Style Class Cheat Sheet: S6 EP18 “Destination Packing"
Lean in to the trope without becoming the trope. Every piece shown on style class, found here.
If you haven’t watched the episode yet, you can catch it here. If you already have, check out a detailed breakdown of all the looks from Style Class below.
Imagine—you’ve just arrived at your destination after a long flight. You unzip your suitcase and realize—nothing you packed feels right. Maybe you brought all the pieces that you would typically wear and feel absolutely chic in at home, but in this new locale, you’re suddenly craving more. Or maybe you dove headfirst into research, curated what you thought would be the ideal location-inspired wardrobe, but wound up standing in front of the mirror at the hotel feeling like you’re wearing a costume—you’ve completely lost sight of your personal style DNA. The straw hat, the embellished skirt, the gladiator sandals—separately, they’re not bad, but all together you feel like a character. And when you return home from your trip, they’ll be tucked away in the back of your closet. The shame you feel is real.
On this week’s Style Class, Amy and Sloane unpack how to avoid this trap, and pack in a way that allows you to feel immersed in your destination while maintaining balance. It’s about working with what you already own, adding in pieces strategically, and anticipating what you might pick up once you arrive. We do this by acknowledging the trope of each destination - and from there, we use it as either a tool for irony or a tool for pure direction. That all depends on your personal style. Sound deep and nuanced? Probably because it is, but so is life. The good thing, is we break it down, get you on the right course, and affirm here there’s no such thing as 3 easy steps or 10-minute abs.
We asked where you’re headed for summer, you answered—about 500 of you, to be exact. You shared your destinations, and we’ve done the heavy lifting to group them by style “tropes”. Tropes exist for a reason—they’re born from the temperature, terrain, and context of an area. Ibiza and Boston might share a weather forecast in July, but the visual vibe will hardly look alike.
We’re breaking it all down for you here—in a way you can employ repeatedly.
Think Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Charleston—anywhere you’re likely to spy at least three people in boat shoes and a golf shirt at any given time. When packing for a preppy-leaning destination, start with your WOFs (Without Fails)—the foundational pieces that will ensure your personal style throughline remains intact. A crisp white nylon pleated skirt, relaxed white cargo pants, a classic oxford shirt—these will line your suitcase. From there, layer in pieces that evoke the essence of classic prep: a vintage polo, a Breton-stripe pullover, a silk scarf, and lived-in boat shoes. Depending on your destination, you might also want to add something unexpected but on-theme, like an interesting dry loop terry shirt and short set, or a seersucker shirt in Ring 3 tones—knowing that once you arrive, you’re probably going to collect a few other pieces that pull everything together and make you feel immersed in the setting.
You’ll know a “sexy” location once you see it—Las Vegas, Miami, Monaco, Dubai at night—these are places where subtlety is hardly the goal. For a Creative Pragmatist, packing for a high-glam locale means channeling the vibe without slipping into costume territory. This is where your WOFs become the backbone: the strappy bodysuit, the nylon jogger, slip dress, and slinky skirt. These are the pieces you already own and likely layer at home—here, they get to do the talking. Toss in your strappy gold sandals and your favorite bikini top (a versatile layering tool), and think about purchasing that plunging tank top or silky button-down—pieces that work for your trip and beyond. And when you lay eyes on that destination-specific swimsuit, you’ll already have the tools to style it seamlessly—poolside, or tucked into a skirt for dinner and drinks.
Then there are the “sophisticated chic” locations—New York, Paris, London. The kinds of places that tend to have “Fashion Week” tacked onto the end of their names. Here, you want to look and feel like yourself, but with just a touch more. Lean into silhouettes you know and trust: the Liam Blazer and Rodney Pant, but in a crisp, elevated nylon. Your go-to mock-neck tee, but in a strange Ring 3 dusty blue. The oversized sunglasses, mismatched earrings, and strappy red sandal that give you that extra push. The pieces you add to your cart in anticipation of the trip follow this same thread—elevated, but flexible. A drapey suit in a faded green gives you endless styling opportunities, and the Winslow Pant in Plum becomes your MVP PDW piece. Once you arrive, you pick up the finishing touches—a super special earring and something delicious. Obviously.
If you’re heading to Berlin—or anywhere with an Eastern European edge—chances are, this is the energy you’re going to want to channel. Throughout this recap, you’ve probably noticed: the WOFs don’t drastically change, but here, it’s the fabrication and tone that shift. For the anti-authoritarian vibe, your sheer gauze and crispy nylon pieces become essential. That studded belt in your closet, your Tris slides, and a black leather wrap sandal—plus a few directional, shape-shifting silhouettes you picked up pre-trip—complete your packing checklist. Once you arrive, it’s about layering in local finds: a vintage leather bomber and an architectural scarf-necklace. Immersed in the environment, without losing your throughline.
When your destination screams “classic”, think easy, sleek, and pragmatic. Swap in a few key pieces from your WOF rotation—nylon skirts in refined silhouettes, the perfect grey nylon jogger, and throw-on tops that feel polished without being too fussy. From there, you know the drill. Add your loafers, Seth Sneaker, that easy Gabe Oversized Shirt and slip dress that can go from day to night without a hitch. Depending on the forecast, you might end up picking up a chic trench (this one is archive Tibi) or a buttery driving shoe once you arrive—functional, unpretentious, but undeniably classic.
If your itinerary includes Ibiza—or anywhere with that laid-back, sun-soaked energy—think light, airy, and effortless. Start with a base of sheer gauze or fluid nylon skirts and an easy, adjustable cargo pant (wear them low, hiked up with a belt, tied up at the ankle—endless options). This is the moment for your favorite thematic swimsuit and go-to wrap sandal. Then, layer in a few key additions: silk voile pieces that move with the breeze and go from beach to dinner with the swap of an earring, plus a sleek dress with an unexpected macramé detail at the back. And once you land? Head straight for the local shop to grab a novelty sandal. Removable beads are a plus.
For destinations like Copenhagen or Switzerland, minimalism is the move. Your usual WOFs come with you, but they’re joined by pieces that speak softly—no need for a megaphone here. Focus on shape, texture, and thoughtful details, since your palette will likely stay within a tonal range. Dressing with intention rather than volume. In the spirit of your environment, you might find yourself drawn more to sentimental additions—like that simple, striking ring you spotted in a small shop and couldn’t stop thinking about. The kind of piece that allows your personality to shine through, while becoming part of the memory.
So helpful! I’m heading to a preppy/classic spot and love your ideas. Thank you!
Thank you for writing this up! Helps so much to see the whole list altogether and then make tough choices about what to add!!