How to Pack Like a Fashion Guru: Tips from Personal Stylist Kim Appelt

Effortlessly Chic A Celebrity Stylist's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Color Palette for Light-Packing Travel

A stylist shares tips on choosing a color palette for minimalistic packing while traveling.

Do you find yourself staring at your closet, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of clothing and unsure of what to pack for your next trip? Well, fear not, my fashion-forward friends, because personal stylist extraordinaire Kim Appelt is here to save the day!

Kim Appelt, the mastermind behind celebrity looks and author of the bestselling book “Style for Everybody,” has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to curating the perfect travel wardrobe. When I had the pleasure of interviewing her, it quickly became clear that her expertise extends far beyond the realm of fashion.

In fact, she turned the tables on me, asking thought-provoking questions like, “What colors make your heart skip a beat?” and “Where was the last place you traveled to?” With each answer I provided, Appelt effortlessly tailored her tips to fit my personal style.

With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry and a client roster full of A-listers, Appelt knows a thing or two about putting together a killer travel outfit. So, without further ado, let’s dive into her expert advice:

1. Selecting a Color Palette: Let Your Style Shine in Every Hue

When it comes to choosing the perfect color palette for your trip, Appelt shares three essential factors to consider: the location, the environment, and your personal style. She recommends packing mostly neutral shades and adding a few bold pieces to make a statement.

For instance, if you’re jetting off to a tropical paradise, opt for light-colored clothing to keep yourself cool. And don’t forget to choose lightweight fabrics like linen to ensure maximum comfort. But what if you’re exploring the edgy streets of New York City? Well, in that case, unleash your inner rockstar and embrace the power of black!

Remember, one of the key elements of packing like a fashion guru is staying true to your personal style. So, unless your closet is hiding some secret alter ego, skip the ultra-feminine frills if casual athletic wear is your go-to look.

2. Unlocking Your Color Power: Finding the Hues that Make You Shine

Now that you have a general idea of your color palette, it’s time to dig deeper and determine which shades truly make you radiate. Appelt has two foolproof techniques to help you discover your color superpowers.

First, hold a garment up to your face in front of a well-lit mirror and trust your instincts. If you instantly feel like a superstar, that color is a winner for you. On the flip side, if you cringe at the sight of yourself in a specific hue, it’s probably not your best match.

Additionally, pay attention to the compliments you receive when wearing certain colors. If that orange T-shirt always brings out the best reactions from friends and strangers alike, you’ve found yourself a winning shade.

For an in-depth exploration of color analysis, Appelt even created a YouTube video that walks you through her tried-and-true tests. It’s like having a personal stylist right in your living room!

3. The Art of Building a Versatile Wardrobe: Neutrals and Pops of Color

Now that you’ve unlocked your color power, it’s time to get practical and pack like a pro. Appelt advises starting with a foundation of neutral colors, such as black, white, gray, and beige. These versatile shades are the building blocks of a fabulous travel wardrobe.

By focusing on neutrals, you create a versatile canvas that lets you mix and match with ease. But what about those pops of color that add the “wow” factor to your outfits? Fear not, my fashion-forward friends, as Appelt has the solution!

A pop of color should, indeed, “pop.” It should be the cherry on top of your fabulous ensemble. Whether it’s a vibrant scarf, bold shoes, or a statement purse, make sure that colorful piece can be incorporated into multiple outfits. By doing this, you’ll maximize your wardrobe options without bringing your entire closet on your trip.

For example, imagine an orange scarf that effortlessly complements your favorite jeans and pairs equally well with an army jacket or a denim masterpiece. And if you layer an orange tank top under a blazer or coat, you’ll have a versatile outfit that shines in any setting.

4. Embrace the Power of Flexibility: Look Different Every Day

As I scrolled through Kim Appelt’s Instagram feed, I couldn’t help but notice that she repurposes specific items of clothing, cleverly transforming them into unique looks. It was an a-ha moment for me, realizing that despite repeating certain pieces, she managed to create distinct outfits each time.

This revelation made me realize that I, too, could pack lighter without sacrificing variety. The key lies in the flexibility of your chosen pieces. Opt for clothing that can be styled in multiple ways to create fresh combinations day after day.

So, my fellow fashion enthusiasts, armed with Kim Appelt’s wise counsel, let’s conquer the world one fabulous outfit at a time. Remember, the perfect travel wardrobe is a balance between personal style, carefully selected colors, and versatile pieces that allow you to shine effortlessly.

Now, it’s your turn! Share your favorite packing tips or personal fashion triumphs in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to conquer the fashion world, one suitcase at a time! ✨