How to Pack for a Long Trip: Packing List from 1956

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As a notorious overpacker, I often struggle with how to pack for a long trip. I know that in theory, you should pack items that you can mix and match and wear several times. Even so, I find myself stuffing way too many outfit options into my suitcase, no matter where I’m traveling. However, I’m now armed with knowledge about how to pack a suitcase, thanks to a vintage packing list I found.

I was recently looking through my vintage magazine collection and picked up the July 1956 issue of Woman’s Home Companion. Between the pages of romance stories, shampoo ads and “easy and elegant” dinner recipes is an article called “How to pack for long and short trips.” While some of the advice is outdated, many of the travel tips, like planning a versatile, compact wardrobe, are still useful today.

The article includes a packing list that supposedly works for any length of trip, any location and all types of weather. I don’t know that I can put that much faith in it, but I do find it incredibly helpful. It accounts for both daytime activities and evening events, plus sleepwear. It smartly suggests classic pieces, like a sleeveless black sheath dress, that can easily transition from day to night.

I’ve elaborated on the items from the packing list below with my own tips I’ve learned while traveling. I also include suggestions for where to find vintage-inspired dresses.

Travel in style with these vintage tips for how to pack a suitcase.

How to pack for a long trip: vintage packing list

The most helpful tip from the article for how to pack is to plan a versatile and compact wardrobe around one basic color (can’t go wrong with black). The list also suggests lightweight fabrics that don’t wrinkle much, including nylon and wrinkle-resistant linen. Here’s how to pack a suitcase for a long or short trip, according to a packing list from 1956.

A suit to wear while traveling

Most people don’t wear suits while traveling anymore, opting for more casual attire. If you want to channel old-school elegance, take a cue from the vintage magazine and wear a tweed or flannel suit. And no, I don’t mean flannel as in the oversized plaid shirts that are so popular during the fall. Flannel suits can be a solid color or a print, are made of soft fabric and are both comfortable and flattering.

A topcoat that matches everything

Always pack a coat to wear over your clothing, unless you’re heading near the equator and you can count on it staying hot. During spring or fall, the weather can be unpredictable in many places and you may find yourself wishing you’d brought an extra layer. A lightweight coat will save you on chillier days or nights when the temperature drops.

A simple afternoon dress

A simple afternoon dress could be a shirtdress, an a-line dress in a classic print or any of your favorite styles. The point is to pack a dress that’s appropriate for a range of daytime activities like having lunch, sightseeing, visiting a museum, going shopping, etc. This could also work for more casual dinner restaurants. The magazine suggests a dress made of silk jersey, which resists wrinkles. Some of my favorite shops for vintage-inspired day dresses are Weekend Doll, Heart of Haute and the Etsy shop Hearts and Found.

A sleeveless sheath dress

Another transitional item to consider packing is a sleeveless black sheath dress in a breathable fabric like a wrinkle-resistant linen. Bring a cropped matching jacket to wear over the dress in case the restaurant is blasting the air conditioning.

Since you may not have access to laundry service or an ironing board while traveling, I suggest packing a bottle of wrinkle release spray or even a small portable steamer, if space allows.

A skirt with a matching sweater and two blouses

This idea is one of the most helpful to me. The article suggests packing one skirt with a matching sweater and two matching blouses. This gives you at least two and up to three different outfits, if the sweater can be worn on it’s own and not just over the blouses. The vintage packing list suggests packing lightweight and wrinkle-resistant nylon blouses, which were popular in the 1950s.

A short evening dress with a jacket

Pack at least one short evening dress that you can wear to dinner, cocktails, dancing or other dressy events. Again, bring a matching jacket that you can wear in case you feel cold. Aside from my true vintage dresses, my favorite cocktail dresses are from Trashy Diva. I love the vintage styles, fit and the high quality, not to mention the variety of unique prints they offer. The Pretty Dress Company also makes super flattering, vintage-inspired dresses that can take you from day to night.

A raincoat

It isn’t fun to think about rain during your vacation, but it’s best to be prepared for it. Pack a raincoat that will match your clothing. If it’s made of a more luxe fabric, it can double as an evening coat, the magazine suggests. My dream is to own a vintage raincoat that’s completely clear so people can still see your outfit beneath it. That’s one trend I would love to see come back!

Two nightgowns

Today’s most popular pajama styles are much different than the romantic nightgowns of the 1950s. Personally, I love vintage nightgowns and have a small collection of them. They’re typically made in soft, comfortable and lightweight fabric including nylon and silk. I usually find them on Etsy, eBay or online vintage shops. The vintage packing list suggests bringing two nylon nightgowns on your trip. And here’s my tip: You can always hand wash them in the hotel sink, if needed.

Testing out the vintage packing list

To see how reliable the vintage packing list is, I did a test run. Assuming you’ll be able to do laundry at some point during your trip, I think this packing list could work for a two-week or possibly a month-long trip. I also consider the fact that I usually shop while traveling and wear the items I buy during the trip.

All of the clothing fit in my Paravel Aviator Grand Checked Luggage. I didn’t pack the suit or topcoat which are meant to be worn while traveling. The clothing took up half of my suitcase, leaving plenty of room for shoes, makeup and toiletries. I can see myself packing like this and taking a carry-on suitcase or duffel bag for accessories and anything else I need.

I love Paravel luggage not only for the vintage-inspired look, but because it’s made sustainably and is easy to travel with; the suitcases are incredibly lightweight—important for overpackers like me—and the wheels move so smoothly.

I think this vintage packing list sounds realistic for modern travel, with some minor adjustments. Of course, it depends on where you’re going. You’d need much more casual outfits for a camping or hiking trip, but for a trip to the city, this works.

Happy travels!

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