Since most of us are a bit high maintenance, we fashionistas usually find packing light to be a difficult task. With all the new fees for checking baggage at the airport and the lack of adequate space in many car trunks, we are encouraged to become more creative in our packing. Let me show you how to bring enough without sacrificing your usual sense of style!

SCENARIO: Imagine that you are going on a short, overnight road trip with your friends this weekend. Dallas is the closest fun place around here, but you might be lucky enough to run up to New York or Los Angeles. Every seat in the car will be taken, which leaves little room for large suitcases in the trunk. Since shopping will definitely be on the agenda, each person has agreed to bring only one small bag, leaving any empty space for the day's winnings from stores.

Foundation Pieces: D. Versatile Little Black Dress – $58 – Urban Outfitters; E. Day-to-Night Eyeshadow Palette – $39.50 – Sephora; F. Vintage Locket – $18.50 – Two Altered Visions; G. The Suitcase – $28 – Angie's Iris

First order of business, decide upon a few wardrobe foundation pieces, which are those items that can be accessorized or worn for several days in a row without making you look like an outfit repeater. Little black dresses, like the one above from Urban Outfitters, are always a good bet in this department, but floral dresses can also be worn in unique ways time and again by creative accessorizing. Since Sheena Matheiken of the Uniform Project has been so inspiring with her LBD for 365 days, we will create our own LBD looks today too. Also for your foundations, pick out a pretty necklace or pair of earrings that can be worn with casual or dressy looks (lockets are wonderful for this), and invest in an eyeshadow palette that includes soft and dark hues.     

Day Wear: A. Vest – $52.99 – Mod Cloth; B. Socks – $11.99 – Mod Cloth; C. Prairie Girl Boots – $44 – Vacation Vintage

Since most fashionistas prefer a different night look, dress down your LBD with more casual pieces during the day. Cardigans, vests, long socks, and oxfords are all wonderful items that bring a unique flavor to outfits. Currently, prairie girl boots (also called granny boots) are my favorite day shoes and have been inspiring me since October. Back then, I hoped they would become a bigger deal in my inspirations post, and now they are all over Urban Outfitters and other trendy stores. Score!

Night Wear: H. Floral T-Strap Pumps by Bally – $1601.94 – Endless.com; I. Seamed Back Hose – $15.99 – Mod Cloth; J. Feather Headband – $26 – Stylesmith

While day wear is more relaxed, the best night looks are typically darker, dressier, and more showy. Since the LBD is our foundation, a fire engine red headband makes the outfit really pop. And floral-printed pumps paired with seamed hose also add interest to the look. This outfit would be perfect for dinner and a play out on the town–possibly Broadway?

Enjoy packing creatively!

By Sarah Corley 

P.S. How do you wear your LBD from day to night?