Travel wardrobe secrets: meg strachan's minimalist approach to packing
Forget frantic last-minute scrambles. Fashion insider and Dorsey founder, Meg Strachan, has cracked the code to effortless travel dressing. Her system isn’t about overflowing suitcases, but a carefully curated capsule wardrobe – a philosophy perfected after years of globetrotting.
The art of the minimalist pack
Strachan’s approach, honed through countless trips and a love for streamlined style, centers on neutrals, strategic layering, and a surprising reliance on menswear. “The first gift I gave my now-husband when we started dating was a carry-on in heavy linen with leather straps,” she recalls, “He still carries it today.” This enduring love for luggage, coupled with a penchant for glamorous travel, isn’t a requirement, but it undeniably simplifies the process.
Her routine involves starting a week before a trip, gradually adding items to a suitcase – a far cry from the frantic ‘throw-in-and-go’ method she occasionally employs for business trips, where late-night flights necessitate a last-minute scramble. “For business trips, I pack a few hours before leaving because I tend to take late night flights so that I can put my little girl to sleep and then jump on the last plane out. (The airports are always empty at night and security is short and easy!)” she explains.
Key pieces & styling tips
Strachan’s wardrobe leans heavily on versatile basics: a mostly neutral palette punctuated by sparkling jewelry, and woven accessories. Think effortless one-pieces, silk trousers, and a rotation of tried-and-true tees from All Three. “Over the years I’ve realized that my style doesn’t change much from season to season or year to year, so it’s made it easier for me to shop and keep things forever,” she notes. “Grab a few suits and some sandals and you can really make anything work!”
Her secret to chic seaside style? A simple formula: a comfortable, loose-fitting travel pants paired with a tee, a cashmere sweater for chilly evenings, and a touch of sparkle – a rivière necklace or a bold piece of jewelry. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen hat, like Janessa Leoné’s packable straw bucket, or a statement sandal, such as Aquazzura’s Almost Bare flats. “It’s really nothing more chic to me than a string of diamonds, a black swimsuit, and a low-rise, throw-on pant for the beach—easy pieces that all work together.”
The shopping edit
Key Purchases:
- Suitcase: Ralph Lauren Saddle Weekender ($4,500)
- Tee: All Three Clea T-shirt ($95)
- Swimwear: Eres Les Permanents Mouna bikini top + briefs ($235)
- Sandals: Aquazzura Almost Bare sandal flats ($710)
- Hat: Janessa Leoné Felix straw bucket hat ($257)
- Sweater: TWP Wide Crew sweater ($780)
- Cover-up: Mikoh Toyama sarong ($98)
Ultimately, Strachan’s travel wardrobe isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about embracing simplicity and building a collection of pieces that transcend seasons. It’s a testament to the idea that less truly is more – a philosophy that’s becoming increasingly relevant in our over-saturated world.