Packing for Winter in Australia: 2 Weeks in a carry on

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After our honeymoon, I started planning and dreaming of many more travel adventures. First up, Australia. I was absolutely determined to pack lightly (for me).

I would normally throw everything I could fit in a suitcase, zero planning and hope for the best. That always ended up with me rummaging through an overflowing suitcase, giving up and wearing the same things over and over.

We went for about 2 weeks, and it was 'winter'. After the winter the US had, I was pretty sure we would be walking around in shorts and flip flops because the low is about 50 with a high of 70 for Sydney. Colder in Melbourne, warmer in Cairns.

KC wore his shorts a bunch, but I am a big baby and get cold easily so I did wear my cardis and jackets. I only wore a big coat once and it really wasn't needed but I had already packed everything else, so there you go.

First off, I consulted Emi, Audrey, Travel Fashion Girl and MK at Outfit Posts for various packing and remixing ideas. I started out with 50+ items, but after I started playing with outfits I realised I had far too many and finally culled it down to 24 items.

// Striped top // White tee // White tunic // Polka dot top //
//Cream sweater // Black cardigan // Grey cardigan // Mustard cardigan // 

// Distressed jeans //  Black jeans // Black dress // Striped dress // Black coat //
// Mustard scarf // Red scarf // Leopard print scarf // Necklace //

// Yellow belt //  Brown belt //  Bow Flats // Leopard flats //
// Brown boots // Faux leather jacket // Puffer vest // 

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Items not included but were packed: underwear, socks, camis, toiletries. There are also sneakers & leggings in the below pictures where I was packing, but I only wore them for the flight there and back. Most items shown are exact, while others were the most similar for items that were old or sold out. Everything under $50 when post was published.

These items could probably make 1000 outfits, but I didn't need that many so I just mucked around on polyvore and created a bunch of different outfits and took photos so I could see what they looked like - yep, I'm that girl. That was actually the most important part because I found out some things look better on a computer screen..

Here's all my stuff:
note: unfortunately the white fluffball did not come with us. 

Here it is in my carry on suitcase:

Everything is in here, except the big coat and boots. I didn't put underwear or anything in there, but I did include what I am wearing on the plane so I think it evens out. Plus, I didn't roll, use any packing cubes - nothing. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Now I didn't actually use just a carry on for my trip because I had other things to pack, like presents for family. But if you're just a normal gal going to Australia, then I just wanted to show it could be done. I am not sure it would work in other countries where the winter is actually a winter, and depending on where you are from, you might not even feel the need for a jacket or anything. But I'm a bit of a baby. Actually, this could probably work as a Spring or Autumn packing list for other countries.

I was allowed 2 suitcases on my international flight and I wanted to pack light enough on the way there so that I could bring back a whole suitcase of food and clothes that I bought there. Which I did. #priorities.

Good thing all of this can actually fit into a carry on, because we had 2 mini trips planned that only allowed carry ons so they had their own 'mini packing lists'. One place is colder and one is warmer than Sydney.

4 days in Melbourne:

3 days in Cairns:


Here are the outfits I came up with for the entire trip.

I eventually got bored and stopped taking photos, but I could have easily made more outfits. By the way - I started planning packing + outfits almost 3 months before we left. Yep, I know, crazy planner lady. I don't think I could do this with like 2 weeks to plan. Trying on outfits gets old fast. And yes, in one of the photos I have 2 different shoes on, and the other I'm barefoot. Just ignore that.

I had a bunch of clothes from when I lived there and I shopped a lot, so I didn't wear all the outfits I had planned, but I just wanted to show it can be done. I didn't wear this blouse or this dress at all, and I wore things that I bought there. So, I did well, but I could have done better. I really think I could do this - heck I could bring less - when we go to Europe next year, or any other vacation.

I made a super handy pinterest friendly picture as well, if you feel so inclined.

PS! Look at me, I'm co-hosting a link up on Monday! Growing up in the world, I tell ya. It would mean a lot to me if you linked up - so Kels doesn't regret asking me!

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