Minimal(ish): The Intuitive Packing Guide I Wish I Had

One bag, a few regrets, and a better way to pack for your highest self.

I’ve been quiet around here, but I’m so back! I was leading a retreat on the coast of Portugal and when I find the words to adequately describe and recall the memories and lessons from that week, I’ll be sharing about it soon. But look at this group of powerful and radiant women who joined me. I love and appreciate each of them after a full week of growth together. 

By the way, my first few 2026 retreats are in the works and destinations be announced soon. CRAZY. 

---

I packed for (nearly) three months working, living, and traveling Europe in one medium-sized checked suitcase. Let’s pause for dramatic effect. That’s pretty impressive, right?

Now, three weeks in, I can confidently report: I packed too many bathing suits and not quite enough color, but I nailed the exact right number of bangles. (And thrifted even more in Lisbon because that limit does not exist…)

This isn’t a minimalist packing list, per se. I didn’t pack light so much as I packed with intention. Strategic, might be a better word. But also intuitively. Which feels just right for this space, seeing as I want to embody and share ways that intuition can touch everything, even your packing list. 

I knew I wanted to feel comfortable, confident, and creatively inspired. I wanted to wear outfits I wouldn’t usually reach for at home—the kind that make you walk a little taller. Two of the places we’re visiting are especially known for great street style. We started in Portugal, where color and pattern is no stranger. We’ve been here for nearly three weeks now, and I’m happy to share a full round up of all my tips and recommendations for various parts of the country. Lisbon has been by far my favorite stop, and you can read more of my love letter to Lisbon (as it relates to Feng Shui!) here.

Later we’ll head to Copenhagen, a city I’ve always admired for its impeccable design sensibility, right down to the bikes and bakery signage. 

What I really wanted was to open my suitcase and feel excited. Not like a travel pro necessarily (because I’m not), but like someone fully themselves, even thousands of miles from home. I wanted to dress like the version of me I’m growing into and the version of me I’d like to bring back home after this experience. 

So if you’re prepping for a trip or just curious how to approach packing without spiraling into decision fatigue (don’t get me wrong, that still happened), here’s everything I’ve learned so far AND what I’ll do differently next time.

---

The Art of Intuitive Packing (aka, My Method to the Madness)

1. Thrifted Clothes = Emotional Detachment (In a Good Way)

I think I’ve sufficiently driven this point home, but if you’re new here, I love thrifting. Around 70% of what made it into my suitcase came from a Goodwill trip—or ten. And before you judge or say gross, may I introduce you to the wonders of a washing machine? Plus, it’s sustainable. And it made packing way less precious so I would highly recommend it. 

Travel is not gentle on your wardrobe. I’m the girl who stains white shirts and shrinks things in mysterious ways. Case in point: I washed a dry-clean-only thrifted dress I adored… and completely ruined it. Was I bummed? Absolutely. But I spent seven dollars on it, so I thanked it for the memories, and we moved along.

Thrifting also gave me room to be flexible. I packed a beach cover-up I thought I’d love, but never once wore it on the Portuguese coast. It quietly exited the trip via a hotel closet where it was “accidentally” left behind. 

When you travel, you start to notice which items you actually reach for, and equally which ones were just wishful thinking. For me, packing mostly secondhand pieces has made everything feel lighter, both physically and energetically. I’ve also adopted a one-in, one-out rule. If I find something new I’d rather wear when shopping or browsing boutiques and new vintage shops, I swap it with an inexpensive thrifted item from my suitcase. That way, my bag doesn’t get heavier, and my style stays in motion, kinda like me.

2. Capsule Wardrobe? Yes. But Add Some Weird Shit.

I actually really subscribe to the idea of a capsule wardrobe. I think a capsule wardrobe aligns with my belief in the power of Signatures. Feel free to read more in the post linked below. 

---

---

But, my first attempt at filling my suitcase felt sterile. I wasn’t bringing the creative inspiration, taking the risks, or bringing a pop of the unexpected because I was worried about packing efficiently. I saw a sea of black and white clothing that felt safe.

I repacked and tossed in a few wild cards like a new red shirt, a polka dot mini skirt, and a quilted reversible jacket I thrifted that has plenty of color. 

I’ve reached for those pieces more than the basics, especially for dinners or day trips.

So the answer is similar to what I say in readings with clients. You can be both. You can keep it versatile AND add a couple WTF pieces to the mix. 

3. Pieces with Possibility.

A simple rule helped me narrow things down. Before anything made it into my bag, I asked if I could wear it at least three different ways. Could it go with more than one top or bottom? Could I wear it with both sandals and sneakers? If the answer was yes, it stayed.

Even my sleepwear followed this rule. I brought a pair of loose, flowy pants that worked just as well for lounging as they did for poolside lunches or casual dinners.

4. Oversized for When You’re Over It

This might just be my style, but I’ve always loved oversized clothes. To me, they look chic and effortless rather than sloppy.

They’ve been my go-to on this trip, especially in the heat. When I’m feeling tired, puffy, or just done with everything, a loose shirt or breezy pants feel like a reset. Even if you don’t usually wear oversized fits, I recommend packing at least one outfit that feels like elevated pajamas. There will come a day when tight waistbands and clingy fabrics just won’t cut it.

5. Film How You Packed Your Bag

My husband definitely laughed when he saw me doing this. But you know that moment on a trip when everything was folded beautifully, and suddenly nothing fits anymore? This helps.

I filmed myself opening my suitcase and walking through what I packed in each cube and how I arranged everything inside. I didn’t plan it, but I’m so glad I did. It came in handy when I had fifteen minutes to check out of an Airbnb and my bag looked like a puzzle I forgot how to solve.

6. Choose a Signature Accessory

For me, this summer has been the Summer of Scarves. I thrifted four silk scarves in colorful, joyful prints and they’ve become my go-to styling trick.

I’ve worn them in my hair, around my neck, tied to my bag, looped as a belt. They weigh nothing, don’t wrinkle, and make any outfit feel more intentional.

I also packed a few big, chunky bangles that I thrifted too. Unlike necklaces there’s no tangling, no breaking, just bold little statements I can toss in any purse. 

When I was in Lisbon I found a street market and some vintage bangles so I added a few more to my collection.

---

Now, The “I’m So Glad I Packed This” List:

My Splurge Sneakers

I’m not really a sneaker fanatic. But knowing we would be walking a ton, I did some research and found the pair I wanted. 

I went with Onitsuka Tigers and I’ll admit I feel pretty cool.

The price felt anything but intuitive. But if you’re going to splurge, make it on the shoe you absolutely NEED to travel comfortably. 

My Black Crossbody Bag

I almost brought really cute structured bags. But I’m glad I didn’t. This soft black one (linked here) fits everything including my water bottle, sunscreen, scarf, Kindle. I didn’t want to go full blown tourist with a backpack or a fanny pack (no offense). This feels like a perfect middle ground.