How to pack light but still create many stylish outfits during a holiday

Always struggling with extra baggage because you enjoy having multiple outfit options? Here’s how you can pack light but still have your #OOTD down pat

By Cheng Jee Yan - 1 Jun 2016

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Packing light – I’ve always scoffed at the idea. Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe once said, “I stand by my packing methodsÃ¢â‚¬Â¦You just need options!”, and I couldn’t agree more. For those who know me, I have a bit of reputation for being an over-packer; on a daily basis, I dress according to my mood, so having to decide all my outfits beforehand kills me.

At my most ridiculous, I once packed four pairs of shoes and eight different outfits for a short four-day getaway in Taipei, just because I couldn’t decide what to bring. I mean, how can anyone predict what might strike their fancy at any given time? You might have this sudden desire to wear that flirty frock you bought on sale, for instance, or that pair of ripped jeans you never got around to wearing.

Cue extra baggage charges. After that one time when I had to pay more than $200 for that extra load, I told myself to have some restraint – after all, $200 can buy me a great bomber jacket from Topshop.

After a couple of hard lessons, I think I’ve finally mastered the art of packing light without compromising on style. Here are the double-duty pieces that you can use multiple times for various ensembles.

Viscose ribbed cardigan, $45.90 from Mango

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1. Long black cardigan

This goes with literally everything, and you can wear this at any time of the day. It's the perfect item that can instantly lend variety to your wardrobe. You can also choose one with minimal details so you don’t even have to accessorise.

Viscose sleeveless dress, $143.79 by Sisley from ASOS

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2. Little black dress

I cannot stress enough the importance of this wardrobe essential. It’s one of the most space- and time-saving pieces to toss in your suitcase. For a casual day out, you can dress it down with a pair of sneakers. If you’re going for a nice dinner, you can simply jazz things up by adding some jewellery and amping it up with a pair of heels.

Bleached cotton jeans, $89.90 from Topshop

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3. Jeans

They are quite the obvious go-to, because who doesn’t wear jeans? A pair of jeans are probably the most versatile item of clothing after the little black dress. It’s comfortable, easy to wear and the best part is, they don’t need any ironing.

Polyester blouse, $59.90 from Zara

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4. White blouse

Depending on your style, you can opt for a tailored blouse, a T-shirt or even a lace top. I pick white because it’s a universally flattering colour and you can pair it easily with any bottom.

Acrylic long scarf, $44.24 from ASOS

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5. Patterned scarf

This comes in really handy, especially for those of you who love wearing colours. I understand that due to space constraints, people usually pack neutral pieces because it’s easier for mixing and matching. The scarf keeps you warm when the temperature dips, and can even act as a waist belt or headband when you need a pop of colour to freshen up a plain outfit.