08 May Travel Guide: How to Pack a Carry On Like a Pro

{my trust Target carry-on I’ve had for eight years}

I have a confession to make: I’ve never checked a bag while flying. Besides not wanting to deal with the hassle of retrieving my luggage and paying ridiculous fees, I have fears of an airline losing my beloved property. This means that I’m a bit of a pro when it comes to packing a carry on bag. Of course we all know to roll and tuck clothes tightly so you can fit more, but what to bring is just as important.

All clothes, accessories and even beauty products should pull double or even triple duty so you can switch up your look without overloading your bag.

Beauty Products:
Due to TSA regulations, carrying full size beauty products is a no-no when you fly. As someone who’s becoming increasingly obsessed with hair creams, serums and fragrances, this is a pain in the butt, however, you can work around it. The Container Store, drugstore and even dollar stores have tons of TSA-approved bottles you can transfer your liquids in to. Also, I accumulate a ton of sample size products {attending events and ordering from Sephora} throughout the year, so I just save them for any trips. And take along products that have multiple uses, like conditioner, which also doubles as shaving cream and lip stains also work as blush.

1 Dress, 12 Ways:
I never let my style suffer when I’m traveling and the market is full of convertible dresses and skirts that can be worn multiple ways. A single garment doesn’t just go from day to night, but it can be worn from day to day. This Hanes number {above} is a dress and skirt in one, with the flip of a foldover top. At less than $16, you’re getting serious bang for your buck.

And I’m absolutely obsessed with this Elan Convertible Cover Up Dress {below}. The straps can we reworked so you can wear it as a halter neck, sweetheart neckline and about a dozen other ways. The rayon material travels well so you don’t have to worry about wrinkles.

Strategize Your Shoe Game:
I admit I’m kinda bad at doing this. I went to New Orleans last year for Essence Music Festival {I’m heading back again this year!} and about a third of my bag consisted of shoes. This really came back to kick me in the butt when it was time to leave. Remember: you’re always going to head home with more stuff than you came with, so don’t pack your bag to the brim. If space is seriously limited, try to stick with a max of four shoes that can we worn for every occasion {from sightseeing to a night of dancing to ziplining} and with at least 3 outfits you pack. My faves include nude pumps, a strappy flat sandal, sneakers and chic flats.

Don’t Forget Your Scarf:
Regardless of what climate I’m visiting, I always bring a scarf with me. It keeps the chill away when you’re on the plane or can be balled up as a pillow and is great as a finishing piece for your daily outfits. Happy Scarf always has really lightweight options at reasonable rates. And you can even turn your scarf into a top or even a skirt with a few easy steps.
source: do it yourself draped skirt