We Aim To Slay

We’re rounding out the SLAY Your Vacay series with my favorite topic – the wardrobe!

As we’ve discussed in this series, we’re focused on minimizing the space lost in our luggage by opting for pieces that can serve more than one function. And, like I’ve shared in the past, I find a “capsule wardrobe” approach the most effective. But I recently learned of a new approach that has completely altered my mindset on packing – my least favorite aspect of traveling!

Sudoku Packing Method

As the name implies, this social media packing hack relies on a 3-by-3 grid method of creating a capsule wardrobe. In the end, you should be able to create 27 outfit combinations from a total of nine articles of clothing: three tops, three bottoms, and three layering pieces.

Much like any other approach to a capsule wardrobe – or packing, for that matter – you’ll want to consider your destination, your personal style, and the activities you’ll be doing while away. For that reason I’ve created two sudoku method collections: one with a more fashion-centric approach, and one with a more outdoorsy feel!

For the Fashion Girlies

For this collection I combined a few of the concepts we’ve been discussing this year: my personal color combo for the year (pink & green), matching sets, and a bodysuit (my favorite wardrobe warrior!).

The Pieces I Picked

I opted for neutral tops: a white tank top bodysuit from Rainbow, a white knit crop top from T.J. Maxx, and a vintage DKNY pleather tank from Plato’s Closet. Now I’ll start to introduce some color, completing two looks with matching sets: this bright green mini skirt and shrug combo, and this beige trouser and vest combo, and I’ll complete the color story with a sparkly black cardigan by Moschino.

The Final Looks

As they say, a picture says a thousand words, so I’ll let these looks do the talking!

For the Lifestyle Girlies

Ever since our first camper trip last summer, Dante, Mylee, Stacey & I have been dying to get back on the road – and now we’re only a few weeks away from our next adventure! I approached this capsule with that trip in mind; knowing we’ll be on-the-go from sun up to sun down!

The Pieces I Picked

Similarly to the fashion-centric plan, I opted for two matched sets here: the red sports skort and sports bra by Rebel Athletics and my favorite Astoria Activewear set, this sports tank and short from the Black & Cream collection. And, I rounded out this collection with basics, a pair of black leggings and a black & white striped sports bra. For layering pieces I picked a windbreaker, a 3/4 zip compression top, and a regular long sleeved tee shirt.

The Final Looks

Similarly to the fashion set, I didn’t photograph all 27 combinations, but here it’s because not all of my pieces were cohesive together (I personally wouldn’t wear that shade of blue with any of those red pieces).

The Non-Negotiables

While I found both of these capsule wardrobes to be comprehensive – so much so that I might combine them for my upcoming trip! – there are a few staples I’ll be packing alongside these pieces.

This includes pajamas, clothes to lounge around the hotel or campsite, an excessive amount of socks and undergarments, and a little black dress! I’d also make sure to pack at least three pairs of shoes; something functional (like my Dr. Martens), something practical (like an athletic sneaker), and something a little nicer (like a ballet flat or a sandal).

What Do You Think?

The sudoku packing method has completely changed my approach on packing! Next month Dante and I – and our travel besties! – will be heading to Acadia for our next camping trip, and I’m excited to put the SLAY Your Vacay techniques into practice!

I’ll be back next week to pose an interesting question: do you know what ingredients are in your deodorants?

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!