One of the upsides of traveling often—besides racking up miles—is that packing becomes more like muscle memory than a hassle. “I’ve got it down to a science,” says Ilona Hamer, co-founder of Australian resortwear brand Matteau, about her streamlined system. Last year alone, the stylist and consultant spent around 250 days on the road.
Sticking with reliable pieces and repeating outfits is her way of making the process feel natural. “I’m a creature of habit and tend to wear the same kinds of looks,” she says. “I know I could easily get by with just a few clothes if I had to.”
Shop Ilona Hamer’s Suitcase
The Vacation-Ready Dress
Matteau square cami mini dress – $380 MATTEAU
The Layering Tank
Matteau ribbed jersey tank – $190 NET-A-PORTER
The Goes-With-Anything Jean
Levi’s 501 ’90s ankle jeans – $110 LEVI’S
The Carry-On
Rimowa Check-In L luggage – $1,925 RIMOWA
The Cashmere Sweater
Matteau cashmere crew sweater – $460 MATTEAU
The Comfy Slip-On
Charvet Suede slippers – $565 MR. PORTER
The Signature Scent
Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower Perfume – $290 BERGDORF GOODMAN
The Leave-In Conditioner
Milk Hair Serum – $29 NORDSTROM
Where she’s going matters, and Hamer adjusts what’s in her carry-on based on whether it’s a city trip, a beach getaway, or a mix of both. For seaside vacations, she prefers easy dresses and lightweight, natural fabrics that can handle sweat and sunscreen during long, sunny days by the water.
“You have to look and feel like yourself, even on vacation,” she says. “I strongly believe in wearing the same things over and over—that’s how you build personal style.” New shoes, for example, stay home in favor of old favorites, like her Manolo Blahnik Susa sandals, which she owns in multiple pairs and has worn for 12 years and counting. Jewelry, a vintage tee, or a splash of color from a cashmere sweater are small tricks she’s learned to keep her go-to items fresh.
Hamer just finished a long trip to Italy, where she split time between Pantelleria for shooting Matteau’s latest campaign and Rome to welcome summer with brand friends at La Posta Vecchia, just outside the capital on the Tyrrhenian Sea. We caught up with her shortly after she got back, and she shared her foolproof tips for packing for a beach holiday—including her reliable travel outfit (which features Charvet!) and her best secret for dealing with wrinkles.
Do you pack in outfits or just throw things in and go?
I always have a few items in the back of my mind; I set them aside as I think of them and gradually add to the pile over a couple of days. But I usually pack the day before or the same day if I have a late flight. I make sure to do my dry cleaning the week before so everything is fresh and ready. I have a drawer of things I always pack when I travel—my cameras, adapters, jewelry roll, travel-size toiletries, headphones, and compression socks. It makes it easier to just grab from that drawer and pack quickly.
What’s your travel outfit formula?
Vintage baggy Levi’s, a cotton tee or tank, a cashmere sweater with a blazer, and an easy slip-on shoe. A Charvet slipper is perfect for flying and travel. I have them in a few colors and finishes. I like to be comfortable, but I don’t like looking sloppy on a flight. I think people should put a bit more effort into how they dress for travel. You’ll never catch me in sweatpants—ever. I wear our cotton drawstring trousers in white and black instead, and they feel much more put together.
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Matteau cashmere crew sweater – $460 MATTEAU
Matteau ribbed jersey tank – $190 NET-A-PORTER
Levi’s 501 ’90s ankle jeans – $110 LEVI’S
Matteau Baby tee – $275 MATTEAU
Matteau drawstring trousers – $485 MATTEAUAU$460 FWRD
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Charvet
Suede slippers
$565 MR. PORTER
What’s your go-to travel bag?
There’s no better travel companion than an extra-large L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. It’s my “personal item,” and it works because I keep it lightly packed so I always have room for things I pick up while traveling (which I always do!). I put my everyday handbag inside it when I board the plane so I don’t get in trouble for having three carry-ons, and it never fails. I also have a beat-up old Louis Vuitton duffle that holds way more than you’d expect. Since it zips and locks, I can check it if needed. Both make perfect beach bags (or “set bags” for me), so I don’t have to pack anything extra.
I also can’t live without my set of Rimowa suitcases. I’ve tried many other brands over the years, and none compare to Rimowa. The wheels are unbeatable, and the fact that I can drop it off for repairs in any major city I’m traveling to is incredible customer service. Bring back the gloss black, please!
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Rimowa
Check-In L luggage
$1,925 RIMOWA
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L.L.Bean
Boat and Tote bag
$40 L.L.BEAN
What are your in-flight non-negotiables?
Bose noise-cancelling headphones. I put them on as soon as I get in the car to the airport. I spend so much of my life in airports that I try to block everyone out and live in my own world with a great soundtrack. A good book is also essential. When I’m really in the zone on a summer holiday, I can almost get through a book a day by the pool or the sea!
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Matteau
Breton stripe tee
$315 MATTEAU
$315 NET-A-PORTER
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Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
Carnal Flower Perfume
$290 BERGDORF GOODMAN
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Bose
QuietComfort headphones
$359 $329 (8% off) AMAZON
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Lili Anolik
Didion and Babitz
$30 $15 (50% off) AMAZON
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Del’ep
leather phone case
$283 DEL’EP
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Christen
Big Bootie slipper mules
$1,100 BERGDORF GOODMAN
$1,100 CHRISTEN
Are you team travel scarf or travel sweater?
Travel sweater—I always bring a cashmere one to wrap around my shoulders like a scarf when it gets chilly mid-flight. It’s also handy to use as an eye mask if you forget yours!
What are your vacation beauty product MVPs?
A wide-tooth comb and a good leave-in conditioner. In another life, I think I was a mermaid because there’s nothing I love more than spending my days in the water. After every swim, I put in a little leave-in conditioner and comb it through. It really helps nourish and protect my hair. To me, nothing is chicer than wet, combed, conditioned hair.
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Milk Hair Serum
$29 NORDSTROM
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Buly 1803
The Goliath Comb
$91 BULY 1803
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Marvis
Whitening Mint Toothpaste
$14 AMAZON
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Buly 1803
Napoli Toothbrush
$31 BULY 1803
Do you have a strategy for approaching accessories?
Whatever’s in heavy rotation. I really try not to pack things I haven’t worn before—I think that’s one of the biggest mistakes people make when packing. Something small, like a vintage necklace or a bag you picked up while traveling, is great, but untested sandals when you’re walking on cobblestone streets for hours is a no-go for me. Blisters on holiday are not chic! Tried-and-tested is always the way to go. I live by the saying, “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”
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Elsa Peretti
Starfish pendant
$5,500 TIFFANY & CO.
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Manolo Blahnik
Susa flat sandals
$895 BERGDORF GOODMAN
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Cartier
Panthère de Cartier watch
$24,800 CARTIER
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Chanel
Coco Crush ring
$3,400 CHANEL
What has been your most-worn vacation item lately?
I haven’t been able to take off my Matteau Voyager sunglasses. They’re the perfect shape.They go with everything and add a little mystery and attitude to whatever you’re wearing—the perfect finishing touch for everyday life. I also picked up our square cami mini dress in black and white (it’s great for going from the beach to the bar) and have been wearing them nonstop, along with my Christopher Esber jellies—the all-black pair is my new summer shoe.
What staple piece is always in your suitcase?
A white shirt is really all you need for any summer adventure. It works perfectly over a swimsuit at the beach, with blue jeans for dinner, or layered over a black dress. I usually pack two—one that’s well-worn and casual for daytime, and one that’s crisp and new for evenings or special occasions.
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Matteau
Square cami mini dress
$380 MATTEAU
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Christopher Esber
Jo flip flops
$335 CHRISTOPHER ESBER
$335 MYTHERESA
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Matteau
String triangle top
$340 MATTEAU
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Matteau
Voyager acetate sunglasses
$380 NET-A-PORTER
Travel steamer: Yes or No?
Natural fibers are best for holidays because they’re breathable, long-lasting, and still look good with a few wrinkles—it actually adds to the relaxed vibe. My best trick is to pack a continuous spray water bottle to mist your clothes and hang them in the sun. That takes care of most wrinkles from packing, and you don’t need a power source or anything complicated to freshen them up. I do this when we’re on set in remote locations, and it never fails.
What’s your packing wild card?
I got this beautiful set of dice and cards over Christmas, and they’re perfect for travel. Cards on the beach or dice for a game of Yahtzee—it’s the best way to keep yourself entertained without a screen.
What’s the best packing lesson you ever learned?
Less is more. Carry-on only is the way to go, especially on summer vacation. No one wants to deal with baggage claim or lost luggage in August! You always end up wearing just a few things, so keep it simple and buy something cute locally if you really need it. A black slip dress, a loose printed dress, a pair of silk pants, and some silk and cotton shirts are all you really need. If all else fails, steal your husband’s linen shirts and T-shirts and wear them as dresses—like I always do.
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Apidgrowth
Continuous Spray Bottle
$6 $5 (17% off) AMAZON
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Matteau
Classic pocket shirt
$440 MATTEAU
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Georg Jensen
Sky card game
$90 GEORG JENSEN
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Georg Jensen
Sky dice case & dice
$65 GEORG JENSEN
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about My Packing Style Ilona Hamer CoFounder of Matteau
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Who is Ilona Hamer
Ilona Hamer is the cofounder of Matteau a luxury swimwear and resortwear brand known for its minimalist highquality designs
2 What is My Packing Style in this context
Its a feature or interview series where Ilona shares her personal travel packing philosophyhow she organizes her suitcase for trips focusing on versatility simplicity and timeless pieces
3 Does Ilona only pack Matteau clothes
No While she often includes Matteau swimwear and resort pieces she mixes them with neutral basics classic denim and layering items from other brands to create a cohesive travel wardrobe
4 Whats the main benefit of her packing method
It saves time reduces stress and ensures you always have something to wear Her approach minimizes overpacking and helps you create multiple outfits from a few key items
5 What is her number one packing rule
Stick to a neutral color palette so everything mixes and matches easily Then add one or two accent pieces for personality
Advanced Questions
6 How does she handle different climates or activities in one suitcase
She uses the layering system For example a silk slip dress can be worn alone for dinner layered over a turtleneck for cooler evenings or under a blazer for a city meeting She packs one lightweight coat or jacket that works for all scenarios
7 Whats her secret weapon for maximizing suitcase space
Rolling clothes instead of folding and using packing cubes to separate categories She also wears her bulkiest items on the plane
8 How many outfits does she typically pack for a weeklong trip
Around 810 outfits from just 1215 items By mixing 34 tops 23 bottoms 2 dresses and 12 outerwear pieces she creates different looks without repeating the same combination
9 What common packing mistake does she always avoid
Packing just in case items She advises asking