Perfect packing: A self-styled wardrobe versus in-room stylist

Europe carry-on packing: What I learned from travelling with 16 clothing items. Photo / Getty Images

Perfecting the art of packing is tricky business. Anna Sarjeant trials taking a carry-on to Europe versus a $510 in-room styling session

I don’t necessarily overpack; I tend to wear everything, but I do have a habit of taking a separate outfit for each day (sometimes two) and pre-empting every weather variant.

However, I also like praise, and people who pack lightly are drenched in it. It often seems overpacking is a negative trait, and those who travel with carry-on are superior to all else.

In a bid to find out if light packers are happier packers (and if the hefty praise is justified), I travelled to Europe with a carry-on suitcase and limited myself to 12 items of clothing. This became 16 – and two pairs of shoes – when I realised the scope of my endeavour.

If successful, the elation and praise will lend itself to a new, satisfying sense of achievement – and smugness. I may also benefit from ease of travel and less stress.

To avoid utter madness from mundanity, I also packed a trove of jewellery and head scarves.

I spent close to an hour writing out the combinations I could wear each day, without obvious repetition. I didn’t want to look unkempt. Six attempts later, I took a photo of the list so I didn’t have to repeat this arduous task on holiday.

Navigating airports, hotels and cruise check-in is easier when you can quickly lift and hoist your case: escalators are a breeze, elevators need zero contorting to make space for others, and there’s a hand free for coffee-holding. Many people were amazed at how little I had packed, and their acknowledgment did feel good.

By day three I was bored of the brown/white/black/tan colourway. It looked fine, but it felt uninspired, especially in a place as design-conscious as Europe. Creases made my clothes look dishevelled, and I had to wash a tank top and air-dry it off the ship’s balcony. Fortunately, upon my return, the wind had blown it inwards, not out.

The black skirt and co-ords were particularly useful for evening attire as they are elegant, versatile and easily elevated with accessories.

The mention of a final night gala threw me into panic, and I spent two hours shopping when I could’ve been sightseeing. I came up empty-handed and recycled my black skirt instead. No one else dressed up differently either.

The shoe choices were a revelation. Both are fit for purpose: trainers for day excursions and Birkenstocks for evenings. Two pairs proved ample.

The biggest perk was upon my return. Washing was done in half the time, and unpacking was still a drag, but marginally less so.

Interestingly, for all the initial benefits, the following month I went to Australia and reverted to overpacking (what if I need cardigans for the Northern Territory’s 35C heat?). I was ‘that’ person in the group, and when a gent offered to put my family-sized suitcase in the car, he put his back out.

Looking at my wardrobe, which is dominated by high street labels, a personal stylist doesn’t naturally spring to mind.

Nevertheless, I recently found myself enjoying the company of coveted stylist, Lulu Wilcox, at an Auckland hotel; my Zara splurges laid out on the bed, a glass of champagne in hand, and a purple silk scarf tied around my head.

Never in my life have I worn a scarf as a headpiece, despite saving multiple Pinterest ideas in the hope I’ll one day master the look. Turns out, I just needed Lulu.

In partnership with Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, Lulu has developed an NZ-first: personal in-room styling, which she’s called Style Me From My Suitcase. It’s a concept that’s long enjoyed global success, with Lulu finally bringing it to New Zealand’s attention.

Over the course of 90 minutes, Lulu and I play dress-up. Me eating cheese, while Lulu crafts a medley of holiday outfits using the items I’ve packed. I slip in and out of garments, and Lulu takes a photo so she can share the ‘lookbook’ with me later. A day or so earlier, I completed a questionnaire so Lulu already knew my style and expectations for the session. Ninety per cent of the combos she created I’d never have thought of myself, and I’d recreate all of them again minus three, and that’s the fault of some iffy jeans that simply don’t suit me. In fact, the next day I don a completely new look – one of Lulu’s suggestions.

Midway, we take a mini-break (for more cheese, bubbles and gossip) and discuss who this experience would suit. At $510, on top of your room booking, it’s not cheap, but the benefits are long-lasting. I left with several complete outfits that I can easily replicate.

I also envisage it as the perfect choice for partners needing a gift for their better half. Pop it on your Christmas list, ladies. And what a great add-on to a girls’ weekend or visit to Auckland. Lulu thinks a lot of her clients will be visiting for a special event like the races. If you’re feeling extra flush, Lulu can also take you shopping, or go shopping for you. Whatever it takes to build your dream vay-cay wardrobe.

Capsule packing requires more pre-planning for very few rewards. A stylist is an indulgent treat. Keyword being treat.

The writer enjoyed Style Me From My Suitcase courtesy of Lulu Wilcox and Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.