This past March, my friends and I decided to take a trip out of the group chat and go to Italy. None of us had ever gone to Italy or Europe, and we wanted to experience “la dolce vita.” We set our flight reminders, found cheap flights to Europe, and it was time to plan!
We had to pack light since we knew we wanted to go to multiple cities. Carrying a giant suitcase up steep, narrow steps was not going to be possible. With that being said, we planned to take a rolling carry-on and a personal item. If I wanted to have everything to wear in the Away carry-on, it was time for this over-packer to get creative.
While endlessly searching for how to fit nine days’ worth of clothes in a carry-on, I found the 5-4-3-2-1 method Collective Gen used for her trip to Greece. This is essentially creating a mini capsule wardrobe! With this method, you pack the following:
- 5 tops
- 4 bottoms
- 3 dresses/rompers
- 3 pairs of shoes
- 2 bags
- 2 bathing suits (which weren’t needed in March)
- 1 accessory of each kind (think hat, watch, and sunglasses)
- Unlimited underwear, socks, and jewelry.
How I Used the 5-4-3-2-1 Method
To plan my outfits, I used Canva and Pinterest. I searched for different outfits that were my style, had a similar color palette, and had layers so I wouldn’t be too hot or cold in March. On Canva, I started to plan my outfits with items I already had and then added items that were needed to complete outfits (ou can download my outfit planning template on Etsy).I would put a star next to the item I needed until it was bought. I utilized the whiteboard feature on Canva since you have unlimited space. Additionally, I paid for Canva PRO to remove the background of the clothing images and make the image less cluttered. If I found an item I liked but wasn’t sure if it was going to make the cut, it went into an “alternate” area.
I will mention that I did not follow the guidelines exactly. For example, it would be cold, so bringing a 3rd dress wasn’t necessary. Instead, I brought multiple basics, like a white shirt.
The Outfit Combinations
After deciding what to wear, I made all possible outfit combinations. This helped ensure that the items I selected could be used multiple times and were useful on the trip for helping me decide what to wear each day.
Although I only needed nine outfits, I tried to make as many combinations as possible so that I could have options due to the weather or our activity for the day.
How it Worked Out
Overall, this method helped me limit the clothes I packed but also gave me plenty of options. I never felt as if I had nothing to wear. This method has since helped me pack for multiple trips, and I’ve had just as much success. Even though I do not follow it perfectly, it helps prevent overpacking, and I no longer take a giant suitcase for trips!
Here are some of the outfits that made it out of Canva!
Sustaining Nicole 
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