I love a good girls’ trip, but packing for one? That’s where I used to overthink everything. I’d throw in four, maybe five pairs of shoes “just in case,” and then wear the same two pairs the whole weekend. The rest? They’d just take up space, get tossed around in my suitcase, and come home untouched.
After starting my new job last year and traveling every few months, I finally got tired of the overpacking cycle. That’s when I landed on my 3-shoe packing rule, and it’s been a game-changer. One casual sneaker, one versatile sandal or flat, and one dressier pair. That’s it. It works for work trips, it works for vacations, and as I found out on my recent girls’ weekend to South Haven, Michigan, it works even when you’re packing for unpredictable weather, lots of walking, and plenty of activities.
Why I Swear by the 3-Shoe Rule
- The 3-shoe packing rule frees up space – Shoes are suitcase hogs. Limiting yourself to three leaves room for the fun stuff (like that new top you’ll probably buy).
- It kills decision fatigue – Every pair works with every outfit, so getting dressed in the morning is quick, even if you’re running late.
- It’s real-life tested – I’ve been using this rule for the past year and have never wished I’d packed more.
Bonus tip: It’s trickier in winter when boots are involved, but I still stick to it. I’ll pack one casual sneaker, one ankle boot, and one dressier boot or bootie, and I always wear the bulkiest pair for travel.
3 Shoe Travel Packing Rule in Action: What I Packed
- White Sneakers – My go-to for travel days, shopping, and walking around town.
- Flat Sandals – Easy to slip on for casual outings and perfect for the beach or pier.
- Dressy Sandals – Comfortable but polished enough for dinners and evenings out.
How I Styled Each Outfit with the 3 Shoe Packing Rule
My Travel Uniform
A skort, tank top, white button-up, sneakers. This one is my comfort meets pulled-together uniform. It worked for hours in the car and still felt cute enough if I needed to meet the group in town when I arrived.
Button-Up | Tank | Similar Skort | Sneakers
Day 1: What I Wore
It was much cooler in Michigan so I wore white denim, a navy sleeveless knit and sneakers for shopping and lunch the first day. This combo hit the sweet spot, cute and comfy for walking around and trying things on, but polished enough for our lunch.
That evening we went to The Groovin’ Grove for cocktails, apps and live music. The dressy flat sandals that I included in my 3-shoe packing rule were perfect with my crochet romper and woven circle bag. Just the right amount of dressed up for live music without sacrificing comfort and no wobbling on uneven sidewalks.
Similar Romper | Sandals | Bag
Day 2: Outfits
Saturday morning we hit the South Haven Farmer’s Market followed by more activities in town. My printed shirtdress + sneakers = an easy, breezy outfit that took me from the market to the salt cave to antique shopping.
For a long walk on the pier to the lighthouse and then dinner, my white studded flat sandals were perfect with a white mixed media dress. I slipped them off to wander barefoot in the sand, then popped them back on for the walk back into town.
Tips to Make the 3 shoe Rule Work for You
- Pick your shoes first – Build outfits around them so everything works together.
- Stick to a color palette – Neutrals or metallics mix and match with anything.
- Test-walk before packing – If you can’t last a few hours in them, they don’t make the cut.
- Plan for the weather – In cooler temps, your 3-shoe packing rule lineup might look like sneakers, ankle boots, and a dressier bootie.
- Embrace repeats – Wearing the same shoe twice isn’t boring it’s what makes your outfits look cohesive.
Final Thoughts on the 3 Shoe Travel Packing Rule
The 3-shoe packing rule kept my packing light, my outfits versatile, and my feet happy. It’s one of those small changes that makes travel easier, whether you’re heading to a lakeshore town for the weekend, hopping on a work trip or taking a week long vacation. Let me know if you’re going to try it on your next getaway!
Thanks for reading!
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