How to travel with only hand luggage and still look okay

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you might know I've been traveling quite a lot, especially my monthly visits to Sweden before Daniel moved here. If you're flying budget airlines and you're a cheapskate like me, you'll be traveling with only hand luggage. Everything has to fit into one 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm suitcase and it can't weigh more than 10 kilos, and of course you need to save some space in your bag in case you do some shopping. Which, in my case, is likely.

I don't want to brag (just kidding, I totally do), but in those years I've become quite a pro at traveling light. I just wanted to show you how I pick my items so I don't have to wear the same every day. I won't pay any attention to essentials like undies and a toothbrush, 'cause hopefully I don't have to tell you to bring those. Over Christmas I went to Sweden for two weeks and here's what I brought:




Four button-ups: A blue one, a denim one and two white ones. Four skirts: A gold one, a floral one, a lace one and a leather one. All in neutral colors so they'll match with everything else I'm bringing. Three sweaters: My wolf sweater and Batman sweater to protect myself for the Swedish cold, a fancier pink one. Two necklaces.

Notice how every item I brought can be worn with every other item I brought? Technically it should make for 76 different combinations, not even counting accessories. Whoah! I could wear a button-up with a skirt, the next day I could wear the same but add a sweater. Or just the sweater instead of the shirt. Or a different skirt. You get the point.

Some more tips:

• I only picked fabrics that can deal with some serious suitcase action, so I don't ever have to iron anything.
• Think about what items take up the most space in your suitcase and wear those to the airport. You can always take 'em off once you've passed security. Did too much shopping on your trip? Layer like you're an Olsen twin, girl.
• I roll everything up to minimize creasing and save space.