Outfit Optimization
About a week before your trip, find some space in your closet, or the spare room closet to hang the outfits you’d like to take along. Take a little of time to examine each piece of clothing and to try them on. This will help you discover missing buttons, snags, or spots that need cleaning. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and see how the outfit looks. Now sit down. Are you comfortable in both positions?
Ask yourself this question: Can I transform this outfit into two or three with the quick change from a blouse to a shell; a skirt to slacks; or by wearing jewelry one day and a scarf the next?
Next, add accessories to the clothing you have decided on. Tuck a scarf in with the blouse to prevent catching or slipping away. Purchase small sheer bags (sometimes used for party favors) or 3” x 4” reclosable plastic craft bags. You can place the jewelry you want to wear with each outfit into a bag and slip it over the hanger.
It’s likely you’ll need more than one pair of shoes. See if you can make it with two – one that fits nicely with skirts, and the other with slacks. If you wear a comfortable pair for travel, you have them to fall back on for more casual events. Seriously consider shoe color, if you match them to your skin tone, and they will go with many more ensembles.
With the fun “crinkle” materials popular now, you might want to pack a dress or blouse in this material. You won’t have to worry about wrinkles and easily dress it up or down with the use of jewelry.
If you’re going camping, pack the extras you might need in the pockets of the clothing you’re taking. For example, if you plan on white water rafting, and know you’ll need specific items for that day, pack them in a waterproof bag and tuck that into the pocket of the clothing you’ll wear that day. For hiking, pack a baggie with your lip-protector, compass, and other small, but necessary items in the pocket of the pants or vest you’ll be wearing.
With a little pre-planning you can pack and go.
Jill Swanson, owner of Beauty Made Easy, image coach, style consultant, national speaker, and the author of Simply Beautiful Inside & Out, Simply Scarves, and Simply Closets.
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Jill is also part of the FYInspiration team, a member of NSA, and certified by AICI.
Graphic Courtesy of Microsoft
It would be easy to believe that Jill was born with exceptional looks and style, but she is living proof that beauty begins within. Underneath her impeccable exterior is evidence of a profound challenge. Jill was born with a rare birth defect. 
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