Forget Packing Cubes and Planning—This is How I Pack for the Summer I Want to Have
Our take

The shift in travel content from meticulous lists of packing essentials to a more experiential, mood-driven approach is fascinating, and Blanca Miró Scrimieri’s article, "Forget Packing Cubes and Planning—This is How I Pack for the Summer I Want to Have," perfectly embodies this evolution. It’s a departure from the relentless optimization of travel, the endless quest for the perfect capsule wardrobe, and the detailed itineraries that have dominated online spaces for years. Instead, Scrimieri offers a perspective rooted in intention and feeling, prioritizing the desired atmosphere of a trip over a rigidly planned checklist. This aligns with a larger cultural trend toward prioritizing experiences and self-expression over material possessions and structured itineraries, a sentiment we've seen reflected in recent fashion trends like the resurgence of plaid for fall Plaid For Fall Isn't Groundbreaking, But These 30 Cool Plaid Pieces Are, showcasing a desire for personal style over fleeting trends. The article’s focus on the emotional landscape of travel—the *feeling* of summer—resonates with a generation seeking authenticity and mindful consumption.
This isn’t simply about abandoning practicality; it’s about redefining it. Scrimieri isn’t advocating for haphazard packing, but rather for a considered selection driven by a desired emotional state. It's a subtle but significant distinction. The emphasis on a curated selection of pieces that evoke a specific mood—sun-drenched afternoons, breezy evenings, effortless elegance—feels aligned with the quiet luxury aesthetic currently permeating fashion and lifestyle spaces. It’s a rejection of the “more is more” mentality, opting instead for a refined approach where quality and intention supersede quantity. This echoes the broader fashion landscape, where we’re seeing a move away from disposable trends and toward investment pieces that stand the test of time, a concept explored in our recent look at the rise of chic, comfortable heels Not Stilettos—The Heel Style Taking Over LA, NYC, and Paris Right Now. The shift in focus mirrors a growing desire for a more considered, less frantic approach to all aspects of life.
The article’s value extends beyond packing tips; it represents a broader cultural recalibration. We’ve spent years being bombarded with advice on how to optimize every aspect of our lives, from our productivity to our wardrobes. This article provides a refreshing counterpoint, suggesting that sometimes, the most valuable preparation isn’t about meticulous planning, but about cultivating a mindset of openness and allowing space for spontaneity. Scrimieri’s background as a stylist and brand founder—leading La Veste and Delarge—lends her perspective significant credibility. She understands the power of curation and the importance of creating a cohesive aesthetic, principles she applies not just to fashion but to the entire travel experience. This approach is particularly appealing in a world saturated with content; it offers a sense of calm and intentionality that feels genuinely refreshing. The emphasis on emotional connection and inner states is a powerful way to differentiate travel content from the purely transactional.
Ultimately, Scrimieri's piece invites us to reconsider our relationship with travel. It's a subtle nudge away from the checklist mentality and toward a more intuitive, emotionally driven approach. As travel continues to evolve, and as consumers become increasingly discerning about the content they consume, we can expect to see more articles like this – prioritizing mood, feeling, and personal expression over rigid itineraries and exhaustive packing lists. The question now becomes: how will brands adapt to this shift, and will they be able to authentically connect with travelers who are seeking more than just a destination, but a feeling?
Blanca Miró Scrimieri is a Who What Wear UK editor-in-residence and a Barcelona-based stylist. As the founder of fashion brand La Veste and co-founder of sunglasses line Delarge, her expertise lies in design, creative direction and brand building. Although you may know Miró from her collaborations with luxury fashion houses, it is likely her distinctive street style and outfit curation have brought her Instagram profile to your attention. When she isn't attending fashion week or behind the scenes at La Veste, you can also find her curating chic tablescapes at @blanca_a_table.

Packing for summer is honestly one of my favourite rituals of the year. Not because I’m organised (I’m definitely not), but because I love going around the house picking things up here and there: a basket bag I haven’t used in months, the fruit earrings that somehow only make sense in August, a cardigan that reminds me of old sailing clubs, five necklaces I’ll almost certainly end up wearing together. For me, packing for a trip never really starts with the suitcase; it begins with lots of little piles that quietly take over every corner of the house.

I have spent every summer in Menorca since 1992, the year I was born. It’s where I feel the freest, the calmest and, for some reason, where I always feel like wearing the pieces that don’t get as much attention the rest of the year. More colour. More crochet. More stripes. More accessories. More fun. Although they might belong in the city too, there's something about my holiday wardrobe that says we all need a little more Menorca in our everyday lives.

One thing I often do before packing is lay everything out and photograph it. Not because I plan my outfits—I actually hate doing that—I just like seeing everything together to help me picture all of the different combinations. I can already imagine the basket bag with a white cotton dress, the striped shorts with a cardigan thrown over my shoulders after dinner, or five necklaces layered over the simplest shirt. If the weather changes, my mood changes. And if someone suggests a last-minute dinner, I end up wearing something completely different (exactly why I never plan my outfits in the first place).

Whilst I don't pack looks, I do pack pieces I know I’ll want to play with:
- A straw basket
- Rubber sandals
- Fruit earrings
- A hat with a little bit of drama
- Striped bags
- Sequinned shorts that pair perfectly with a glass of tinto de verano in your hand
- Terry cloth pieces (my biggest summer weakness)
- Crochet
- Lots of necklaces for layering; they instantly make me feel like it’s summer
- Raffia shoes
- A nautical cardigan
- Printed Bermuda shorts

Looking at everything spread across the floor, I often realise that almost everything I pick shares the same mood. Without even thinking about it, my suitcase always ends up looking like the summer I’m hoping to have. Maybe that’s why I love packing so much; by the time I zip it closed, I already feel like I’m on holiday. Here's hoping that your suitcase feels like your summer too.
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