How Interior Designer Madelynn Hudson Packs for Vacation

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

“I wouldn’t pack a full outfit, but I would pack with my family,” Madelynn Hudson said. The founder and creative director of New York-based design firm MH Interiors is exactly the kind of capsule wardrobe traveler most of us aspire to be: everything is high-quality, professionally edited, and able to play different roles depending on the day’s schedule. (Take her favorite black silk blouse, for example: It’ll work with bootcut jeans for a day of sightseeing, but it’ll work just as easily with tiny heels for a dim dinner.) So when we learned she was heading to Paris—”one of my favorite cities!”—for design week, we caught up with the designer to see how she packs for a long weekend of exploring and decorating.

Her plan is to attend the Déco Off design show, which overlaps with the Maison & Objet show, to fill out the Paris Design Week schedule. “I knew there would be a lot of walking, food, and gatherings with friends, so I planned on making my clothes feel effortless and durable,” she explains. “That’s always the goal.” Her must-haves include cashmere knits and silk shirts, all in neutral tones that can easily be elevated with a python-print bag or Westman Atelier lipstick. She packed everything into her roomy suitcase (she broke the carry-on-only rule to bring back decorations for clients) and headed to the French capital for a few days.

Ahead, Hudson shares a behind-the-scenes look at her airport uniform, her packing philosophy, and why she thinks black ankle boots are perfect for navigating cobblestone streets and spending days browsing décor stalls.

Do you have it pre-packaged or ready to use?

I’m somewhere in between. After about a week, I started mentally packing – thinking about mood, weather, walks, dinner, etc. – but the actual packing was two days before. I like to have enough time to edit and not spiral.

Contributed by Madeleine Hudson

Do you pack clothes?

Everything has to speak the same language, and I generally tend to stick to neutral colors paired with a great pair of jeans. If every top matched every bottom, your wardrobe would fall into place.

What is your go-to brand for vacation wear?

I gravitate toward brands that feel timeless but effortless; things that don’t declare themselves. I try not to invest in clothes that are only suitable for vacation, so I tend to wear on vacation what I wear in everyday life. I like brands like Khaite, Kallmeyer, Rùadh and Aflalo. That being said, I’m not sure there’s anything better than a warm holiday and a relaxed Dôen dress!

What’s your favorite travel bag right now?

This structured leather tote is durable yet still feels elegant. It had to be able to hold a laptop, sunglasses, beauty essentials and still slide under the seat. If it looks better after wearing it, that’s an added bonus. I’m currently using The Row’s package. I’m a very organized packer, so a lot of the time I travel with just my Rimowa carry-on; however, I have to do some shopping for a client in Paris, so I plan to bring my large Away suitcase.

Do you have a travel dressing formula?

A sculptural black top, perfectly fitted denim, flat boots or casual mules, and a great bag. Layering is key, and something soft allows you to slip on and off without thinking.

What are your non-negotiables on a flight?

A sweater or long-sleeved sweater that I really want to wear: it keeps me warm, doubles as a pillow, and dresses up. I plan on flying in this gorgeous Khaite sweater.

Contributed by Madeleine Hudson

What is your holiday beauty product MVP?

Bold lips. It instantly makes you feel pulled together, even after a long flight, and it takes up almost no space. I love my Westman Atelier lipstick.

Team travel scarf or travel sweater?

Travel sweater. always. Scarves are fussy for me when I’m walking through the airport.

Do you have a strategy for approaching accessories?

I keep it compact: a statement bag or two, a neutral bag, a great belt, a pair of sunglasses. Accessories play a big role when it comes to getting dressed again.

Travel Steamers: Yes or No?

Always keep maintenance costs low. I love pieces that are pretty or not wrinkle-y at all, like silks, knits, washed cottons, crisp jackets… I never travel with a steamer. I hang things in the bathroom while I shower and let gravity do the work.

What’s your most-worn vacation item?

Currently, my Emme Parsons boots. Their toe and heel heights are ideal for adding steps.

What’s one staple item that you always have in your luggage?

A simple black silk shirt. Wear it with denim and boots during the day and heels and a bold lip at night. I even use mine to cover up my bathing suit on trips to the beach. This is the anchor.

Overpacking or leaving room for souvenirs?

I always leave space. I would rather go home with something I collected along the way than something I over-planned. I love having an excuse to go shopping, especially vintage clothing and homewares.

What’s the best packaging lesson you’ve learned?

If you don’t wear it at home, you won’t suddenly wear it on vacation. Comfort and confidence are more important than novelty.