The art of vacation packing
For a definitive guide on tried-and-tested suitcase style, designer MARYSIA DOBRZANSKA REEVES shares her golden rules on how to pack and dress with ease this vacation season.
The sun is shining and the lazy days of summer vacation are calling. For some, that means heading off to tropical locations; for others it means soaking up summer in the city. Whatever your plans, the promise of an escape ultimately requires a wardrobe that could take you anywhere, and for those endless possibilities, it requires the art of learning to pack enough of your anything-could-happen essentials.
Enter former ballerina and longtime surfer Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves. Based in Los Angeles’ Venice Beach, the Polish-born designer is a self-avowed travel addict and creates fashion for women with a similar nomadic disposition. Having spent most of her time wearing leotards and wetsuits, it wasn’t until she began to explore her interest in fashion that she discovered she could translate her surf uniform into modern swimwear pieces and effortless beachwear collections. With an emphasis first and foremost on impeccable fits and perfectly executed shapes, she describes her design process as incredibly refined and stripped back: “In my own closet, I prefer a refined approach by only having high quality pieces. I like the impeccable construction, and that is how I approach my design: a few key swim silhouettes, a clear color story, for the most effortless Summer wardrobe.”
“Less is more. Keep it light, pare back makeup and put cosmetics in a Marysia pouch – but don’t forget a little something to make you stand out from the crowd.
”Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves
While Marysia’s scalloped-edge swimwear, zigzag bikinis and playful evil eye motif have become the brand’s style signatures, the designer has continued to expand her more minimalist offerings this summer. Think clean, architectural lines, lightweight skirts, dresses and tunics, and an earthy palette of creams, tans and dusty browns.
There is indeed an art to packing, but to really maximize your vacation look – while also allowing room to bring back dreamy gifts and take-home treasures – Reeves’ golden rule is simple: pack smartly. “Less is more,” says the designer. “Keep it light, pare back makeup and put cosmetics in a Marysia pouch, but don’t forget a little something to make you stand out from the crowd.”