My quirky travel packing hack means I always have the perfect holiday outfit

Growing up, my mum was incredibly organised. 

She was a busy woman, with both my parents working full time, and so they made it their priority to make every aspect of their life more efficient.

We’d always have one family holiday or mini break a year, and I always knew when it was getting close as my Mum would start pressing clothes and hanging them wherever she could – no door frame or dado rail was safe! 

By seeing the clothes ready in front of her, she knew exactly which ones she needed to pack and it took a lot of the tough decision-making away. It was her way of planning ahead and it was part of the ritual for her. 

Well, I have taken a leaf from her book, and then some. I’ve created the ultimate travel packing hack, and all you need are your clothes, a mirror, and your phone’s Notes app. 

That’s not to say I’ve always been perfect. I vividly remember a girls’ trip in my 20s where I turned up with so many shoes and random pieces of clothing.

I had far too many options, yet somehow nothing actually worked together and that made me question every outfit choice that entire holiday. I only ended up wearing half of my case (sound familiar?).

So I found myself returning to what I’d seen my own mum do. I was laying outfits out in advance, steaming pieces, considering accessories and shoes ahead of time. 

I started using a clothes rail to hang complete looks together and it was a game changer. It helped me instantly spot what didn’t work, what was missing, and whether I was overpacking.

It’s like creating a mini capsule wardrobe for your trip. You hang each outfit together. Top, bottom, dress, shoes, accessories so you can see the flow, tweak as needed, and pack with confidence.

After using this method for a few trips, I was invited on a brand press trip and suddenly needed outfits for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. I wasn’t overwhelmed, but I wanted a way to remember what I’d planned. 

That’s when I took the organisation to the next level, and the idea for the photo/Notes app hack was born.

I started taking mirror photos of each look, copying the photos, dropping them into my Notes app, making them smaller and then popping them under each day. 

It was such a lightbulb moment. Suddenly, all my outfits were laid out digitally, like a curated lookbook for the trip.

Here’s how I do it: I try on each outfit, take a quick mirror pic, and add it to my Notes. 

I then organise the images by category or day and sometimes even using little emojis to symbolise the vibe (☀️ for daywear, 🍸 for evening, 🛫 for travel). It becomes a visual guide for the entire trip, and honestly, it’s fun to do.

The whole process takes about an hour or two – yes it’s more time-consuming than just chucking everything in your suitcase – but I see it as part of the pre-holiday joy. 

I love dressing up, trying things on, and building excitement. It’s like channelling my inner Cher from Clueless, scrolling through her digital wardrobe. (As if!) 

Want to know the best part? It brings so much calm to getting ready once you’re away. Instead of rummaging through a suitcase or wasting time deciding what to wear, you just open your notes, pick an outfit, and get dressed.

It takes all the pressure off and helps you feel more present and relaxed on holiday, which is the whole reason we go away, isn’t it?

When I shared this hack on social media the response was incredible. So many people messaged saying, ‘Why have I never thought of this?’ or ‘This is genius!’ 

It’s such a simple idea, but it genuinely makes a big difference. And I love that it’s rooted in something my mum always did but adapted for modern life.

You can use this method beyond holidays too – it works for planning outfits for weddings, race days, work events, even Christmas! 

I’ve even used it to remember to wear something I’d been gifted by my family when seeing them for lunch. Knowing I’ve already lined up my outfits with my holiday itinerary makes everything so simple.

It’s a brilliant way to stay organised and actually enjoy getting dressed, rather than dreading it – especially because you know exactly what goes with what and how it looks on.

Give it a try and get excited to feel fabulously you! Authentic, relaxed and ready to have fun!

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

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