Why The 54321 Packing Rule Is The Secret To Traveling Lighter

The paradox of choice is cruel. Nothing can dampen your upcoming vacation buzz faster than opening your closet and having zero clue what to put inside your suitcase. As you toss garments from the hanger to the bed, before you know it, you'll have enough clothes set aside for double, if not triple, your intended vacation days. Fortunately, to curb those overpacking tendencies, the "54321" packing rule is here to save the day.

This minimalist packing tip ensures you cover all the basics without compromising on style or shelling out cash for excess baggage fees. In fact, you don't have to check a bag at all. It's so simple that you can pack all the essentials in your carry-on. The rule states that you need five tops, four bottoms, three dresses and pairs of shoes, two swimsuits and bags, and one set of each type of accessory, like one hat and a trusty pair of shades. Underwear and socks are up to your discretion, of course, though one pair for each day of your trip is a solid idea. You can also swap out the items as needed, like trading your swimsuits for winter scarves or flats for boots. However you choose to structure the rule, your packing anxiety will soon be a thing of the past.

If done right, the 54321 rule means you'll have more than enough outfits to choose from. The key is to pick out items you can rewear several times and match with multiple outfits. Neutral tones are great for this, like blues, denim, blacks, grays, whites, beiges, browns, olive greens, and maybe the occasional pop of red thrown in for good measure. Combining three items that fall within this color palette will blend together beautifully, like a denim pair of jeans, a white crew neck t-shirt, and a black blazer such as the 80's Blazer from Everlane, a lightweight piece that boasts the same classic shape and oversized fit as blazers that are twice the price. Classics like this never go out of style.

Obviously, what you pack will depend on where you're going, what the weather is like, and your personal style, so feel free to modify the suggestions as you see fit. For your five tops, consider a short-sleeve shirt, a long-sleeve shirt, a fun top for nights out, a jean jacket or blazer, and a sweater or coat. For one of your four bottoms, consider a classic pair of denim, like Levi's 501 jeans, a timeless staple loved by Marilyn Monroe and Hailey Bieber alike. You'll also want to bring a nice pair of slacks, a skirt, and a pair of shorts.

For your three dresses, opt for one that's casual, an LBD (little black dress) for date night, and a slip dress that you can dress up or down, like the Silk Slip Dress from Quince, a machine washable silk dress — yes, really — with a 4.9 rating that. Whichever one of the 14 colors you decide to roll with, it's the perfect shape to dress up with heels and a red lip or dress down with sneakers and a jean jacket.

For your three pairs of shoes, pack a pair of flats, a pair of sneakers for sightseeing, and a pair of neutral high heels. Ideally, your sneakers will be comfortable and match with everything, like Adidas Stan Smiths in classic white, a tennis-shoe turned fashion essential loved by celebs like Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller, and Gigi Hadid. As for high heels, you can't go wrong with Sam Edelman's Hazel Pointed Toe Pump in beige or black, two colors that go with everything and a flattering shape that outlasts any trend, earning it a 4.5 star-rating on more than 2,800 reviews on Amazon.

For your two swimsuits, you can mix and match the tops and bottoms or go for a timeliness one-piece like La Blanca's Island Goddess, which offers tummy control and rear coverage while still showing some skin via a flattering V-neck shape. For your two bags, consider bringing one bigger bag for beach days and one smaller bag for running around town. A simple crossbody bag, for example, can store all of your essentials and protect your belongings from pickpockets. Finally, for accessories, you'll want one each of the staples, like a hat, a watch, and a pair of sunglasses, like the Quay Australia High Keys in Black Fade, a bestseller with nearly 20,000 reviews. Once you've got all your outfits and accessories picked for your vacation, set your bulkiest clothes aside to wear to the airport, freeing up extra space in your carry-on. Goodbye, packing paralysis. Hello, vacation mode.