By Wendy, April and Sunny

We are obsessed with 1) packing light and 2) keeping it cute enough on trips so we’re not worried about what we are wearing at the time. If you’ve never cringed your way through vacation photos, we need you to share your secrets in the comments section. For everyone else, we’ll share tips from time to time on stylish travel favorites that we pack in our carry-on.

Wendy’s picks

Ballet flats – April discovered the Payless ballet flats over a year ago, and they’re a perfect travel shoe option. I can’t believe I’ve never seen a travel blogger mention these. Lightweight, doesn’t take up much space, comfortable enough to walk around a city all day. Looks cute with everything. And cheap enough so you can stockpile several boxes in your closet for when the city grime starts to show and you need a fresh pair.

Cute Jacket – I love casual jackets that are functional but also make your outfit look cooler. I tend to go for inexpensive ones that are not dry clean and can go with both jeans and skirts. I need more of these. I have an army green one that has been showing up in so many photos lately it’s starting to look like some kind of guerrilla Barbie uniform.

Always a dress – Bring at least one dress. They’re such easy outfits. Go for something that doesn’t wrinkle. In the warmer weather, they can be cooler (and cuter) than shorts, and in the winter, you can pair leggings or tights to take a break from jeans. If you have space, bring one suitable for daytime and another devoted to evenings when you want to dress up a little.

Costume jewelry/accessories – these really help perk up some of your basic travel clothes, especially when you’re wearing outfits more than once on a trip. A sparkly necklace, dangly earrings or a stack of bracelets can help transition that cute daytime dress you packed for evening wear. And I hate to be the unoriginal travel writer who mentions a scarf, but it’s true they look chic and can even detract attention from the fact that you’re wearing the army green jacket AGAIN.

April’s picks

The favorite t-shirt –  Everyone has a favorite t-shirt, right? Pack long sleeve for cooler temps and short sleeve for warmer destinations. Pick a neutral shade that you can pair with jeans, skirts, under or over a dress  – and then layer on the cute accessories you brought with you because of Wendy’s good advice!

Ballet flats – Yep, this is a repeat piece of advice but it’s worth mentioning twice. If you don’t have a go-to pair and are looking for an inexpensive but cute and comfy style to add to your everyday and travel gear, check out the Claire by Dexflex at Payless. They have become somewhat famous around the Looks and Leaps family. I have several pair and they are a staple for travel because of the lightweight and comfort qualities, but get plenty of wear around the hometown as well.

Cross-body purse –  A small to medium size with an adjustable strap works for me and if the material is easy to clean, all the better! There are some cute backpack purses out there that will do the trick but my favorite style is the cross-body purse. You can keep the essentials easy to reach and secure.  It’s easier to navigate transit, travel adventures, and attending to the kids with your hands free!

Sunny’s picks

Color Scheme – I like to pick a color scheme when I pack for a trip. I always start by packing the basic neutrals: jeans, leggings, solid tanks and tees. Then I look for other pieces that will offer a pop of color, all from the same color family. On our trip to Naples, FL last year I chose several bright ocean blue pieces to compliment my basics. It was easy to mix and match outfits as well as shoes and jewelry. This keeps my stress level while packing and while choosing an outfit each day on vacation super low.

Makeup – I do enjoy giving my skin a break from makeup during vacation, but there are some products that I never leave home without. I tend to leave behind foundations, concealers, and powders. They take up too much room in my travel case. I always take mascara, a light blush or bronzer (depending on the season), and one neutral lip color. If I am planning to get glammed up a bit one evening, I may also bring a darker lip color. Going dramatic on the lips is much easier, less time consuming, and requires less products than attempting the more elaborate smokey eye look.

Sunglasses – I have to have my shades. Most of my travel plans take me outdoors more than usual, and I like to be prepared. I try to keep a pair permanently in my carry-on so that if I forget my everyday pair, I have a backup. In fact, there are several items that “live” in my carry-on so that I don’t have to remember to pack them each trip, but that’s another blog post!