KNOW WHAT NOT TO BRING

Check out the weather of where you’ll be travel­ing to on the Internet.

Call your hotel to make sure that they have hair dryers and irons so you don’t have to pack them.

Also ask your hotel if they will provide a robe in your room. It also doubles as a beach cover-up.

CHOOSE DARK COLORS

They hide spots and wrinkles. Use two colors at the very most for easy mix and matching with fewer pieces.

BREAK IT UP

Pantsuits and skirt suits should be considered separates.

ACCESSORIES

Choose a purse that can fit inside your brief­case.

Never carry a purse so large that it looks like you’re living out of it.

Pack accessories that can take an office look into evening like rhinestones and crystal jewelry.

Interlock belts and run them along your suit­case’s inner circumference to save space.

SHOES

Wear mules (backless shoes) if you need to wear heels while traveling by air. They can easily be slipped off on the plane, and can still fit at the end of the trip when your feet have swollen con­siderably.

Always include walking shoes A light pair of evening shoes with a comfort­able heel is ideal, but if you have no room, bring a pair of clip-on earrings to dress up your day shoes.

Before packing a CD player or other battery-operated item, put the batter­ies in the wrong way. In this way, if the appliance is accidentally switched on, the batteries won’t be drained.

PACK WELL

A black dress is a versatile go-anywhere-in-any – kind-of-climate staple. The simpler the styling, the more looks you’ll be able to create with it. Choose one with just a hint of stretch to flatter without clinging.

Fold clothes where the natural creases would be, like elbows and knees.

Keep your clothing in its dry cleaning bags if there’s room. The plastic forms air pockets that will keep clothing from being crushed.

Leave your bulkiest clothing out and wear it on the plane.

Place shoes and heavier items (like blue jeans) at the bottom of your bag when you pack.

Stuff your shoes with socks, medicine, film, and jewelry.

Roll your clothing whenever possible to avoid wrinkling.

Put your shoes in plastic bags to protect clothing.

Wrap your dressier clothing around some­thing soft (like a beach towel).

Always unpack and hang your clothing immediately upon arrival.

Updated: July 26, 2015 — 10:39 am