Haute Topic: Traveling light is not always so easy

This weekend, I am taking a trip to New York. Taking cues from my previous overpacking nightmares, I have planned what I will wear for each day and night that I will be there. It sounds a little strange, but by doing this I can carry a smaller suitcase and maximize the usage of every item I bring.

When packing for a trip, long or short, the best thing to do is pick clothes and accessories that you can wear in more than one way. For example, a light jacket can be worn over a dress for warm days or with a cardigan underneath for chillier nights.

The amount of clothing you bring will take up the majority of the space in your suitcase, so choose wisely. I am going somewhere cooler, so I have to bring things I can layer with. Here are a few things I am definitely taking: a light jacket, a thick sweater, a few dresses, skirts, a scarf and tights.

If you are going somewhere warmer, you should bring the following: a bathing suit, basic tank tops, dressy and casual shorts and skirts, day dresses and a cardigan for breezy nights. Other things to consider for cooler weather are long-sleeved blouses, dark denim, button downs and colorful cardigans. For warmer weather, consider a light scarf, light or white denim, and a hat.

Pack as many dresses as you can because they can be packed efficiently. The best thing about dresses is that they are mindless; once you put on a dress, you only need to pick shoes and you are done.

Shoes can really weigh your bags down. In the past, I have made the grave error of packing multiple pairs of heels and sandals when I really only needed one of each. Pick one pair of heels and one pair of flat shoes, depending on the vacation. Going to Disney? Narrow it down to either one pair of sneakers or one pair of sandals for the whole trip. Going somewhere cold for winter break? Take one pair of brown or black leather boots, flat or with heels, and pair them with everything.

This is where guys have it easy; unless you are going to do outdoorsy things, one pair of nice leather shoes or sandals is all you need.

When it comes to handbags, pick the lightest and roomiest cross-body purse you have. You do not want to lug around a heavy leather bag on the crook of your arm with your carry-on items and electronics in it.

To save even more space, wear the items on the road that take up the most room. On my trip, I will be wearing my jacket, sweater and boots on the plane. Not only will I be able to fit more stuff on the way back, but I will be warm and cozy during the flight, because airplane cabins reach sub-zero temperatures.

When you are traveling, whether it is to visit your cousins for Thanksgiving or a weekend trip to Orlando, you do not want to waste any time dealing with unorganized luggage or picking out what to wear.