How to pack for a week in a backpack

Do you feel that spark of sunshine and adventure in the spring air? It’s a perfect time to go somewhere and there’s nothing better than packing light. That great both/and of simplicity and style will save your time and energy for even better things. Simplicity frees you, literally, of unnecessary stuff, but also of the internal clutter of having to manage stuff. Style frees you, too; the better you feel, the more able you will be to stop thinking about how you look and wholly immerse yourself in the present.

Here’s how to pack a week of easy, comfortable, beautiful outfits that fit into one backpack.

• Striped sweater: An always-cool stripe in a fresh texture and cut adds versatile French girl vibes.

• Woven mary janes: I dislike buying shoes that aren't constructed of "real" materials because they don't last as long and I have found them difficult for my problem feet. However, these vegan leather mary jane flats are flat-out adorable and on-trend while accommodating my orthotics and are soft, stretchy, adjustable, and come in wide widths and several colors. The soles aren't great—a little slippery and thin—but I found adding sole protectors solved that issue. I have become obsessed with them and plan to bring them on our next big trip. They're even comfortable for my long, long walks! I pair them with these excellent no-show socks so they don’t rub.

• Midi dress: This soft dress is ideal for travel because you can dress it up and down, and wear it alone or pair it with either sweater or pair of shoes for a variety of looks. 

• Black wide jeans: A universally flattering cut that’s trend-adjacent without being try-hard or gimmicky. Black wash denim elevates everything just enough. 

• Bow front cardigan: This pretty sweater is both feminine and interesting, and the pale blue color functions as a surprising neutral that’s so much more fun that taupe or gray.

• Gold-tone knot earrings: These sweet knots will never go out of style and can pair with jeans or dresses. They look especially lovely with a low bun hairstyle. 

• Tweed cardigan: This beautiful piece is like wearable springtime. 

• Leather shoulder bag: A pale apricot colorway gives this high-quality bag timeless versatility. The strap adjusts to wear it shoulder length or crossbody. 

• Slip skirt: How do I love thee, slip skirts? Let me count the ways. Packs light, looks great with sneakers or heels, tees or jackets, crosses seasons, flatters every body, and barely wrinkles rolled up in your backpack. This color is beautiful.

• White sneakers: Nothing is more travel essential than comfortable shoes, and minimalist white sneakers are the queen of versatility. This affordable leather pair looks almost identical to these and even this insane $480 pair.

• Caramel belt: The perfect low-profile, easy-packing accessory to finish everything. 

• And of course, don't forget the perfect travel backpack that I never travel without.

Finally, remember these two more strategies for packing minimally, with versatility and style:

• Identify how you want to feel on your trip—casual chic? date-nightish? funky? colorful? minimal? fancy? sporty? If your trip will include special photos, try to identify how you want to feel in those, too. If you focus on how you want to feel on your trip, this will help you streamline and eliminate pieces that don't serve this end, as well as avoid random packing, overpacking, and unnecessary panic-shopping (aka overspending).

• Draw your potential packing list and then draw all the outfits you can make with those pieces. I make packing sketches for our trips, and I always end up taking several things out of my bags when I realize how little I need to make lots of great combinations. Bonus: your packing sketch will be a sweet souvenir.

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Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, and traveler.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.