Olympia Gayot, the creative force behind J.Crew's womenswear, offers her curated insights into perfecting the art of travel packing, especially for a winter escape. Her philosophy centers on combining comfort with a sophisticated aesthetic, making sure every item serves a purpose without sacrificing elegance. She advocates for smart layering and relies on timeless, adaptable pieces to construct a versatile vacation wardrobe that fits effortlessly into a carry-on.
Gayot is currently preparing for a family ski trip to the French Alps, a destination holding personal significance as it's her husband's birthplace and their first major ski adventure as a family. She approaches packing methodically, starting several nights in advance and fine-tuning her selections the evening before departure. Her strategy involves loosely planning outfits to ensure coordination, while also prioritizing flexibility to match her mood. She frequently incorporates cherished vintage items, borrows from her husband's closet, and even repurposes her older son's tees for a fresh look.
Her travel essentials include meticulously tailored white t-shirts, comfortable denim, and luxurious cashmere socks. For technical gear, Gayot turns to J.Crew's new 26-piece cold-weather collection, designed in partnership with U.S. Ski and Snowboard. This collection, which includes a puffer jacket and soft sweaters, is part of a three-year collaboration and is now available for purchase. She emphasizes that even foundational garments must exude quality and style.
When it comes to in-flight comfort, Gayot has her non-negotiables: a hydrating face mask and cozy cashmere socks. She prefers to layer both a travel scarf and a sweater to adapt to fluctuating cabin temperatures. Her beauty regimen on the go is extensive despite her carry-on preference, featuring Biologique Recherche's Masque Biofixine, Serum Erythros, and Crème Biofixine, along with Mutha face oil for cold climates. For hair, a Mason Pearson mini brush and Oribe's Supershine moisturizing cream and Gold Lust hair oil are indispensable.
Her accessory philosophy is to bring only what she genuinely uses regularly, sticking to classic pieces like necklaces and her wedding ring, always in gold for winter. She meticulously organizes them in a jewelry roll for practicality. Regarding clothing care on the road, Gayot embraces a low-maintenance approach, foregoing a travel steamer and instead relying on hotel amenities or shower steam to smooth out wrinkles. Her most cherished travel item from J.Crew's U.S. Ski & Snowboard collection is the brushed cashmere Italy sweater, alongside the cozy sweater puffer and ski socks.
Gayot's smart packing principles focus on maximizing space and versatility, allowing her to travel light while maintaining a chic appearance. She advises rolling clothes rather than folding them and utilizing small items to fill any empty spaces within luggage and shoes, ensuring efficiency and preserving garment shapes. Her dedication to carry-on travel stems from a desire for a smoother, less cumbersome journey, allowing her to embrace new experiences and gather inspiration from her travels.