (good for mild to warm climate)
6 Dresses (good for hot weather)
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READ THE REST OF OUR SIGNATURE PACKING LISTS:
- Minimalista Packing List for Summer
- Minimalista Packing List for Winter
- Essentials Packing List for Summer
- Essentials Packing List for Winter
- Classic Packing List for Summer
- Classic Packing List for Winter
- Maximista Packing List for Summer
- Maximista Packing List for Winter
Find out what to wear in every destination and visit our country specific packing lists for even more helpful tips.
READY TO TRAVEL CARRY-ON ONLY?
If it’s your first time traveling, you have a complicated itinerary, or you’re a chronic overpacker take our packing course which shows you exactly how to travel carry-on only for each and every single trip!