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
The many upsides of a slopeside vacation—the Slim Aarons comparisons, the après-ski culture, the fondue—can often be marred, if only slightly, by the laborious task of packing for said vacation. There’s a fine line between elevated layers and the Michelin man… add in trying to negotiate your bulkiest clothes with airline baggage restrictions, and you have yourself a sartorial conundrum. Olympia Gayot, J.Crew’s creative director and head of womenswear, has figured out the formula for packing for a ski holiday—and does it all in a carry-on suitcase, to boot.
“It’s all about comfort with style,” explains Gayot. “Lots of layers, but always chic.” In other words, even the most basic items have to shine. The white tee must be perfectly tailored, the denim must be comfortable enough to wear on the plane, the socks must be cashmere, the makeup must be simple, but never without a swipe of cherry red lipstick. For the more technical items, Gayot has been turning to a well-timed collection: Ahead of the Olympics, J. Crew is launching a 26-part cold-weather line as the official lifestyle apparel partner for U.S. Ski and Snowboard, including everything from a sporty puffer (which, yes, goes into her carry-on) to soft sweaters. It’s part of a three-year partnership, and is officially available to shop today.
Shop Olympia Gayot’s Carry-On
“I’m heading on a ski trip to the French Alps with my family—my husband was born there, and it will be our first big ski trip together as a family,” she says of her upcoming travel plans. We asked Gayot to share a behind-the-scenes peek at how she’s packing for her trip; keep reading to discover her go-to travel outfit formula, her (extensive) TSA-sized beauty secrets, and the one method she swears by for exclusively traveling with a carry-on.
It really depends on the trip, but I usually start a few nights in advance and finish up the night before. With work and kids, I spread it out over a few days—packing a little at a time and then using the last hour to tie everything together before heading out.
I loosely pack in outfits because I like knowing that pieces will go together, but I don’t stick to a strict plan. My wardrobe is defined by mood and what I feel like wearing in the moment. I often reference past looks I’ve worn and know work for me, adding versatile staples that can mix and match seamlessly. I pack accessories—a belt, boots, scarves, and jewelry—so I can reinvent the same pieces in multiple ways throughout the trip.
J.Crew, of course! I also love mixing in vintage items, like jeans and coats, and I often borrow from my husband’s wardrobe—Wrangler shirts, blazers, scarves—or even pick pieces from my older son’s tee collection for a more shrunken look.
My go-to travel bag is my aluminum Away carry-on, covered in stickers from all the places I’ve visited—it’s practical and personal.
I always wear loose vintage Levi’s—never leggings or sweats—paired with a boyfriend jersey tee and an oversized V-neck cashmere sweater. I layer with a cashmere bandana or silk scarf, cashmere socks, and finish with ballet slippers or cowboy boots and a coat I’ll eventually be wearing on the trip.
I never travel without a face mask to keep my skin hydrated, and, of course, cozy cashmere socks.
Both! Covering my neck and chest is essential, and layering gives me the flexibility to handle a hot or freezing plane.
Even though I most always travel with a carry-on, my beauty products take up a significant amount of space. There’s no better accessory than hydrated healthy skin and hair– especially after flying and braving any elements like cold and snow. I can’t travel without Biologique Recherche Masque Biofixine. I use it almost daily when I’m traveling. I love their products in general, and take their Serum Erythros and Crème Biofixine everywhere with me.
I must have a face oil when I’m traveling somewhere cold. I’ve been really into Mutha body and face oil. I bring that one in my purse and apply it a few times on the flight—in addition to my daytime and nighttime routine. For my hair, I don’t travel without my Mason Pearson mini brush, and the travel-size Oribe Supershine moisturizing cream and Oribe Gold lust hair oil.
I bring what I’m actually wearing the most at the moment. New pieces often get ignored, so I stick with staples: necklaces, my wedding ring, all gold in the winter. And I always pack them in my jewelry roll, which is super practical for travel.
I try to keep things easy and low-fuss. I don’t pack a steamer, but will use one at the hotel if needed. For some items, like shirting, I’ll embrace a few wrinkles or hang them outside the shower so the steam smooths them out. In the summer, I often roll clothes and don’t worry about wrinkles; in the winter I fold carefully and let any creases fall out with a bit of steam.
Lately it has been the J.Crew for U.S. Ski Snowboard brushed cashmere Italy sweater. I’m also really excited for the cozy sweater puffer and, of course, my ski socks—every piece from the collection is so good, I want them all!
A white tee is my most versatile travel piece. I layer it under sweaters for a pop at the neck, wear it as comfy pajamas if I forget anything, or keep it for hot days. I love a boyfriend jersey style for its relaxed fit and easy layering.
I tend to overpack, but I always hand-carry souvenirs because I love bringing back inspiration from my travels. I make it a point to only pack a carry-on, as it is so much smoother to travel that way.
The best packing lesson I ever learned is to roll clothes instead of folding—it saves so much space! I also put socks inside shoes and fill any air pockets with small items. It gives me so much more room and helps shoes keep their shape.
