When it comes to mastering the art of the 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 give us a peek inside their travel bags and vacation wardrobes, so we can see how they take their style on the road. You’ve bookmarked the trip, you’ve screenshotted the outfits; now, here’s how it all comes together. Not everyone can reach into their closet, grab whatever’s on top, and confidently throw it into a carry-on knowing it’ll work. Then again, Alyssa Wasko isn’t just anyone. The Donni. founder has built a brand of coveted essentials around versatile styles in lively colors, prints, and textures that go together without any overthinking. Her main strategy, as Wasko explains it, is to pack a few basics she can mix and match, then add accessories to create interest and give her looks a personal touch. A short gold chain balances a long charm pendant, while a black leather pouch from The Row multitasks to organize various items in her travel tote, doubling as an evening purse when needed. Shop Alyssa Wasko’s Suitcase: The Colorful Long-Sleeve Donni. The Baseball tee Jump to review $184 DONNI. The Knit Pants Donni. The Slinky simple pants Jump to review $554 DONNI. The Oversized Tote Kallmeyer Cottage tote Jump to review $695 NET-A-PORTER The Sleek Sunglasses Thistles The Suede sunglasses Jump to review $365 THISTLES The Elevated Socks Comme Si The Agnelli socks Jump to review $35 COMME SI The Go-Anywhere Loafers Yuni Buffa Marmi boat shoes Jump to review $525 YUNI BUFFA A generously sized weekender is her go-to for short trips, sometimes even instead of a carry-on. In it, you’ll find everything from a cozy scarf and an oversized sweater to fend off cabin chills (she won’t risk feeling cold on a plane), to a rotation of small bags (she’ll always have room for a colorful suede clutch), and a collection of cherished jewels to elevate her capsule wardrobe. We caught up with Wasko as she returned from a work trip in Telluride, Colorado, and had her give us a peek into her bright red Kallmeyer tote. “Can all work trips be in Telluride? Asking for a friend. I am from Colorado so this was a real treat; I will be back,” she adds. Photo: Courtesy of Alyssa Wasko Are you a pre-packer or a throw-in-and-go type? I typically do it the night before; it’s my version of living on the edge. Do you pack in outfits? I don’t! I usually pull things that are in my current rotation or that I feel excited to wear and hope for the best that they’ll come together when I arrive at my destination. I love the colors on this baseball tee, and this slinky V-neck is so special. It took us such a long time to get right—it reminds me of vintage St. John. Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Donni. The Slinky V-neck $436 DONNI. Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Donni. The Slinky simple pants $554 DONNI. Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Donni. The Baseball tee $184 DONNI. Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Still Here Life jeans $280 STILL HERE What’s your go-to brand for vacation dressing? My wardrobe is mostly Donni. and vintage. The only jeans I wear that aren’t vintage Levi’s are Still Here’s Life jeans. For bathing suits, I love Eres. What’s your go-to travel bag right now? Kallmeyer’s Cottage Tote. It’s more than a weekender. It has room for everything I need—sometimes, I don’t even bring a carry-on. Also, it’s great when I’m traveling with my kids as it fits so much. Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Kallmeyer Cottage tote $695 NET-A-PORTER $695 KALLMEYER Photo: Courtesy of Alyssa Wasko Do you have a travel outfit formula? Generally: a knit pant, an oversized button-down, and a sweater with a loafer. Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Donni. The Heavy knit sweater $498 DONNI. Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Donni. The Pointelle pants $154 DONNI. Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Comme Si The Agnelli socks $35 COMME SI Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Yuni Buffa Marmi boat shoes $525 YUNI BUFFA What are your in-flight nonWhat items are non-negotiable for you?
Comme Si socks—they have a subtle sheen that adds the perfect finishing touch to anything from Keds to loafers—and a travel wrap or scarf. I’m terrified of being cold on a plane.
Team travel scarf or travel sweater?
Both! They serve different purposes, and sometimes you need both.
What’s your vacation beauty product MVP?
Solara sunscreen.
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Save to wishlist
Solara
Guardian Angel Super Peptide Milk
$56
SOLARA
Photo: Courtesy of Alyssa Wasko
Do you have a strategy for choosing accessories?
I like to have a variety, so this is the category I usually pack the most of. My main strategy is to bring things that don’t overlap. For example, necklaces in different lengths and colors, and bags in different sizes and shapes. That way, you have a better chance of something working. Thistles’s The Suede sunglasses are also a current favorite.
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Save to wishlist
Jenna Blake
Stone Mariner charm
$1,800
JENNA BLAKE
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Year of the Flood
fluted letter pendant
$2,600
YEAR OF THE FLOOD
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Save to wishlist
Jenna Katz
Quadra pendant
$4,950
JENNA KATZ
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Thistles
The Suede sunglasses
$365
THISTLES
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The Row
Agnes pouch
$1,400
THE ROW
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Save to wishlist
Savette
Slim Symmetry pochette
$1,490
SAVETTE
Travel steamer: Yes or no?
I generally assume there will be a steamer at my destination, and if not, I bring one! Natural fibers tend to wrinkle and make up most of what I wear, so steaming is really important. It’s worth the extra step. Plus, I find steaming therapeutic.
What’s your most-worn vacation item?
For warm weather, my Christopher Esper flip-flops. For cold weather, our Italian cashmere sweaters (they’re coming out in November).
What staple piece is always in your suitcase?
It’s a tie between a white T-shirt and a blue oxford button-down. When things aren’t working, both of those are safe and grounding—call it a packing insurance policy.
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Save to wishlist
Donni.
The V-neck tee
$98
DONNI.
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Save to wishlist
Donni.
The Oxford shirt
$244
DONNI.
Do you overpack or leave room for souvenirs?
Overpack. I tend to feel the need to fill the suitcase.
What’s the best packing lesson you’ve ever learned?
Never check a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about My Packing Style Donni Founder Alyssa Wasko
General Brand Basics
What is Donni
Donni is a clothing brand founded by Alyssa Wasko It is known for its elevated basics specifically focusing on cozy highquality fabrics like cashmere cotton and fleece
Who is Alyssa Wasko
Alyssa Wasko is the founder and creative director of Donni She started the brand in 2009
What does My Packing Style Donni refer to
It refers to the brands philosophy of creating versatile comfortable pieces that are easy to pack for travel The goal is to have a wardrobe that mixes and matches effortlessly for any trip
Where is Donni based
The brand is based in Los Angeles California
What is the brands main aesthetic
The aesthetic is minimalist cozy and chic It focuses on neutral tones and soft textures that look polished but feel like pajamas
Product Quality
What is Donni best known for
Donni is most famous for its Cozy collection specifically the Cozy Crew sweatshirt and Cozy Shorts They are made from a signature brushed fleece material
What materials does Donni use
They primarily use highquality cotton modal and cashmere blends The focus is on fabrics that feel soft against the skin and hold up well over time
Is Donni true to size
Yes Donni generally runs true to size However because the brand is designed for a relaxed comfortable fit many customers choose to size up for an oversized look
How do I care for my Donni pieces
Most Donni items are machine washable but you should always check the specific care tag For their cashmere items hand washing or dry cleaning is recommended to maintain the softness
Does Donni clothing shrink
If you wash in cold water and tumble dry on low shrinking is minimal However high heat can shrink cotton blends so it is best to avoid hot dryers
Packing Travel
Why is Donni good for travel
Donni pieces are designed to be layered and mixed A single pair of Don