Katie McClure is the co-founder of Mirth, a clothing and accessories brand that collaborates with artisans in India and Peru. When we heard that she traveled dozens of times last year and managed to organize her bags for a four-week trip across India, the Alps, Zurich, Paris, Bruges, and Amsterdam this summer, we were curious to find out how she does it!
What trip are you packing for?
I just got back from an almost four-week-long trip for work and fun to India and Europe. Whew! I started this epic trip in Delhi, visited Jaipur, then flew to meet my husband in Zurich. We took a train up into the Alps, stopped back in Zurich for a Taylor Swift concert, then headed to Paris for an informal shoot for our new lounge collection, then up to Bruges for another concert, this time by our favorite band, The War on Drugs, then ended the trip in Amsterdam.
What’s your go-to luggage for this kind of trip, and why?
I admire those dedicated to packing light, but that’s not practical for most of my trips. Right now, I’m using the Monos Large Check-In. It’s been around the world many times and even developed a crack when in Paris—but they sent me a new one within a day, so I’m now loyal! I also bring the Baggu Travel Cloud Bag. I check it on the way there (yes, you can check it!) because I haul so much to India—gifts, snacks, repairs, samples—and then it folds up into almost nothing for use later in the trip, especially if I find treasures to bring back. And when I’m back, I just toss it in the washing machine—it’s good as new.
How do you approach the basics?
Packing is a beast, so I do it in steps. I start with the easy things to get them out of the way—I use Ziplock bags and squeeze the air out for socks, undies, PJs, workout gear, etc., so everything is clear to see and ready to go. It helps to pack items together based on how I use them (my pajamas pouch also contains my noise maker with its plug/adapter, lightweight washable slippers from Etsy, and sleeping pills). I LOVE Calpack Packing Cubes for pants, jeans, shorts, sweaters and t-shirts. I use these Amazon compression bags for sweaters to save space. Then, I bring dresses, blouses, and sweaters on thin hangers (the shock! I know!). I tightly roll a stack of about 12 items around the hanger and then lay them in half of my suitcase case like sardines. When I arrive, I hang everything so wrinkles fall out, and I can easily see what I have each day.
For a multi-destination trip, I generally plan for each place and pack those items together. I’ll come up with 2 or 3 key looks with separates, knowing each of those will work with other pieces. I get more outfit-specific in winter when I wear more separates and pack bulkier sweaters—it does help edit things down. Warm destinations are easy because I pack a load of Mirth dresses, our pants in a few colors (so versatile—you can wear them with an oversized blouse or bathing suit, and they’re comfy enough for an overnight flight), two pairs of sandals from A.Emeri and Emme Parsons, one sweater from Eleven Six, this Rolla’s denim overshirt, and a small Hereu purse. Our Kyoto blouses work with jeans, open over dresses, and as a cover-up, so I always bring a few. I also always bring a sarong and a swimsuit—I like this one from Bond Eye because it offers more coverage for the bum and it forms to your body. A sarong with a white button-down is always a fun travel look, and I like the versatility of a sarong as a beach blanket, scarf, etc. If I have room, I’ll throw in one of our block printed robes—these are great for India when I want to wear a sundress but need to cover my shoulders, so it acts like a lightweight duster. And it doubles as a pool coverup. A slim, long silk skirt is another hero item. I love this effortless yet chic look in so many situations, and it takes up no space: wear it with a big sweater, a trench, an oversized button-down, a boxy tee, a slinky tank, heels, or sneakers. I selfishly ended up designing a skirt like this that is coming out in September, just to have a Mirth version to pack.
Are you a roller or a folder?
Both! I fold jeans and tees and roll almost everything else.
Any other hero items or packing hacks?
This might sound unnecessary, but I bring a full-size pillow on every long-haul trip. It’s the biggest luxury and provides so much comfort to have this pillow on a flight, even if you just place it on your lap or use it to fill the space between the wall and the seat to lean on. It feels like home, especially if you spray it with a favorite scent, and it actually allows me to sleep. If the hotel pillows are bad, you can pull it out. I found a plastic zip pouch on Amazon that’s just the right size to stuff it into, so it only takes up about a third of the space in my carryon.
What’s your shoe strategy?
Pack far fewer shoes than you think you’ll need. Shoes are the biggest problem when it comes to weight and space! My most-worn travel shoe is a pair of 12-year-old Haviana flip-flops. They’re light, comfortable, and work in so many situations. I wear sneakers on the plane and pack boots in my carry-on to save space. I love Valsport Magic Run sneakers. I pare down sandals to 2-3 pairs, plus maybe a loafer (have these from Jamie Haller but am eyeing this other pair they make) or flats (like these Le Monde Beryls). I loved my A Emery black sandals this summer, and these from Emme Parson are a staple. And if it isn’t comfortable, don’t bother. I rarely pack heels. Shoes are gross so they always get packed in a pouch.
Do you think about accessories?
Very little. They’re fun, but not necessary. I bring these Le Specs sunglasses and one small purse that nests in my tote bag. I like Hereu and bags from a Zurich-based brand called en Soie. I also have a pouch or two in my tote that can double as a clutch, and I always keep a bandana in my plane bag—it’s useful as an on-the-fly accessory. I wear the same jewelry the whole time (even on the plane) and only bring one fun pair of earrings from Heaven Mayhem or a necklace. A sweater or sweatshirt draped over shoulders is always a great accessory using what you already have. I bring this big wrap from Garnet Hill on the plane to use as a blanket, and it comes in handy as a wrap for a night out.
Do you have a great travel hat?
Freya has a great new packable hat that I often bring.
What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag?
I repackage almost everything—I like these vial droppers from Amazon for serums and lotions. That said, Saint Tropez mousse is a must for me, because I feel best with a little glow. We all have our things that make a big difference to us and are worth the space! I also love these tiny baggies for pills, vitamins, hair ties, jewelry, etc. I only wash my hair once a week, so I rely on hotel amenities for shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. If I’m staying at a small hotel that might not have them (it does happen!) I plan hair wash days around my stay.
I also bring: Elta MD Sunscreen (this is also my moisturizer and is truly the best), iS Clinical Active Serum, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic & HA Intensifier, RT&Co Pomade for a slicked back bun or braid—necessary for the beach and for my once-a-week hair wash plan, Drunk Elephant Merula Oil, Dr. Dennis Gross Retinol Pads, Tan Luxe Face Drops, Seed probiotics, Drunk Elephant Protini Peptide Cream, beauty sample perfume, and these hair capsules per Courtney Grow’s advice—they’re easy to pack and they work so well. Makeup is pretty basic thanks to the tan drops—I just use the Merit minimalist stick and balm, Westman Atelier Complexion drops, Glossier mascara, and Maybelline Lip Crayon.
On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain?
I bring a carry-on roller and a tote bag with lots of pockets that I got in Kyoto from a brand called Torso. For lightweight socks, I love these from le Bon Shoppe. I have a big travel drawer at home where I keep three “kits” in clear zip Amazon bags that are always packed, so I just toss them into my carry-on without thinking. If something stops working on a trip or I run out, I put a note on my calendar when it happens so I can restock when I’m back and it’s ready to go for the next trip.
Tech kit: Only the laptop/iPhone cords and adapters I know I need (no “just in case” extras), a power bank, AirFly wireless adapter, Apple wired and wireless headphones. I pack other adapters already on items (curling iron, noise machine) so they are ready to go.
Medicine/random kit: Tissues, hand wipes, Sono medical-grade disinfecting wipes (normal antibacterial wipes don’t kill norovirus!), blister bandages, mints, hair tie, pen. When it comes to my pillbox I don’t skimp. Bring a few of everything you might need, and repackage the pills. I won’t leave the house without Zofran—it can be a lifesaver, especially when traveling in places prone to food poisoning. I bring plenty of Liquid IV—often, feeling bad is just dehydration. Advil Liqui-Gels, cold/flu medicine (day and night), Pepto, activated charcoal, OTC sleeping pills, and anti-diarrheal.
Liquids/beauty kit: Hand sanitizer, Biossance Squalane Rose lip balm, Rhode Peptide tinted lip balm, Tatcha Serum Stick (I love not having to touch my face, and this product is incredible—my #1 in-flight beauty rec), Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist, Innisfree Eye & Face Ball, and some basics in case my luggage is lost (I keep free sample packets for this reason—a face wash packet, sunscreen packet, moisturizer packet, serum packet, mini toothbrush/paste).
I recently put one of these grips on my phone (all of the 20-somethings at the office have them!) and it came in handy– it suctions your phone to the back of the seat so you can watch a movie easier. I stick it to the mirror in the hotel gym to follow a video, that kind of thing.
Do you have a travel uniform?
Our new loungewear was perfect for a 17-hour flight—warm, cozy, not fussy, yet still pulled together. I love the Mirth fleece pants, but since they might get hot when sleeping, I prefer the Mirth pant in oatmeal. I also swear by Live the Process ribbed pants (I own them in four colors). Lately, I’ve been wearing this blazer from Sezane on top to feel more pulled together. I always dress in layers with a tank or tee underneath.
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