When it comes to mastering the art of packing a travel wardrobe, it’s no surprise that our favorite fashion insiders are also packing pros. In My Packing Style, we ask some of the most well-traveled people we know for a look inside their bags and vacation wardrobes to see how they take their style on the road. You’ve booked the trip and saved outfit inspiration; now, here’s a look at how it all comes together.
The many perks of a ski vacation—the scenic views, the après-ski culture, the fondue—can often be slightly overshadowed by the tedious task of packing for it. There’s a fine line between stylish layers and looking like the Michelin Man. Add in trying to fit your bulkiest clothes within airline baggage limits, and you have a real style puzzle. Olympia Gayot, J.Crew’s creative director and head of womenswear, has figured out the formula for packing for a ski holiday—and she does it all in a carry-on suitcase.
“It’s all about comfort with style,” explains Gayot. “Lots of layers, but always chic.” In other words, even the most basic items have to stand out. The white tee must be perfectly tailored, the denim comfortable enough for the plane, the socks cashmere, and the makeup simple—but never without a swipe of cherry-red lipstick. For technical items, Gayot turns to a timely collection: Ahead of the Olympics, J.Crew is launching a 26-piece cold-weather line as the official lifestyle apparel partner for U.S. Ski and Snowboard. It includes everything from a technical puffer (which fits in her carry-on) to soft sweaters. This is part of a three-year partnership and is available to shop now.
Shop Olympia Gayot’s Carry-On
The Cozy Sweater: J.Crew x U.S. Ski & Snowboard turtleneck sweater | $168
The Cashmere Socks: J.Crew trouser socks | $60
The Durable Carry-On: Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition luggage | $625
“I’m heading on a ski trip to the French Alps with my family—my husband was born there, and it will be our first big ski trip together as a family,” she says of her upcoming plans. We asked Gayot to share a behind-the-scenes look at how she’s packing; read on for her go-to travel outfit formula, her extensive TSA-compliant beauty secrets, and her method for traveling exclusively with a carry-on.
Are you a pre-packer or a throw-it-in-and-go type?
It really depends on the trip, but I usually start a few nights in advance and finish the night before. With work and kids, I spread it out over a few days—packing a little at a time and then using the last hour to pull everything together before leaving.
Do you pack in outfits?
I loosely pack in outfits because I like knowing pieces will go together, but I don’t stick to a strict plan. My wardrobe is defined by my mood and what I feel like wearing in the moment. I often reference past looks I’ve worn and know work for me, adding versatile staples that can mix and match seamlessly. I pack accessories—a belt, boots, scarves, and jewelry—so I can reinvent the same pieces in multiple ways throughout the trip.
What’s your go-to brand for vacation dressing?
J.Crew, of course! I also love mixing in vintage items, like jeans and coats, and I often borrow from my husband’s wardrobe—Wrangler shirts, blazers, scarves—or even pick pieces from my older son’s t-shirt collection for a more fitted look.My Wishlist
Prada Re-Nylon Pouch
$1,250
PRADA
What’s your go-to travel bag right now?
My go-to travel bag is my aluminum Away carry-on, covered in stickers from all the places I’ve visited—it’s practical and personal.
Do you have a travel outfit formula?
I always wear loose vintage Levi’s—never leggings or sweats—paired with a boyfriend jersey tee and an oversized V-neck cashmere sweater. I layer with a cashmere bandana or silk scarf, cashmere socks, and finish with ballet slippers or cowboy boots and a coat I’ll eventually be wearing on the trip.
J.Crew x U.S. Ski & Snowboard Puffer Jacket
$498
J.CREW
J.Crew Trouser Socks
$60
J.CREW
What are your in-flight non-negotiables?
I never travel without a face mask to keep my skin hydrated and, of course, cozy cashmere socks.
Team travel scarf or travel sweater?
Both! Covering my neck and chest is essential, and layering gives me the flexibility to handle a hot or freezing plane.
What are your vacation beauty product MVPs?
Even though I almost always travel with a carry-on, my beauty products take up a significant amount of space. There’s no better accessory than hydrated, healthy skin and hair—especially after flying and braving the elements like cold and snow. I can’t travel without Biologique Recherche Masque Biofixine. I use it almost daily when I’m traveling. I love their products in general and take their Serum Erythros and Crème Biofixine everywhere with me.
I must have a face oil when I’m traveling somewhere cold. I’ve been really into Mutha body and face oil. I bring that one in my purse and apply it a few times on the flight—in addition to my daytime and nighttime routine. For my hair, I don’t travel without my Mason Pearson mini brush and the travel-size Oribe Supershine moisturizing cream and Oribe Gold Lust hair oil.
Imagery courtesy of Olympia Gayot
Biologique Recherche Masque Biofixine
$260
BLOOMINGDALE’S
Mason Pearson Pocket Boar Bristle Hairbrush B4
$121
MASON PEARSON
$160
FW
J.Crew x U.S. Ski & Snowboard Socks
$60
J.CREW
Thistles The Jack Sunglasses
$275
THISTLES
J.Crew x U.S. Ski & Snowboard Quarter Zip Sweater
$228
J.CREW
Westman Atelier Eye Want You Mascara
$45
WESTMAN ATELIER
$45
NORDSTROM
Do you have a strategy for approaching accessories?
I bring what I’m actually wearing the most at the moment. New pieces often get ignored, so I stick with staples: necklaces, my wedding ring, all gold in the winter. And I always pack them in my jewelry roll, which is super practical for travel.
Travel steamer: Yes or No?
I try to keep things easy and low-fuss. I don’t pack a steamer but will use one at the hotel if needed. For some items, like shirting, I’ll embrace a few wrinkles or hang them outside the shower so the steam smooths them out. In the summer, I often roll clothes and don’t worry about wrinkles; in the winter I fold carefully and let any creases fall out with a bit of steam.
What has been your most-worn vacation item?
Lately it has been the J.Crew for U.S. Ski & Snowboard brushed cashmere Italy sweater. I’m also really excited for the cozy sweater puffer and, of course, my ski socks—every piece from the collection is so good, I want them all!
Imagery courtesy of Olympia Gayot
J.Crew Jewelry Roll
$60
J.CREW
Phoebe Philo Gathered Flats
$890
PHOEBE PHILO
Officine Universelle Buly Le Pater Familias Comb
$68
OFFICINE UNIVERSELLE BULY
Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
$42
AMAZON
Prada Faux Fur Collar
$2,100
PRADA
Viltier Edge Large Ring
$5,400
VILTIER
What staple piece is always in your suitcase?
A white tee is my most versatile travel piece. I layer it under…I love wearing sweaters to add a pop of color at the neck, using them as comfy pajamas if I forget anything, or keeping them handy for cooler days. I really like the boyfriend jersey style for its relaxed fit and how easy it is to layer.
Do I overpack or leave room for souvenirs?
I usually overpack, but I always carry souvenirs by hand because I enjoy bringing back inspiration from my trips. I make sure to only take a carry-on, since traveling that way is so much smoother.
What’s the best packing lesson you ever learned?
The best packing lesson I ever learned is to roll clothes instead of folding them—it saves so much space! I also tuck socks inside shoes and fill any extra gaps with small items. This gives me a lot more room and helps shoes keep their shape.
Save to wishlist
A.P.C. Debbie Santiago boots
$695 A.P.C.
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St. Agni baby tee
$150 ST. AGNI
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Sofia Coppola Important Flowers Planner 2026
$30 STRAND BOOKS
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Phoebe Hoban Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art
$20 $18 (10% off) AMAZON
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about how JCrews Creative Director Olympia Gayot packs for a trip based on her public interviews and style philosophy
General Packing Philosophy
Q Whats Olympia Gayots overall approach to packing
A She focuses on versatile highquality basics that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits Its about building a small curated capsule wardrobe for the trip rather than packing for every possible scenario
Q Does she use a packing list
A Yes shes a strong advocate for a master packing list kept on her phone She updates it after every trip noting what she actually wore and what she didnt to refine her process over time
Q How does she avoid overpacking
A She lays everything out on her bed first then edits ruthlessly removing items that dont serve at least two purposes or dont fit with the rest of the capsule
Clothing Style
Q What are her absolute mustpack clothing items
A Her staples typically include a great blazer a white buttondown shirt wellfitting jeans a classic knit a versatile dress and a quality tshirt
Q How does she choose colors for her travel wardrobe
A She sticks to a cohesive color palette so everything works together seamlessly This maximizes outfit combinations from fewer pieces
Q Whats her tip for looking polished while traveling
A Accessories are key A silk scarf a statement belt or a great pair of earrings can instantly elevate a simple jeansandtee outfit without taking up much space
Q What type of shoes does she pack
A She limits shoes to three pairs a comfortable walking shoe a dressier option and a neutral flat or sandal depending on the season
Packing Techniques Logistics
Q Does she roll or fold her clothes
A She uses a