Vacation
Apr 13, 2022

I Always Shop Before Traveling—These 21 Items Are My Most Successful Purchases

by Allyson Payer

I suppose it's a little counterintuitive to admit this right now, but I actually don't think the best time to shop is before taking a trip. I've made plenty of shopping mistakes when last-minute panic-buying for a vacation or work trip, and I constantly vow to never do it again. But on the flip side, many of those panic buys have been surprisingly successful. Those are the ones I'm here to talk about.

I always make a pretty detailed packing list when I'm preparing for a trip, even planning out which accessories I'm going to wear with which outfit. It's the only way I can manage to not overpack or underpack. I often wait until the last minute to make this list (not recommended), and that's when I realize I'm lacking some of the things I need or want to complete some of the outfits. Hence the panic-buying. And while I'm not encouraging this method, here are the 21 times it actually worked out for me along with some photos of my travel style, just for fun. Scroll to shop my travel-shopping success stories.

Reformation Parker Relaxed Shirt

Parker Relaxed Shirt

This easy shirt can be worn on the plane, as a swimsuit cover-up, with a miniskirt, and so many more ways.

Totême Flair High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

Flair High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

These perfect jeans are soft, comfortable, and flattering—all the things I want in travel pants.

Staud Cargo Cardigan

This two-tone cardigan hardly takes up any room, and it works for both day and night.

Loewe x Paula's Ibiza Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote

Loewe x Paula's Ibiza

Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote

This ended up being the perfect summer travel bag. Unlike a lot of other raffia totes, it's on the small side, but it still fits everything I need and more.

Agolde Parker Long Loose Vintage Shorts

Parker Long Loose Vintage Shorts

These are excellent denim shorts—you can quote me.

Hunza G Helena Nile Bikini Set in Metallic Air Force Blue

Helena Nile Bikini Set in Metallic Air Force Blue

I ordered this pretty swimsuit for a trip to Miami last summer.

New Balance 996 Sneakers

These non-bulky, lightweight sneakers make great travel shoes.

Ciao Lucia Varese Space-Dyed Cotton Cropped Cardigan

Varese Space-Dyed Cotton Cropped Cardigan

I'm constantly getting compliments on this cardigan.

Wilfred by Aritzia Effortless Pants

Wilfred by Aritzia

Effortless Pants

I recently got these perfect black pants and have been telling everyone to buy them.

Nike Sportswear Collection Essentials Oversized Fleece Crew Sweatshirt

Sportswear Collection Essentials Oversized Fleece Crew Sweatshirt

I love wearing this cool sweatshirt on flights. It's incredibly soft.

Alo High Waist Lounge Leggings

High Waist Lounge Leggings

Speaking of comfortable, if you have a long flight, take my advice and order these leggings for it.

Staud Simone Mules

I wish I could impress you by telling you how many times I've worn these perfect sandals, but I lost count a long time ago.

Totême Baseball Cap

I have a bit of a baseball-cap problem (as in, I keep buying them), but this one is the one I wear the most. I guess I knew that would be the case when I panic-bought it. It's a splurge, but I think I've gotten my money's worth.

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Slide Sandals

Arizona Soft Slide Sandals

To be honest, I already owned a pair of Arizona sandals when I ordered these, but the soft footbed convinced me I needed these for a trip that included a lot of walking.

Prada Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon Mini Bag

Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon Mini Bag

This lightweight Prada bag is perfect for squeezing into a suitcase, and I love that I don't have to worry about it too much if it rains or snows.

Completedworks Pearl, Crystal & 14kt Gold-Vermeil Drop Earrings

Pearl, Crystal & 14kt Gold-Vermeil Drop Earrings

One of my favorite ways to dress up an outfit for a night out is with fancy earrings. Completedworks makes some of my favorites. I bought a pair before a trip to L.A. last December and have worn them many times since.

Loewe Leather-Trimmed Ribbed Wool Beanie

Leather-Trimmed Ribbed Wool Beanie

What can I say—I love a hat. This is the one I always bring to NYC in the winter.

TNA by Aritzia Dale Jacket

I brought this jacket in navy for a trip to D.C. last spring, and it was perfect for the weather.

Gucci Beige & Brown Cotton GG Socks

Beige & Brown Cotton GG Socks

Logo socks don't take up a lot of room, but they do add a lot to an outfit.