Dress for a whole travel day
Put on the outfit you expect to wear in transit, including shoes, bag and outer layer. Sit down for a while, walk around and reach for something above shoulder height. These ordinary movements reveal a tight waistband, slipping strap or bulky layer more reliably than a quick mirror check.
Think about likely changes in temperature and the practicalities of carrying luggage. Can you remove a layer without unpacking everything? Does your bag sit comfortably over the jacket? A combination that is pleasant for an hour may need adjustment for a long journey.
Check footwear with the amount of walking you expect. A trip is not an ideal time to discover that an unfamiliar pair rubs. Choose shoes you know are comfortable, with a suitable option for the activities and weather you actually have planned.
Pack combinations you have tested
Lay out clothes for the main situations rather than assigning an entirely different outfit to every day. Try important combinations on: two tops may match a skirt in colour but sit very differently at its waistband. Photograph the successful options if that will save thinking later.
Include underlayers and socks in the trial. A dress that requires one particular slip or bra is not a complete packed outfit until that item is included. Check care needs too, especially if you expect to wash anything while away.
Remove pieces that work only with several extra items you otherwise do not need. Leave reasonable flexibility for the forecast and your comfort, rather than chasing the smallest possible bag. The purpose of testing is to pack clothes you can use confidently, not to turn the holiday into a strict outfit timetable.
