Leaving the house before any kind of travel basically always induces a frenzy. Do you have your charger? Your wallet? Enough clothing? And so on and so forth. Unfortunately, all of those scattered last-minute thoughts tend to be limited to the absolute essentials, not necessarily the items that make you comfortable and at ease while traveling. Everyone's travel needs vary, but if there's any group of people who know the ins and outs of efficient packing and carry-on essentials, it's celebrity stylists.
These people dress other human beings for a living, and this includes much more than the red carpet. In fact, the majority of a stylists job is dressing their celebrity clients for their day-to-day lives and vacations, too (and, yes, sometimes the more glamorous moments). After years of experience, these women know what frequently makes a travel experience a positive one for not just themselves, but their clients as well. So, naturally, we tapped them for intel.
Ahead, find out what some of the industry's favorite celebrity stylists claim to never travel without. The next time you walk out the door headed to your new destination, we recommend checking these items off your list—you know, in addition to your toothbrush and pajamas.
Emily Sanchez
"I absolutely love this duffle. It's durable canvas, trimmed with chic leather, can be slung over the shoulder, and folds up small inside another bag, so I can safely repack overflow or all the extra things I acquire along my travels."
"If you know me, my uniform is a feminine minidress, and I always travel in one because normally I am going straight from the plane to set or to a client or to a fitting. It's a no-fail way to look put together, even after a red-eye."
"I love having my favorite fragrance on hand for travel, but I can't risk a full-size perfume spilling on priceless runway samples. This little roller in Tulipe by Byredo is my favorite scent. It fits in my handbag and never leaks or spills."
"My friend Michelle Waugh makes the coziest, most delicious coats, and when traveling in cooler months, I wear this boyfriend version on the plane. It's perfect for wearing layers under and doubles as a blanket on the flight when you run out of carry-on room."
"Any stylist will tell you that compartmentalizing is key to keeping organized when packing for a client or yourself. These colorful Away cubes have genius mesh tops so you can see what's inside! I love them in blush."
Britt Theodora
"I also always travel with a lightweight pair of slides like these Sarah Flints. They are chic to throw on to walk around the hotel or grab a coffee and are durable enough to walk cobblestone streets without feeling like you don't have support!"
"I can't live without my Donni Charm trio scarf. It not only keeps me warm but I can wrap it up enough times to support my neck on long flights. Plus, I use it as my go-to scarf to accessorize my usual jeans-and-T-shirt uniform while I'm traveling."
Sarah Nearis
"My grandmother always said to never travel with real jewelry, so I always stock up on lots of costume pieces whenever I can find them. I feel naked without earrings, so I always travel with a pair of faux-diamond studs. I almost never take them off."
"From work to dinner, a chic dusted coat is always packed to pull a look together and stay warm when the temperature drops."
"Whether I travel for work or vacation, I don't leave without a classic leather tote bag. It fits everything I need, from my makeup bag to my iPad, and it still looks chic while being practical."
Madison Guest
"No matter what season, I am always freezing on planes, so I make sure to carry on a pair of warm socks and a chic wrap that doubles as a blanket (not a fan of the ones they give you—germs!)."
"Gemmed is so easy to mix and match. It's the only jewelry I pack! It's perfect for any occasion while I'm gone."
"I can't tell you how many times I've been away and a last-minute event has come up. Packing a great jacket like this shawl collar blazer is all I need to elevate any outfit!"
Next up, find out which items royals never wear.
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