Your Style Questions, Answered: Closet Clean-Outs & Travel Tips ⭐

There are a handful of questions that come up again and again in comments, emails, and DMs. While I do my best to answer each one individually, I thought it might be helpful to gather some of the most common questions into one post. If you enjoy this format, I’d love to make it a regular feature.

Closet Clean-out Questions

Other than signs of wear, how do you determine which pieces to let go?

I’ll usually do a larger closet edit toward the end of a season. So I’m currently reviewing my summer clothing. Other than for wear and tear, I’ll cull pieces that were “good on paper” but rarely (or never) were worn. Maybe they were too hard to style, or were purchased for a lifestyle I no longer have. And I’ll pull items that I may have kept and worn for a few years that now feel dated or no longer suit my style. And I’ve recently had to say goodbye to several pairs of once-favorite shoes that are just no longer comfortable.

How do you dispose of clothing you no longer wear?

If the items have any resale value, I’ll consign them (often with The RealReal). I have a friend with three adult daughters who are about my size so they get next pick. And anything else I’ll donate to a local charity thrift, unless it’s underwear or too worn out, then I’ll toss.

Related posts:
Closet Cleanse 101: The Ultimate Wardrobe Detox Guide
Closet Cleanout Tips: How to Edit Your Wardrobe with Confidence

Travel & Packing Questions

What luggage do you use?

Last year I came to the realization that I just don’t like clamshell luggage. I find a single-compartment suitcase is easier to pack, and easier to access in small hotel rooms. My favorite suitcase is the Lipault Plume spinner, which is both lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Do you travel carry-on or do you check luggage?

Though I keep my travel wardrobes small and edited enough to fit in most carry-ons (utilizing compression packing cubes), these days I opt for a slightly larger bag, which I check. There are two reasons I started checking bags. First, once I started traveling solo, I found that overhead bins were often too high for me to reach and stow my suitcase without risking back strain. And second, I do tend to shop when I travel. 😉

I find the Lipault “Medium Trip” spinner is a size that gives me enough extra room for souvenirs, but is a manageable size and weight. And I always keep an Apple AirTag securely in the checked suitcase!

For my cabin bag, I like this one from MZ Wallace which holds my laptop, tech, a change of clothes, medications, documents, etc., and is very lightweight.

How do I pack light for a cruise when I need to include clothes for formal dinners?

It’s been over a decade since I’ve been on a cruise, and it’s my understanding that many are less formal than they once were. Still, if you have dressier events and don’t want to pack bulky gowns, think about simple, packable pieces in dressy fabrics like crushed silk or velvet. If your budget allows, Issey Miyake Pleats Please pieces in simple cuts can be mixed and matched and dressed up with accessories. (Bonus: they’re washable.) I wore a simple Pleats Please dress and cardigan for a Black Tie birthday party last year, and felt absolutely appropriately dressed. (For a more budget-friendly option, take a look at Chico’s Travelers Collection, but I’d suggest skipping the prints and sticking to solid styles.)

And don’t forget an elegant wrap, like my favorite style in a cashmere-silk blend. (Use code SUSAN15 for 15% off.)

For more travel wardrobe tips and ideas, be sure to visit my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub. You can filter the articles by season and trip length to help find the content that’s most relevant for you.

Meet Me in Provence!

And speaking of travel, we have just 2 spots left for our Provence Fashion Tour in April! These tours are great for solo travel, or you can bring a friend and save. We’ll be learning about the textiles and fashions unique to the area, as well as visiting historical sites and enjoying local food and wines. You can see the full itinerary here. This is a one-time tour that will sell out, so be sure to save your spot!

Got a Style Question? ⭐

If you have a style, wardrobe, shopping, or travel question you’d like me to answer in a future edition of this series, leave it in the comments below or send me an email. Though I can’t answer everyone individually, I may feature your question (anonymously, of course) in an upcoming post. Chances are, if you’re wondering about it, other readers are too!

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