Travel

Out of Office: 5 Things You’ll Always Find in My Suitcase

by

6 years ago

Hi Everyone!

I’m still riding the high from the release of my collaboration with AWAY to bring you guys chic and functional luggage, and naturally, it has me thinking of my next getaway… This new luggage collection is so versatile that I could easily pack all of my travel essentials into the smallest carry on, but no matter what size of luggage I have in tow, there are a few things you will always find in my suitcase.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what items I can’t live without (no matter where I’m jetting off to), then you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling for the five items you’ll always find in my suitcase, and see my brand new AWAY luggage collection in action…

5 Things You'll Always Find in My Suitcase | GRAY MALIN

1. A Nice Dress Shirt

Although you may not have any plans set in stone that would require you to get all dressed up, you never know when something might come up unexpectedly on your trip! Perhaps your partner or family will surprise you with a nice dinner, or you may have an impromptu meeting with a business associate you want to impress. Whatever the situation may be, it never hurts to pack at least one shirt that is dressier than the rest of your travel wardrobe, so you can be prepared for any occasion. After all, you never know when you’ll get the itch to get all dressed up for drinks with friends or a reservation at that restaurant you can’t pass up.

2. Versatile (but Comfortable) Shoes

Since packing too many pairs of shoes can take up quite a bit of space in a suitcase, I always try to pack a couple of pairs of my most versatile shoes. I don’t go anywhere without a pair of classic, yet comfortable loafers that can be dressed both up and down—this way I can easily transition from touring the city by day, to sipping Champagne by night. And of course, I can’t resist bringing along a pair of my favorite Sperry’s for more adventurous days… ;)

5 Things You'll Always Find in My Suitcase | GRAY MALIN

3. Soothing Skin Care Products

If you know me, then you know that adopting a regular skincare routine has changed the way I travel. I’ve always been a big fan of Kate Somerville products, and one thing I can’t travel without is her hydrating face serum. Not only does traveling expose your skin to a jarring change of climates over and over again, but traveling also often means late nights and early flights—all of which can take a toll on your skin. For that reason, I always bring along my favorite skin care products to keep my skin feeling fresh, hydrated and rejuvenated from long hours of travel. (If you need more proof of the importance of a skin care routine, check out my skin before and after!)

4. A Classic Polo + Jeans

If I had to choose one outfit combination to bring on vacation no matter where I’m going, it would be a classic neutral polo and a pair of easy-to-wear jeans (preferably some of my favorites from Scotch & Soda). I find that it’s so easy to dress an outfit like this down for a day on the town when I pair them with some fun graphic shoes, and dress it up a little bit with a sweater around my shoulders and my favorite loafers when the sun goes down. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with a polo and jeans, and it has become a must in my packing regimen.

5 Things You'll Always Find in My Suitcase | GRAY MALIN

5. A Compact Down Jacket

Even when it isn’t necessarily “winter weather” yet, I always bring along my favorite Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. You never know when the temps are going to take a dip wherever you’re going, and it makes for the perfect travel companion on cold flights if your suitcase is small enough to carry on the plane. The best part about this jacket in particular is that it can be folded up to a barely-there square, so it takes up hardly any space in my suitcase, yet it still warm enough to keep me cozy in unpredictable weather. Let’s just say this—if you’ve ever found yourself shelling out cash for a tourist sweatshirt you’ll only wear once because it’s your only option, then do yourself a favor and invest in one of these jackets. You won’t regret it, and you’ll save money in the long run!

5 Things You'll Always Find in My Suitcase | GRAY MALIN

What items do you always pack in your suitcase?

I hope my little list gave you all some ideas, and if you haven’t checked out my full collaboration with AWAY yet, don’t forget to take a peek right here.

Cheers,

xx

GM

Photos: Jessi Burrone for GrayMalin.com