Let’s be honest – no one dreams of packing. Actually, that’s not true. I have friends who enjoy it. Weird, I know. I don’t. I dread it. I leave it to the last minute. And then I stress. It’s the pre-trip chaos – scrambling through drawers, trying to remember where your favourite white T-shirt is, wondering how on earth you’ll zip up your case – that saps all the glamour from travel.
And yet, there’s something deeply satisfying about a perfectly packed bag. The idea that you can just bring what you need, still feel put-together, and roll through the airport like an off-duty model? (Ok, not really, but you feel good).
Over years of fashion weeks, work trips, and family breaks, I’ve crafted a travel ritual that (almost) feels just as chic as the destination. Most recently, I put it to the test in for a trip to Scotland and Paris. I left armed with two Nere cases filled with a micro-capsule wardrobe (plus a couple of dreamy gowns from Rebecca Vallance).
Here’s how I pack light and stylishly -plus the bag brand I’ve fallen in love with along the way.
Firstly, Your Travel Companion Matters
Yes, what you put in your suitcase is important. But what you pack it in? That’s where the magic starts. I’m a convert to Strand, an Australian-born brand with almost a century of heritage, and a very modern approach to movement.
Founded in 1927, Strand knows something most brands don’t: we’re all going somewhere. Whether you’re commuting across the city or flying halfway around the world, your luggage should move with you – not against you.
My pick? The Nere Stori 75cm Check-In Suitcase. With its sleek ABS hard shell, signature matte-black round logo, and on-trend colourways (think sage green, dusty lilac and classic noir), it turns packing into a proper fashion moment. This is the kind of luggage that looks like you’ve got your life together (side note – I don’t).
Designed For The Journey – Built To Last
Every feature of the Nere Stori has been thoughtfully crafted to make travelling smoother, sleeker, and smarter. Glide effortlessly through terminals with quiet, dual spinner wheels, and enjoy peace of mind with a recessed TSA-approved lock that keeps your belongings secure. A self-repairing zipper means minor snags won’t derail your trip, while the ergonomic soft-touch trolley handle ensures comfort at every turn.
Inside, a multi-pocket internal packing system keeps your essentials organised (read: no more frantic rummaging), and with a 10-year warranty, it’s a suitcase built for a decade of adventures – and then some.
For the full look, I paired mine with a matching cabin-size Nere for the plane. Stackable, mixable, and impossible to miss on the carousel. It’s a suitcase moment.
Packing Cubes = Peace Of Mind
Let me introduce you to the concept that changed my packing life: cubes. No, not the ice kind. Think soft-sided compartments that make your suitcase feel like a boutique wardrobe on the go.
I use one cube for tops, one for bottoms, and a smaller one for underwear and accessories. Roll your clothes (not fold) to maximise space and avoid wrinkles. I even toss in a small lavender sachet or dryer sheet – it keeps everything fresh and adds a little unexpected luxury to the unpacking process.
Wear Your Bulk. Pack the Rest.
Rule one of packing light: don’t waste case space on your heaviest pieces. Instead, wear them. For the flight to Scotland, I wore my go-to black boots and coat.
Meanwhile, my softest cashmere knit (a travel essential I never leave home without) was tucked into my carry-on, ready to double as an in-flight blanket or throw-on layer once I landed.
The Capsule Wardrobe
I’ve learned the hard way that you don’t need 14 outfits for a week-long trip. You need a capsule wardrobe that does the heavy lifting. For my recent trip, I packed:
- A white shirt (endlessly versatile)
- A black blazer
- Sneakers and boots
- Two ribbed tanks (one black, one ivory)
- A great pair of jeans
- A slip skirt
- Flat suede mules
- Plus a couple of Rebecca Vallance dresses for a fancy gala dinner
Everything mixed and matched beautifully. From breakfast meetings to to late-night cocktails, I had every base covered.
The Essentials Kit (Never Dig Through Your Bag Again)
My handbag now houses a curated pouch of travel luxuries:
- Deodorant
- Facial cleansing wipes
- Travel-sized moisturiser
- Lip balm and hydrating mist
- Travel-sized dry shampoo
- Earbuds and a silk eye mask
- A mini fragrance rollerball (for mid-flight refreshes)
These come with me at all times. Because nothing kills the vibe like having to dismantle your perfectly packed suitcase for your lip balm.
A Brand That Moves With You
What I love most about Strand is its understanding of modern movement. Travel today isn’t just long-haul flights and beach resorts. It’s the daily commute, the spontaneous weekend escape, the unexpected detour. It’s style in transit.
With options that range from statement handbags to business backpacks and matching luggage suites (hello, airport aesthetic), their Nere collection in particular feels like a love letter to stylish adventurers. Bold. Functional. Effortless.
And really? That’s the goal of every good packing edit: to move with confidence, comfort and zero baggage (emotional or otherwise).
