3 Fashion Month Packing Hacks You'll Want to Save Immediately

Friends! Ciao from Milano. I’m currently writing this from the back of a moving vehicle, which can only mean one thing: We’re so back at fashion month. I landed in Milan on Tuesday after furiously packing two checked bags and a carry-on. I’ve been doing this trip off and on for the past ten-plus years, so I thought I’d share the three packing rules I swear by when traveling for two weeks during the spring in Europe. Dressing during this time is a specific, unique sort of task. In short, you want eye-catching outfits that will take on the weather (cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon, cold again at night) and won’t expire by the end of the day. And when I say won’t expire, I mean it will last through a day full of shows starting at 9:30 a.m. and going until 8 p.m., plus a late-night dinner to wrap it all up.

1. Each Pair of Shoes Has To Go With at Least Three Outfits

This rule saves me from overpacking and taking up precious room that could be allotted to new purchases. 😉

2. Swap Your Blue Jeans for a Bolder Option

Believe it or not, I didn’t pack a regular pair of blue jeans for this trip. Instead, I went with leather trousers and colorful jeans that serve the same purpose—but are more visually interesting.

3. No Big Coats

They take up too much space in your suitcase. If you must, wear your heaviest coat on the plane. Then, pack mid-weight jackets and thin layers you can pile on.

Anatomy of an Outfit

MONDAY...

I learned from last fashion week’s season and went more comfortable for the overnight flight from New York to Milan. My choices? Joggers, sweats, and bright sneakers.

TUESDAY...

Landed bright and early in Milan, with just enough time to take a quick nap before I had to go to the Gucci show. Extremely thankful for roomy jeans and a leopard-print coat—an easy, yet impactful look.

WEDNESDAY...

It was an unexpectedly hot day in Milan, which meant I could wear a favorite color combination of mine: my navy Chava studio tuxedo shirt (from the Laurel Pantin collaboration) and black wide-leg cropped pants.

THURSDAY...

I love it when the outfit I pictured for the day lines up perfectly with the weather. Taking styling cues from Prada’s Spring 2024 show, I put together this look using separates from various mall brands and finished it with a bag from the collection.

Reading List

First time reading Self Checkout? Catch up on the past few weeks.