Mélanie Masarin’s childhood summers in the South of France—where apéro hour is basically built into the circadian rhythm—inspired her spirited personal style (and spirit-free brand, Ghia). Though she now splits her time between New York, Paris and the road, with only a carry-on in tow, she always nails the French cool-girl style. She shared her “accessories are outfits” philosophy that can rework a dress for several wears, the mesh shoes that work from day-to-night, and her favorite terry-cloth summer travel uniform.
What’s your go-to luggage and why?
Carry-on always! You can fit a lot inside with the right technique (and tote to sit atop). I have the Rimowa carry-on plus and it’s one of my best investments.
How do you approach the basics?
Everything has to work together in multiple combinations—I think of it like building a little capsule wardrobe for each trip. I take my favorite of each category within a range of colors. I have these boat-neck t-shirts from Eterne I really love, and a few Flore Flore tshirts, and my beloved Tibi grey tshirt, which really goes with everything. I love pants that are light and easy to pack, recently I’ve been living in these Chan Luu and Maria McManus. Highsport Kick Flares are also so great, washable, and they work day to night!
Are you a roller or a folder?
Folder all the way!
Any other packing tricks or hacks?
A skirt is a full outfit, it takes up so little room but can be its own moment. Similarly, a silk scarf can be a top, a belt, a pop of color on your basket, a headwrap. I buy vintage ones as I go through life and inherited a box of them from my grandmother, but recently I fell in love with these from Milan. Another tip: one hour at the gym isn’t enough to deserve a dedicated pair of shoes in a carry-on.
I pack all the clothes tightly in the largest side of my carry-on, fill packing cubes on the other side with socks, underwear, jewelry, sunglasses, swimsuits, and put shoes in a big tote with my laptop on top.
What’s your shoe strategy?
This is where things get tricky. I love sandals and mesh shoes that are day to night (right now I really love these), one pair of more active shoes—city sneakers or Salomons—that must serve different functions, but aren’t workout shoes you’ll only use at the gym. One dedicated pair of heels if you must, in a neutral color (so, silver). I love these from Simon Miller right now but also these Maurgaux ones, which are a bit more functional. Honestly if you’re going to walk a lot, the Rothy’s mary jane are your very best friend.
How do you think about accessories?
If packing light, accessories are your outfits! But I don’t travel (or own really) anything I’d be heartbroken to lose. I love a pair of chunky/fancy earrings to dress up a little black dress, for instance. Right now I’m obsessing over necklaces from Laoli.
Do you have a great travel hat?
I love my Toteme straw hat and I’ve also been wearing my Charli XCX Sweat Tour baseball hat nonstop.
What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?
Moisturizer always! I love the U Beauty mineral sunscreen for my face and usually buy a bigger bottle of body sunscreen wherever I am. I was recently gifted a TRASK toothbrush and that quickly became my go to for travel. I really love it!
On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain?
Compression tights, my laptop and Kindle, an eye mask, a foldable Uniqlo down jacket (I’m always cold on planes), Dr Stolberg Rest + Digest tea, and sanitizing wipes. I force myself to work through flights so I can have more time to enjoy wherever I’m headed.
Any wisdom on traveling with electronics?
Charge everything and download all your work ahead of time! Plane outlets are so unreliable. As a backup this Anker charger is light, has an integrated USBc and it fits even in my favorite clutches.
Do you have a travel uniform?
My go-to is a Suzie Kondi terry cloth set, impossibly comfortable and comes in beautiful colors so I never feel embarrassed showing up disheveled and can head somewhere straight from the airport. The Ayr High Hopes pants are also incredible: soft and comfortable but look put-together. The biggest game changer is that I started properly blow-drying my hair before flights a couple years ago so I don’t have to think about it for days after landing.
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