Related reading: Winter Vacation Outfit Ideas for Wherever Winter Break Takes You

The best way to put your suitcase together is by laying out potential outfits that you can mix and match while away from your entire wardrobe. This will give you a rough capsule wardrobe to pack. (See our capsule section for specific examples.) When you pack this way, you’re guaranteed to avoid running into that awkward feeling of having nothing to wear.

Also, think about what activities you may be up to over break. If you know your family goes out to dinner frequently or has plans to take holiday photographs, make sure to plan accordingly and pack some special outfits. If you’re just going to be lounging or working over the holidays, less formal it is.

What not to pack for winter break

So we’ve covered what you should definitely have in your suitcase, but for safe measures we are going to cover what you should not be packing!

I think we’ve all entertained an occasion of overpacking with all the wrong items. The scenario is you show up, suitcase bulging, and can’t find anything you actually need! This is definitely not what you’re going for when you’re leaving for an extended period of time.

The best way to determine what you should not be packing is to think about what items will already be available to you upon arrival. If you’re going home or to a hotel for the break, you won’t need to pack up any of your bedding and you probably won’t need a hair dryer. Additionally, you don’t need to bring every pair of shoes you own with you — shoes are heavy so it’s better to bring just a couple pairs. Finally, you might have created a collection of pieces for attending college events that just won’t be of much use over the break — leave those where they are.

It’s best to leave as much of your room in tact as possible, so that when you get back, unpacking will be super seamless.