When it comes to mastering the art of the travel wardrobe, it’s no surprise that our favorite fashion insiders also moonlight as packing pros. In My Packing Style, we tap some of the most well-traveled people we know for a peek inside their travel bags and vacation wardrobes to see how they take their style on the road. You’ve bookmarked the trip, you’ve screenshotted the outfits; now, a look at how it all comes together
How does the creative director of an accessories brand pack for a trip? Slowly, over the course of a few days—and with the knowledge that the accessories portion will always present the biggest challenge. “Accessories are where I have to edit the most. They’re what keep my wardrobe feeling fresh without overpacking,” says Joyce Lee. The creative director of Parker Thatch, Substack author, and general multi-hyphenate designer knows how impactful the right accents can be in your travel wardrobe—and ahead of her next trip, we decided to pick her brain about exactly how she gets it right every time.
Shop Joyce Lee’s Suitcase
It helps that Lee has a faithful arsenal of basics to build her travel capsule closet around. She sticks to neutrals (with the exception of a few zingy hues, like a lemon-colored anorak or a tomato-red fringe skirt) and items that she already incorporates in her day-to-day; that way, there’s more freedom to experiment with animal print bags and studded ballerinas. “Versatility is key—I think about color, texture, and how each piece can work across multiple outfits and occasions,” she says. And, a useful tip for the accessories devotee traveling on a strict baggage allowance: “I also nest the smaller bags inside my carry-on to save space.”
Lee is headed on a big family trip to Tokyo and Seoul, just in time for cherry blossom season. “It will be the kids’ first time,” she says. “I’m especially looking forward to the food, the shopping, and that feeling of being completely immersed in a different rhythm.” Ahead, discover how Lee preps for a long trip, how she picks the right bags each time, and how she avoids wrinkles when traveling—no steamer required.
I start about a week out, but very casually. I’ll designate a corner of my bedroom and begin pulling pieces as they come to mind. It’s a slow edit rather than a single packing moment—I like having the time to build looks and get inspired by where I’m going.
I don’t pack in full outfits. I think that can feel a bit rigid, so I focus on familiar, versatile separates that I know work on me. I tend to stay in a neutral palette and then shift the mood with accessories or a subtle pop of color. For instance: I am excited to bring a lightweight windbreaker for this trip, since the weather is so transitional, and I love the pop of acid yellow my Rue Sophie one gives with the denim or neutral-colored bottoms I packed.
I’m less drawn to “vacation” dressing and more to pieces that translate anywhere. Leset and Ozma are always in rotation—they strike that balance of ease and polish that works across different settings.
Right now, I’m carrying the Bric’s Positano spinner; it feels elevated but still very functional. I love the fun color, that it’s lightweight, that the compartments and features are very functional and that it comes with a neoprene cover. For my carry-on, I use my Parker Thatch Jack tote with a few pouches inside (like this croc one: It keeps things organized and in their place for the plane, and then doubles as clutch). I like everything to have its place.
Relaxed trousers—usually Leset, the Kyoto pants are versatile, light, and comfortable—a knit tee, and a third layer. Depending on the weather, it’s either a cotton-cashmere crewneck or an Ozma button-down. It’s comfortable but still pulled together.
Yse Beauty’s The Overachiever brightening eye masks. They’re discreet enough for the plane but make a noticeable difference by the time you land. I also love to bring small samples of skincare to use on the plane, like a kit by Monastery. Then I carry a pair of sunglasses, my favorite hand cream, and my headphones.
Neither! I always default to a cotton button-down. It’s more versatile—I’ll wear it, layer it, or just tie it at my waist.
Sheet masks are a must for me—they’re part of my wind-down routine at the hotel. I also try to carry smaller sizes of favorite products to keep things streamlined.
I try to limit myself to three bags total, each with a clear purpose. I’ll bring a larger everyday option that can handle everything on long travel days and running around with my kids, then something smaller (but still versatile) that fits inside my larger tote and also transitions into an evening clutch. I’ll also usually tuck in a tiny crossbody for moments when I want to be completely hands-free.
Jewelry stays minimal (I pack it into my Sézane case), and I leave anything too precious at home. Shoes are my weak spot—I aim for three total. I always pack a pair of flats, sneakers, and a seasonal shoe (boot or sandal), but there’s often a fourth that sneaks in. Two favorites right now: these Jacquemus sneakers, which are lightweight and pack flat (I bring an extra pair of insoles for days I know I’ll be on my feet all day), and these Alaia flats. I’ve had mine for a few years and wear them year-round. They’re easily the most comfortable flats I own, which makes them ideal for travel.
I don’t travel with a steamer—I prefer to keep things minimal and just rely on what’s available when I arrive. I try to avoid anything too high-maintenance unless it’s for a specific moment. I roll most of my pieces, which helps with both space and wrinkles.
It varies depending on the destination, but I’ve been gravitating toward a fringe skirt. It instantly shifts me into a more relaxed holiday mindset.
White tees and tanks—they’re the foundation of everything I pack. They layer easily, work in any climate, and keep the rest of the wardrobe feeling cohesive. I have multiples of this Amo Denim tank in white and black and love it layered under things or alone. The fabric is so soft and comfortable, and I find the cut to be very flattering.
I also always pack a swimsuit, no matter the destination. It’s something I picked up from a former boss because you never really know how a trip will unfold. Whether it’s an impromptu pool moment or a quick visit to the hotel spa, it’s one of those pieces that’s always worth having, especially since it takes up no space.
I used to overpack, but I’ve become much more streamlined. For this trip especially, I’m leaving space—we’ll be in Tokyo and Seoul, so shopping is definitely part of the plan. I’m also packing an extra duffle because I already know I’ll need one.
Editing is everything. It took me years of trips to understand what I will actually wear, and it becomes much easier to pack with intention. Traveling feels lighter and freer because of it. It was never fun realizing I had to lug my heavy suitcase up multiple flights of stairs.
