I literally just made a spreadsheet for what to pack for a month in L.A. in May. Due to this tendency, I've asked friends before if I'm a type B of the type As or a type A of the type Bs, and the consensus is always type B of the type As. It's less that I'm so organized and more that if I don't make lists, my head feels all over the place, especially when I'm living out of a suitcase.
When I think of L.A. style, relaxed but put-together outfits come to mind. I even realized I'm packing a lot of pieces from L.A.-based brands, including Campbell&Kramer, Charlie Beads, Clare V., Geel, Kye Intimates, Nia, and Rue Sophie.
My outfit formulas are pretty simple: a tank top with a knee-length skirt, an easy dress, or capris and a trench with ballet flats or kitten-heel sandals. As always, there are a bunch of skirts and dresses and a lot of basics to mix and match.
Some of what I'm bringing isn't available anymore, like my favorite Chimi Giada Sunglasses and Stuart Weitzman kitten-heel sandals, a few of my go-to swimsuits, and some vintage items. The goal is for all of this to fit in a carry-on, so we'll see how that goes… I'll be ordering vacuum-seal storage bags to try to save space.
Below, take a look at some of the things I'm bringing in my suitcase—from clothes to beauty.
Clothes & Accessories
I love this cotton voile slip from Cou Cou. I'll also be bringing a few of the brand's pointelle pieces.
A Rue Sophie halter dress.
An airy white sundress.
This satin dress from Sleeper.
An easy maxi dress made from organic cotton.
I got so many compliments the last time I wore this Campbell&Kramer dress.
The Santal Dress from Nia is extremely comfortable and chic.
I'm excited to wear this Permanent Vacation dress from the new collection.
This elegant V-neckline silhouette with an open back.
I love all of my Baserange dresses.
A sheer Gimaguas halter maxi.
I know it cools off at night in L.A., so I'm bringing some knitwear.
This Damson Madder cardigan is reversible with navy on the other side.
I wear my black cardigan all the time.
A little mesh cami.
This halter top to wear with capris.
A lightweight black T-shirt.
I'm such a fan of CDLP.
I randomly was gifted this Annette Tee Skirt Set, and now, I wear it all the time.
The editor-favorite Lowen Skirt.
Geel is one of my favorite L.A. brands.
I'm going to buy more Charlie Beads skirts because I like this one so much.
I highly recommend Kye Intimates for elevated basics.
I'll be bringing these capris…
…and this pair.
The Australian brand Rashi is my best new swimwear discovery.
A trench coat in case I need a layer.
These Carel shoes are beautiful and perfect.
At least a handful of our editors have these exact Margaux flats.
My Stuart Weitzman Minimalist Slide 50 Sandals are sold out, but these are a similar style.
Cute under-$100 granny shoes.
Havaianas for the beach.
I always bring a black bag with me.
For a pop of color.
My waterproof nylon bag from Kabas.
Gold hoops to wear every day.
I like sleeping in cotton nightgowns like this one from Piayama.
And this one from Lanz of Salzburg.
Beauty
I was thrilled to find out Sofie Pavitt made a gel moisturizer.
There's a sunscreen too.
Travel-size shampoo and conditioner.
This leave-in conditioner from Rōz has changed my hair.
I'll put my other products—cleanser, bodywash, hair mask, etc.—in travel-size bottles.
My D.S. & Durga perfume.
Ever since I started using a Tangle Teezer years ago, I've never gone back to a regular brush on wet hair.
YSL Beauty, if you're reading this, please bring back my favorite skin tint.
The best contour stick I've ever used.
In the shade Business Casual.
Clinique's Black Honey is popular for a reason.
I've been using this for years.
My go-to exfoliating pads.
I just got this monogrammed makeup and toiletry case.
In-Flight Essentials
I never fly without noise-cancelling headphones…
…and an eye mask.