When it comes to creating the perfect travel wardrobe, it’s no surprise that our favorite fashion insiders are also packing experts. In My Packing Style, we ask some of the most well-traveled people we know to open their suitcases and share how they bring their personal style on the road. You’ve planned the trip and saved outfit inspiration—now, let’s see how it all comes together.
Sandeep Salter never travels without a nightgown. “I usually bring one or two on any trip. I love waking up in an unfamiliar place and stepping outside in my nightgown to breathe in the morning air,” she says. The co-founder of Salter House launched her Brooklyn-based company in 2018 with cotton nightdresses, and nearly a decade later, these floaty, versatile pieces remain a staple in her wardrobe. Naturally, they’re also part of her travel capsule—but the rest of her suitcase (a trusty Patagonia duffel she’s used for years) is always evolving.
“I pack in color schemes, with a clear idea of how I’ll mix and match,” she explains. “And I bring shoes that go with everything.” For a trip to Tulum, her chosen palette is simple: ivory and black as a base, with pops of pink to break up the neutrals. The fabrics are perfect for a beach holiday—think crisp cotton shorts, airy silk-cotton blend dresses, and lightweight pointelle layers for cooler evenings. Overall, her travel style is relaxed (she’s heading to Mexico for a family trip) but includes a few standout pieces that can be dressed up or down. It’s effortless yet polished—much like the nightgowns that started it all.
Below, Salter shares her foolproof method for planning vacation outfits, the one lightweight layer she always packs in her carry-on, and why a silk scrunchie is her ultimate travel companion.
Are you a pre-packer or a last-minute packer?
If I’m away for more than a couple of days, I like to pack at least a day ahead. I stick to a cohesive color palette.
Do you pack in outfits?
Yes. I count the days and pack an outfit for each day, plus one or two extra for evenings.
What’s your go-to brand for vacation dressing?
Salter House, always—especially when I travel. My Varda shoes are perfect for walking and a vacation essential—I wear them the whole trip. I also love bringing hair accessories, so C.O. Bigelow is my go-to for clips.
What’s your go-to travel bag right now?
A Salter House tote for my carry-on and a Patagonia rolling suitcase for checked luggage. I’ve had this suitcase for a couple of years and also have the smaller carry-on size. I had the same design for at least a decade before that—it’s super durable, waterproof, and has great inner compartments. I love the sporty design, too.
Do you have a travel outfit formula?
On the plane, I wear a cozy pointelle set with ballet flats and my hair in a scrunchie. This soft cotton outfit is as comfortable as pajamas but still looks chic and put-together in all black. (And this is kind of a…Just a side note, but pointelle fabric is especially breathable and easy to wash after a flight. I wear an oversized sweater over it, along with my perfect Aeyde ballet flats.
What are your in-flight non-negotiables?
I pack my tote with a book, my notebook, pencils, and pens, plus my usual carry-all—an old dust bag—for lip glosses and a comb. I also always travel with multiple scrunchies. I put my hair up and take it down several times a day; putting it in a bun is a self-soothing habit while I’m talking, so I usually wear a scrunchie on my wrist to fidget with.
Team travel scarf or travel sweater?
I’m team sweater all the way. I usually bring my Front General Store crewneck with me. It’s so cozy and perfect for the plane or cool nights on the beach.
What are your vacation beauty product MVPs?
I love my Flora cream and Lesse serum, along with the Lesse sunscreen for daytime. I also use the Sonsie serum lip balm. My Chanel lip color is always in my bag, and I never travel without my Santa Maria Novella perfume.
Do you have a strategy for accessories?
For jewelry, I wear what I plan to bring—if I’m not comfortable wearing it on the plane, it doesn’t come. On this trip, I have an antique bracelet from Eerie Basin, a herringbone necklace from Assembly NY, and a gold chain from my grandma. My glasses case comes with me everywhere, and my sunglasses clip onto my Garrett Leight prescription frames.
With hair accessories, I think the more the merrier: multiple scrunchies, bun covers, clips, and elastics. I fill a dust bag with them. A bun cover is a great travel accessory—it elevates your look and is perfect for days when you haven’t washed your hair and just want to scrape it back neatly.
Travel steamer: Yes or No?
I travel with a small steamer, though I’ve broken two good ones trying to use plug adapters in Europe! My advice is to buy one at your destination if you really need it. I love having crisp clothing while away, though I’m much less particular about it back in New York.
What are your most-worn vacation items?
My Bunny skort. For this trip, I know I’ll wear it multiple times—it’s versatile, sexy, sporty, and goes with everything. It’s perfect for Tulum. My Ghost dress has traveled everywhere with me and is the most reliable evening dress I’ve ever owned. It’s a beautiful translucent silk, and I like to pair it with sexy black lace underwear or a bright set that shows underneath. It’s so good.Perfect for any occasion—versatile and lightweight. My favorite bikini is from Sago Swimwear; I bought mine in St. Tropez. It looks great and makes me feel like a beach Barbie.
Salter House
Bunny skort – $72
Salter House
Ghost dress – $380
Sago Swimwear
Catharina top + bottoms – $300
Salter House
Play shorts – $50
What staple piece is always in your suitcase?
My cardigans. I always pack at least two—for this trip, three. A good cardigan is the most useful for traveling because they fold up small and are great for layering. In the evening, I love wearing a cardigan with a bikini and shorts, hair slicked back in a bun, fresh out of the shower. It’s a fresh, dewy, and comfortable look.
Overpacking or leaving room for souvenirs?
I always pack a stack of gifts (usually Salter House nightgowns and toys for the family), so I know there will be space to bring things home, too. I don’t plan on doing much shopping this trip, but I will bring back some seashells and maybe a new sun hat!
What’s the best packing lesson you ever learned?
A travel wardrobe is like a more disciplined edit of your everyday wardrobe. I like the aspirational and idealistic side of packing. I pack with intention, creating a wardrobe just for the trip. It’s important to consider how you feel in a place; the wardrobe I’m packing now for Tulum is very different from what I’d pack for London.
Assembly New York
Herringbone necklace – $288
Varda Shoes
A366 sandals – $355
Forest’nSky
Mini handheld steam iron – $41
Santa Maria Novella
Rosa Novella – $180
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about how Sandeep Salter of Salter House packs for a trip based on her widely shared philosophy and tips
General Philosophy Mindset
Q Whats Sandeep Salters overall packing philosophy
A To pack a capsule wardrobe of versatile highquality pieces you love focusing on comfort personal style and minimizing decision fatigue while traveling
Q Why does she pack so lightly
A She believes it reduces stress saves time and allows you to focus on the experience of the trip itself not your stuff
Q Is her method only for certain types of trips
A While ideal for city breaks and mild climates her core principlesversatility layering and editingcan be adapted for almost any trip from beach vacations to business travel
Packing Process Strategy
Q How does she start the packing process
A She starts by laying out everything shes considering on her bed Then she rigorously edits it down removing items that dont mix and match or serve multiple purposes
Q Whats her 1 rule for choosing what to pack
A The threeoutfit rule Every top should work with every bottom and items should be able to create at least three distinct outfits
Q How does she avoid overpacking just in case items
A She asks herself Will I be genuinely upset if I dont have this If its not a true necessity or a joy to wear it stays home She trusts she can buy a true emergency item if needed
Specific Items Essentials
Q What are her nonnegotiable travel essentials
A A great pair of comfortable walking shoes a lightweight cashmere sweater for layering a roomy tote that doubles as a personal item and her own highquality skincare products in travel sizes
Q What kind of shoes does she recommend
A Typically one pair of stylish brokenin walking shoes and one pair of easy flats or sandals She avoids packing bulky shoes that take up too much space
Q How does she handle jewelry and accessories
A She packs a few signature versatile pieces