We all have that one friend we turn to for fashion advice. On the internet, that second set of eyes is Laurel Pantin—a writer, editor, mom, and entrepreneur-about-town—whose never overdressed or underdressed. Ask Earl is a direct line to Pantin’s brain, where once a month, she’ll help you solve the age-old question of what to wear—and how to wear it, well—for any possible scenario. Trying to figure out how to style work pants without looking corporate? Or how to pack for a long-haul flight with toddlers? Maybe it’s summer outfit ideas that don’t involve dresses… Whatever your question, Ask Earl is where you’ll find the answer.
Hi! I’m Laurel Pantin, and this is my dream come true. I write a style and shopping newsletter on Substack called Earl Earl where I write about, well, a lot of things, but mostly personal styling and identity, and how to feel current without looking trendy. Last October, I brought my newsletter to life when I opened Earl IRL (get the pun?) in Beverly Hills. It’s a teeny tiny boutique and styling studio where I can work one-on-one with clients helping them figure out their own personal style, and build an arsenal of clothing that makes them feel excellent. My favorite thing in the world (besides my kids) is helping people solve their style and wardrobe, and I’ve made it my job—my actual job—to answer styling questions. What a trip!
And now I’m more than delighted to bring my perspective and eye to Vogue Shopping, and to launch my new column, Ask Earl. Every month I’ll be answering a real style question from a real reader, and hopefully making getting dressed every day both a little easier, and a little more exciting. My personal style sweet spot is a blend of practicality and expressiveness. I’m not really a minimalist or a maximalist, I’m emotional about clothing, and inspired by an outfit’s ability to make something innate and personal visible to others. Style is one more way of communicating something interior, and when you feel like you’re properly expressing yourself visually, the rest of your day becomes so much easier.
We are on the cusp of summer and, with any luck, the brink of a vacation or two. One of the questions I get asked the most this time of year is a technique for packing, especially packing in just a carry-on. I love traveling with just a tiny carry on, but I will say—for some trips you just have to take the pressure off yourself and bring it all. When I go to Paris or New York for fashion week, I bring it all; I’ll check a bag and maybe bring a spare outfit or two in a carry-on just in case it gets lost. There’s nothing wrong with checking a bag, but it is a pain, and when you’re dying to go from the tarmac to adventure, waiting at the luggage carousel stinks.
So, here’s my strategy for packing for a week—ok, or up to 10 days—in just one carry-on.
Step 1: Choose Your Foundation
First, I like to grab six pieces: three bottoms and three tops that represent my basics, and will be the foundation of my travel wardrobe. For tops, I always have to have at least one button-down—this one is from Maria McManus—a sweatshirt (I love this one from Everybody.World), and a tee, which is also by Everybody.World. I also always pack a swimsuit, this one is custom by Tara Matthews, and also works as a bodysuit—but for the sake of numbers, we’ll count it as swim, not as a top.
