我的打包风格：创意总监 Gabriella Khalil

When it comes to mastering the art of the travel wardrobe, it’s no surprise that our favorite fashion insiders also moonlight as packing pros. In My Packing Style, we tap some of the most well-traveled people we know for a peek inside their travel bags and vacation wardrobes to see how they take their style on the road. You’ve bookmarked the trip, you’ve screenshotted the outfits; now, a look at how it all comes together.

She founded the most stylish hotel in Grand Cayman and made an old office building in New York’s Financial District one of the city’s coolest addresses. Anything WSA creative director Gabriella Khalil turns her attention to becomes design gold—and that includes her travel wardrobe. Sculptural silver jewelry, leopard print accents, a floor-length (of course) black satin robe… the contents of her Rimowa are unsurprisingly glamorous, proving that a capsule closet needn’t be boring.

Her best tip? Packing in a palette, which, for an upcoming trip to Morocco, means earth tones. In her suitcase, rich caramel, chocolate brown, and burgundy velour get broken up by black and white staples and small glints of silver. “I love Marrakech because I always feel so inspired there,” says Khalil (who recently launched a Vette storefront, a running edit of everything she’s currently inspired by). “This trip, I’m also going to Tangier, which I’ve always wanted to visit. I’m so excited to discover the spectacular interiors and design there.”

Shop Gabriella Khalil’s Suitcase:

Ahead of her holiday in the sun, we caught up with the design multi-hyphenate to quiz her on her top packing tips and best airport outfit formula—plus, why she’ll always travel with a tiny bit of animal print.

Are you a pre-packer or a throw-in-and-go type?

I typically pack the night before a trip. So it isn't a fully “in advance” pack, but it gives me a little buffer room, so I’m not panic-packing.

Do you pack in outfits?

Unless there is a specific event I’m going to, I don't really pack in outfits—I pack in palettes and tones so everything is essentially mix and match. I do this across the board, even with bags!

What’s your go-to brand for vacation dressing?

I love to travel with brands that have really elevated pieces that can transition from day to night. The Park is one of my favorites: Their bodysuits are amazing with jeans or loose trousers during the day, and also can be fantastic in the evening with more elevated looks. I usually bring their long-sleeve and sleeveless pieces with me in both black and white.

Marrakshi Life has the best trench jackets—especially for traveling. They’re a super soft woven cotton and the shape is fantastic; it feels like loungewear but looks incredible. I also love Diotima because the pieces are beautifully detailed and super versatile, and I never travel without a pair of Ossou jeans.

The Park

Stacy bodysuit

The Park

Maranda bodysuit

Marrakshi Life

The Cropped trench coat

Marrakshi Life

The Touareg jumpsuit

Diotima

morning shirt

Ossou

Bends jeans

What’s your go-to travel bag right now?

My aluminum Rimowa carry-on. I just got a new travel tote by La Mama, and have been bringing that everywhere; I am obsessed with the matching pouch, too.

Rimowa

Cabin luggage

La Mama

LM1 tote bag

La Mama

pouch

Ashlyn

Vale half-zip sweater

Do you have a travel outfit formula?

I typically wear a set (lately, I’ve been reaching for my Suzie Kondi velour set) with a nice, warm sweater or jacket layered on top and flats.

Suzie Kondi

Zana top

Suzie Kondi

Paxos pocket pants

Phoebe Philo

gathered flats

Khaite

Oliver Peoples 1985C sunglasses

Alaïa

Le Teckel shoulder bag

Ricari Studios

essential compression socks

What are your in-flight non-negotiables?

I bring compression socks with me on flights; my favorites are from Ricari. Also, peppermint tea.

Team travel scarf or travel sweater?

Sweater or hoodie, always. I love my Ashlyn sweater because it’s cozy but structured—I can wear it on the plane but also on the trip itself.

What are your vacation beauty product MVPs?

I love sheet masks on vacation, especially Augustinus Bader and 111Skin face masks. I have also been really into using my Crown Affair hair towel when I shampoo my hair; I’m taking it with me when I travel.

111Skin

Cryo De-Puffing Energy Facial Mask

Augustinus Bader

The Hydrogel Face Mask

Vyrao

The Sixth Eau de Parfum

Crown Affair

The Wet Hair Duo

La Bonne Brosse

Large Brush N01

Evolvetogether

Deodorant

Travel steamer: Yes or no?

I don't worry too much about things getting wrinkled because I feel it is inevitable. I always have an iron sent to my room when I unpack, and I try to get that sorted from the beginning so it makes life easier on the trip.

What has been your most-worn vacation item?

My Phoebe Philo black flats.

Do you have a strategy for approaching accessories?

When it comes to jewelry, I am mainly a silver person. I tend to always stick with this when I travel (unless the pieces are two-toned metals, in which case I’ll make an exception). I also love to bring a very classic palette of bags with me—black, brown or burgundy—so they go with everything.

Chan Luu

Calla lily drop earrings

Juju Vera

Athena collar necklace

Hunting Season

The Lola pouch

Proenza Schouler

Hex clutch bag

Ommage

Lip Coat

Sidia

The Strike

What staple piece is always in your suitcase?

I have this really fantastic leopard print cardigan from Posse; I love it because I tend to wrap it around my shoulders for daytime and casual wear, but also it transitions so easily into night. I wear a lot of neutrals and it’s such a nice pop of print to all of my outfits, whether it’s a black dress or baggy jeans. I generally enjoy adding in pops of animal print when I travel; it instantly lifts a minimal palette.

Posse

Lexi cardigan

Hunting Season

The Square compact

Overpacking or leaving room for souvenirs?

I hate to admit it, but I am such an over-packer. I try so hard not to be, though!

What’s the best packing lesson you ever learned?

Bring pieces that are super versatile—I have a leather jacket that I bring everywhere. I also try to bring pieces that make me feel super comfortable. This floral robe travels with me often.

Liberowe

cropped Raja jacket

Olivia Von Halle

Queenie René robe

Verafied

ripple cuff bracelet

Lesse

Lesse is More hat

Hommegirls

orignal tube socks

Jimmy Choo

Ivy loafers