How to Pack a Carry-On for a 4-Day Vacation

Jennifer Atilémile is the definition of a woman who does it all. A true multi-hyphenate, she is a model, writer, creative, activist, and intellectual. As an editor in residence, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry.

I am a chronic overpacker. I love to have options and extras if my mood or body isn’t feeling the same on the day I want to wear the outfits I’ve preplanned. I’ve become quite the pro at being a solo traveller with three overweight suitcases, but for a four-day trip to Punta Mita, I thought it would be a little humiliating to arrive with three suitcases. Even if I have my personal porter (fiancé) with me, I’m challenging myself to carry-on only.

Part of my problem with overpacking is I pack for the trip I fantasize about. I pack for the content I think I want to capture, and by doing that, you’re already doing yourself a disservice because you’re already checking out of your holiday before you even check in. Your vacation should never be about the content; it should be about the memories made along the way. This used to be me. I’d arrive at the beachside resort with 11 outfits and the most impractical shoes that I’d never wear. Then, I’d be disappointed because I wouldn’t get the “shots” for Instagram, and I’d miss living in the moment and regret not enjoying my time on vacation.

This time, I started packing a whole week in advance. Crazy, right? But when done properly, it alleviates a lot of useless suitcase additions. We were lucky enough to be headed to the St. Regis in Punta Mita for an early moon. The team there helped us out in a big way by sending our itinerary ahead of time, so I wasn’t guessing about the kinds of outfits I might want. We’ve got three dinners and a couple of other meals that I need cute outfits for, a champagne sabrage ceremony, and a sound bath. The real kicker is that it’s going to be “real feel” 108°F and humid.

Carry-on or checked?

The first question was whether I’d pack a checked bag or try to cram everything into a carry-on. Four days of summer clothing is, by weight and volume, almost nothing. The only reason I’d bring a checked bag is if I wasn’t able to preplan my outfits and wanted options per day. We also want to dive right into enjoying the hotel, so waiting around for a checked baggage post-flight is an extra hour of beach time wasted. ​

The key is to pack things that can be used multiple times. For example, this Staud tote bag will double as my beach bag when I’m at the St. Regis. If I wasn’t saving for the actual wedding, I’m also a fan of this Hermès one and this one from Alex Mill.

The case for a vacation capsule wardrobe:

I’ve mapped it out. We’ll be having three dinners, three lunches, and three breakfasts. We’re staying on the property, and we’re not leaving to go exploring, so that cuts out practical clothing. I’m there to be hot for myself and my future husband. (I love saying this.) I will be packing looks. Naturally, I tend to start with my Australian brands for anything beach holiday because Australians know beachwear—so much so that even Chanel agrees. That’s why the brand is having its cruise show in Sydney later this year.

How you dress dictates the kind of day you have and the mood you’ll be in, and I’m manifesting gorgeous, glowing beach fun. You’ll find me swimming, reading, sipping, and eating. Maybe I’ll play some tennis or visit the spa. Even though it’s only four days, I’m going to show you how my vacation capsule wardrobe still becomes a suitcase you need to sit on to close and may need to check going home. ​

Night One: Dinner Straight After the Sabrage

I wanted one bridal option, as it’s an early moon, after all. I wore this set from Shona Joy. As I was packing, I was imagining a picture of this with the sun setting by the beach. You get the idea. The shoes I had on rotation were a Gianvito Rossi pair, which is perfect for special moments; the Chloé-inspired jellies I could wear with multiple outfits; a pair of flip-flops from Archies; and the Nou Kitty Sandals in Coco Snake. The key is versatility and being able to repeat the formulas.

Night Two: Dinner

I wore a stunning wraparound black-and-white printed dress from Ochre Lane. It’s a new standout Aussie resortwear brand on my radar. I would style it with these jellies from Chloé.

Night Three: Dinner

I wanted my final night’s dinner to be something bright and fun that also showed off the incredible colour I naturally go when exposed to an ounce of sunshine. This beautiful floral Rixo dress fit the vibe perfectly. I wore it with the kitten flip-flops from Nou.

​Part of planning my outfits in advance—even down to the shoes, jewellery, and bag—is that I never have to negotiate with myself after a couple of margaritas by the pool with 15 minutes to get ready. I hate being rushed, so this just eliminates a lot of the guesswork.

Daytime in Mexico

This is the hottest part of the day, and I’m not planning on being super active—just pool/beachside. We’ve got a couple of activities planned, but nothing needing anything too extravagant. The goal is to look hot and keep cool.

​I’ve decided to bring these Dôen balloon pants. I feel like they’re still super breezy and look cool, and I’d pair them with my Monday Swimwear bikini top and jelly sandals or simple flip-flops. I love these from Archies.

As for bikinis, I brought a few. I didn’t receive the memo about the hotel needing “proper swim attire,” so my tanning bikinis stayed in my suitcase. I packed Monday Swimwear, naturally.

We’ve also got a Monday Swim green cover-up, which doubles as a plane outfit.

I also brought this Dôen baby-doll dress that doubles as a swim cover-up and is super breathable.

​I brought a couple of shirts to mix and match with my bottoms—firstly, a white linen shirt. You can’t go wrong with one of these. I also brought this crochet top from Rowie, which looked good with a couple of options.

I highly doubt I’m going to need that many bags, but I need somewhere to put my phone, lip balm, keycard, and cameras. I’ve got this gorgeous one from Helen Kaminski, the beach bag tote from Staud, a navy raffia bag from YSL, and the Aspinal of London purse I was gifted as an engagement present.

The System—How It All Actually Goes in the Bag

​If this sounds like a lot, you’re absolutely right in thinking that, although I’m so proud that I fit it all in a carry-on! I never used to be a packing-cube person, but I love these ones from July. Packing cubes prevent you from overpacking. I love a little game of suitcase Tetris, but it’s so much easier when things literally just slide right in. I also love to use the bags that Monday Swimwear pieces come in; they’re always great for organising your makeup and jewellery.

The One Thing I’m Really Packing For

I’ve always been obsessed with the ocean and where the forest meets the sea. For me, the beach and ocean are my happy place; it’s healing and restorative. Nobody tells you how stressful wedding planning is, and the last thing I wanted was to add stress to a teeny-tiny vacation by overpacking, leading to him calling me ridiculous and us bickering rather than enjoying our time together. I just want to be hot and unbothered for my future husband and me. He’ll also be way happier if he doesn’t have to schlep all my luggage around for me. It’s a win-win. So that’s why I travelled carry-on only.