After 39 years of international travel and millions of miles in the air, I've learned a lot about packing.
I'll be honest with you: I am not a light packer. Ask anyone who's traveled with me. I'm the guy with the extra shoes "just in case" and two checked bags for a weekend trip.
But even I've had to adapt. These days, the airlines are so stingy with checked bags! Between shrinking carry-on allowances and airlines now charging for the bag that used to be free, packing smart isn't optional anymore. It's survival.
So here's what I've learned as a recovering maximalist packer.
1. Build in layers, not outfits
Don't pack five separate looks. Pack pieces that combine into five looks. One base layer, one mid-layer, one topper — mixed and matched, they'll get you from the flight to the meeting to dinner.
2. Know your two-bag limit and plan around it
Most airlines now cap you at a carry-on and one personal item. Some are even charging for the carry-on. If that's your airline, your "personal item" needs to work harder. Maybe it's a structured laptop bag that can actually hold a change of clothes and not just your laptop.
3. Wear your blazer, don't pack it
This one's non-negotiable for me. A jacket on the plane isn't just about wrinkles, it changes how you're treated. When you dress better, you get treated better! Hear me out…
My friend Ben recently started doing this. He's a sports cameraman who flies almost every week. He decided to try wearing his blazer to the airport, rather than packing it.
The very first time he did it, he got upgraded to first class. He figured it was a coincidence but on the second trip, he was offered free drinks. He swears the flight attendants are nicer to him too.
To keep your jacket from getting wrinkled, wear it as you board the plane, then fold it gently in the overhead bin.
4. Two pairs of shoes, that’s enough
One that's stylish and comfortable enough for the airport and a full day on your feet.
One that's dressier, for whatever the trip throws at you after hours: dinner, a client meeting, a conference reception.
5. One base, two completely different outfits
Here's how it actually works in practice.
In this example, the base is the jeans and jacket.
Outfit One: Soccer jersey, jeans, casual blue sneakers, and a blazer with a subtle plaid to it.
Simple and easy, right? Great for a travel day. Lose the blazer while I'm in my seat and it's totally comfortable.
Outfit two: Same pants. Same blazer. But swap the jersey for a button-down. It could be a solid or even better — a soft geometric or floral print that plays well against the plaid in the jacket. Swap the sneakers for something dressier.
You can always switch the jeans to simple black pants or something more formal if needed. You could also do a crisp tee under the jacket too – add a scarf or statement necklace and it's a whole new look.
Voilà . You didn't pack more. You just packed smarter and knew how to put the pieces together.
This is the same principle I use in every Closet Edit I do. Most guys don't need more clothes. They need to know which pieces go together and can do double duty.
Bonus Tip: What luggage is best?
I get this question all the time! I'm a firm believer that we should all invest in our luggage like we invest in a wardrobe. The right suitcase is part of the style and travel experience.
My top three favorite brands (in order) for design, durability, and dependability:
RIMOWA is my favorite! It's the #1 best luggage I've ever used (and I've tried them all). The way the wheels roll is not like other brands and they're guaranteed for life. I buy my RIMOWA pieces in Europe rather than in the US as it saves me money.
Bottom line
Pack fewer pieces. Plan better combinations. Make sure everything can be switched out and still look good.
xo, Edwards 💚💙