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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
There’s something aspirational about a travel capsule wardrobe; a neatly organized itinerary; a pre-planned roster of outfits set aside for every dinner reservation and lunch date. There’s something equally aspirational (and deeply relatable) about its opposite—the type B approach to packing that comes from not overthinking it, and having enough confidence in your personal style to know that whatever you throw together, it’ll just work. Ramya Giangola, founder of Gogoluxe, fashion strategist, and street style maven extraordinaire, falls neatly into this latter camp. Of her travel routine: “I am the ultimate procrastinator,” she says.
Shop Ramya Giangola’s Suitcase
Right now, she’s en route to Paris Fashion Week; her daughter is joining her, and then the pair will be headed to Milan for a bit of post-fashion relaxation. Also on the trip? Her tried-and-true matte black Away suitcases, stuffed with Prada knitwear, Celine silk scarves, and fitted layers from Istanbul-based brand Nackiyé. “Traveling during the winter always requires an extra checked bag just because of coats, thicker sweaters, and bigger boots,” explains Giangola. “In other words: I am not just a carry-on gal.”
We caught up with the fashion entrepreneur just ahead of her trip—read on to learn about how she uses color stories to her advantage, shop her favorite on-the-go pieces of the moment, and how she handles the not-so-occasional bit of overpacking.
Even after all of these years of having to travel for fashion weeks and fashion conferences and meetings all over the world, I always put off packing until way later than I should. But since I can’t just throw-and-go, my last afternoon or evening before departure is generally pretty intense.
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I used to do outfits every time; I would have them written down in my notes app, because it forced me to get ahead of the schedule slightly and also made me pack way less. But then two Paris Fashion Weeks ago, we had massive rainstorms in Los Angeles, and living up in the hills, we lost power. I essentially had to pack with a flashlight. I had no idea how it was going to all end up—and I remember Phil Oh telling me that he thought that season may have been my best ever. So that may be the moment I stopped packing “looks” in advance.
For summer vacations, Vita Kin! For everything else, I also love Natalie Martin, Nackiyé, and The Park.
I use a Away suitcases as checked bags, and then a carry-on Away size for the plane with everything I am too afraid to lose. My carry-on tote is my old faithful Phoebe-era Celine bag that fits on top of my roller perfectly.
My plane outfit formula is definitely a pair of High Sport pants or a knit pant, and layers of knitwear with slides from The Row (very good for a long-haul flight for getting up to use the loo in the middle of the night). I sometimes use a men’s shirt or a knit henley as the base layer.
Making sure my face is makeup-free; clean and very moisturized. I am obsessed with Skin Design and Fatma’s Face Tight cream is perfect for long haul travel.
Team sweater! I always have multiple sweaters and layers and use the heavier ones as scarves as well. I love Rubirosa s cashmere sweaters; Lauren is not only a dear friend of mine, but my ultimate inspiration. Her cashmere sweaters and gorgeous sense of color are perfection.
My beauty and makeup routine is pretty simple: Skin Design Face Tight for the flight, and I’m obsessed with anything Fara Homidi has developed. I use the Adipeau Strength gel every day, especially on my legs to protect my knees, and I also cannot live without my Westman Atelier blush.
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I am an accessories junkie, and this wool felted peplum belt with leather strings from Celine (which can be worn on top of a shirt or a coat around your neck or, as I prefer, around the waist) is a current favorite. Same with this silk scarf; I’ve always collected Hermès scarves, but I’m excited to add a few of these Celine ones to my collection now.
Packing for Paris Fashion Week, and where my personal style is at the moment, I’m not really into big bags—or even bags in general. I have definitely gotten into the pouch moment because I really don’t need a lot: mostly my notebook and a few beauty items to help me on crazy days when I go straight from morning to night.
I pack on hangers when I can, and each item goes in a plastic dry cleaning bag, folded over so I can mostly arrive and get everything unpacked quickly. This also helps keep things not wrinkled (especially with the plastic bags) so I don’t travel with a steamer.
The Park Lyocell collection. The fabric is insanely gorgeous. It’s super easy to pack, and can be worn as casually or as dressed-up as you want.
I am obsessed with Nackiyé henleys and long sleeve knit polos, and I love layering them rather than wearing a thicker sweater; the two thinner layers are perfect and add more color contrast to outfits.
Well, my recent move towards not doing “looks” has caused a little more overpacking. I try and leave a little space, but often I end up buying another suitcase to fill with purchases and gifts; or, I have dear friends in certain cities who can help with sending things back to me.
Oh gosh, I’m still learning. I think color stories are very strategic. I love brown and black together—I love that we no longer (or at least I no longer) feel confined by following traditional rules about colors and color-clashing.
