Packing for a vacation can make you question if you still want to go on the trip. You want the perfect mix of planned looks and what I like to call “bonuses”, otherwise known as options. By the time you finish packing, you’re exhausted and hoping everything will fit in your luggage. As I was packing for my college graduation weekend, I realized that I made a new routine and it was perfect. Check out my list of my top ten tips and tricks right before vacation season begins. So, go ahead and book the trip. This is a direct getaway to relax and refresh.

One | Work with Your Color Palette

We all have one. They’re the colors that you are immediately drawn to no matter the piece or price tag. You look good, feel good, and there’s no guessing game. If you don’t know what your palette is, try two things. First, go look at your wardrobe. If you see a theme throughout, you’ve found it. If not, think of what colors you like wearing. These will go well with your eyes, skin tone, and hair color.

Choose silhouettes, lines, and lengths that you could never go without. Whatever the season, we all have a preference and it’s fail-proof.

Two | Keep It Simple

This could mean neutral or pastels colors. Is the piece tailored? Detailing. Make each look have one element that garners attention and keep the rest understated. You’ll create a chic, effortless look every day and make it easy to swap if you change your mind with what you planned.

Three | Elevate with Accessories or Shoes

You went with a understated, refined look. Add statement pieces to finish it. Grab earrings, your nice watch, or a pointed pair of flats that is a different color than your outfit. For instance, silver is an easy way to change your white and navy look, one and done. Just make sure to make at least 80% of your accessories and shoes will go with any outfit. If you change what you wear, it’s no one will know.

Four | Plan Every Outfit with a Minimum of Two Bonus

You already have a general idea of what you will be doing each day on your trip. This will instantly remove the stress of getting dressed and you can make your morning routine more of what you went on the trip for, relaxing! You don’t have to plan your bonus pieces out, simply choose tops or bottoms that go with other looks that are already planned making the last minute switch effortless. No more to something not fitting or looking like you thought it would.

Five | Try On and Roughly Plan Before

You don’t have to wear exactly what you plan, but it’s nice to know how everything fits and if you feel put-together and confident in it. Vacation should be a break and it’s hard to enjoy it when you don’t feel good about the final look or forgot to pack that essential beauty product you knew you would use everyday. Trying every item that you were thinking about taking with before you leave eliminates unnecessary “bonuses” giving you extra space in your luggage, we all need some of that.

Six | Pack One Formal or Night-time Look

There’s always one night somewhere in your week that you are looking forward to an elegant dinner out or soirée. If it’s not planned, better to be safe than sorry. Choose any piece that you would want to take pictures in and still be comfortable when the night is winding down. Make sure you have the shoes and statement piece you need when you pack it.

Seven | Minimize your Beauty

No more overflowing beauty bag that you can’t find anything in. Shave some time off getting ready and do yourself a favor, less is more. Besides the few extra items you might want like setting powder or fake lashes for your formal night: grab your usual and keep it moving.

Eight | Choose Shoes based on Activities

If you’re comfortable in heels at all costs, more power to you. The rest of us are trying to play it cool, when in fact, it is very much so, not. Elevate your look without heels or wedges. Think about what you may or are definitely doing each day. Unless you’re in the outdoors, you probably don’t need to wear trainers everyday. There are so many different shoes that are super comfortable and you would never guess it. Sperry’s, mules, and for a day with less walking: pointed flats. Chic, elegant, effortless. Did I mention you can wear them with everything as a neutral or statement? Not on your list yet? They should be.

Nine | Manicure Must

Book your appointment a few days before you depart or treat yourself to a new color. I highly recommend no-chip for a manicure that lasts and won’t get ruined. Clean, fresh nails are the perfect way to take care of your skin and look put-together.

Ten | Plan Beauty Essentials

Aside from your must-haves, do you need anything specific? Hot climates call for cooling mists, oil-sheets, setting spray, tinted moisturizers, and of course, SPF. Don’t forget your signature scent or a face mask for later. Nothing is worse than forgetting your brushes or contour when you want definition.