In Fashion by Sharon Mosley

Summer is the season for fashion pack rats on the go. We stuff our bags and head for the beach or the mountains, hoping that we brought everything we need to wear. Yes, it may be a wrinkled mess, but, hey, who has time to worry about packing when those cool waves are calling? Well, it does take a little time to get organized, but it can pay off when you hit the airport and your luggage is opened for the whole world to see.

Here are a few travel tips for summer pack rats:

— Make a mental calendar. Before I head out on a trip, I do a little "meditation." Sip a glass of wine and embark on a mental journey. You can make a list later, but first envision your trip day by day and think about what activities are planned ... even if you're just going to sit on a porch and rock most of the time you're away.

— Create a list if you feel the need. I usually start putting outfits together by choosing one pivotal color for the base of my travel wardrobe. And, yes, it's black (how did you guess?). Even in summer, black is a great basic with minimal upkeep; it is cool in linen and cotton separates that can easily mix and match with other colors like white and turquoise.

— "Roll" your clothes to minimize the mess inside the suitcase. Ditto for accessories. Rolled up oversized scarves can create double-duty dressing - cover-ups for swimsuits or wraps for chilly nights. I've even used the giant cotton ones as a beach blanket.

— Pack one "dressy" item for summer getaways. We may plan to lounge on the beach all day, but inevitably someone will hear about a fabulous new restaurant that we just have to try — and they will have a dress code. I find that something cool and sheer, such as my artsy "Painted Palm" poncho from Chico's, layered over a cotton tank usually fits the "dressed up" bill.

— Find jeans, which are another staple for travel.

In Capri styles or regular lengths, these are casual pants that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I usually wear my softest pair on the plane, but my cotton yoga pants are also favorite travel companions; they're similar to pajamas.

— Bring several pairs of "comfortable" shoes (socks inside) in case you need an extra pair, mainly if your vacation includes plenty of sightseeing and walking. I know I don't need to remind anyone of this, but it's surprising how many people go out and buy new shoes before they go on a trip. It is not a good idea because blisters can spoil a vacation fast.

— Stock up on miniatures you can keep in a sealed plastic zip bag, especially with all the restrictions concerning carry-on toiletries. Visit the nearest dollar store for all kinds of inexpensive travel items. And remember that your hotel will usually have extra toiletries and a hair dryer.

There is an old adage about packing that I try to remember: "Pack everything you think you're going to need and then reduce it by half."

I'm definitely an "overpacker." I'd rather have an extra jacket with me if I need it, instead of leaving it at home. This is definitely true in winter, when the temperature is below freezing and you don't have any more layers to put on. But it's great to pare your travel wardrobe down to the basics and get everything into a wheelie, which you can carry on the airplane. Then, you can bypass the long wait at the luggage conveyor belt and get right to the beach.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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