The LBD In Analysis

If you're always the last one standing at baggage claim waiting for giant bags that require a stevedore to lift, you need help from the little black dress. Packing for the long trip does not require steamer trunks with the packing space of a New York apartment closet. Here are the lessons I learned from a 27 day winter holiday with the LBD:

The miracle of the LBD does not require that your cornerstone garment be black or a dress, but little is imperative. The characteristics of the perfect travel piece are: it packs small, it adds a touch of sophistication to whatever else you're wearing, it layers easily, it works with the colors of everything else you're taking, it shakes out wrinkles with no iron required, it's comfortable enough to sleep in, and it makes you feel pretty.

Edit before you leave home.  By layering, you can wash out t shirts and tanks every few days, saving your LBD and sweaters from getting funky. I did dry cleaning and laundry once in my 27 days: the wash and fold service in New York was easy. It may be more difficult in exotic locations. Consider that when you select fabrics.  Three black and two white long sleeved t shirts and three tanks each of black and white were my layering pieces.

For a winter trip, you need sweaters, but you only need one light weight, two medium, and one heavy. If you can, make the intermediate weights work hardest: one everyday casual and one for dressier occasions.  Because of the LBD tights took the place of dressy slacks. I had three pairs of jeans; one loose fitting and two skinny-one black and one denim. Flat boots you can walk in keep everything tidy looking.

Know who you are and pack for that you. If you change earrings three times a day at home and feel naked without ropes of pearls and chains, include your favorite pieces.  If belts are your thing and you can't imagine yourself without one, take your lightest, most practical belts, but try to limit yourself to two: one dressy, one casual.  I don't wear jewelry, but somehow on this trip I thought I needed necklaces to make the LBD look special each day. Not really. I do wear scarves-my neck gets cold and I love the flash of color-and they provided the difference I needed.

Because I was taking photos, I did wear the LBD every day, but in a normal situation, I'd have gone without on the most casual days. It didn't add a thing to baggy jeans, sneakers, and loose sweater. On the other hand, it was the invaluable spark to take skinny jeans and boots up to nice restaurant attire. I also like the longer top over said skinny jeans to keep from having to wear a belt or suffer plumber butt.

Travel on, LBD! Be the first one to passport control with your one slim roller bag and a tote, looking great. Save your tip money for a café on the boulevard.