What I actually wore for 2 weeks in Bali

Packing Reflections: what I wore & what I could have left behind, plus a few of my favourite holiday looks.

I’m back and excited to share the reality of what I actually wore versus what I could have done without. Overall, I was really happy with my packing choices, but there are always a few lessons learned along the way.

Here’s a link to my Bali parking list if you haven’t already had a read!

Before I dive into this, I wanted to share a few of my favorite outfits from Bali. I absolutely loved wearing them and can’t wait to repeat them once it warms up here in Melbourne! There’s a new insta reel rounding up some of my favourite looks, so be sure to have a watch!

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THE HITS: The wardrobe staples that pulled their weight

Shorts & Linen Pieces (Dress, Top, Pants):

These were my MVPs! I styled them multiple ways, and the mix-and-match potential was endless, thanks to a thoughtfully curated colour palette. Lightweight, breathable, and versatile, these pieces made getting dressed a breeze.

Bag Selection:

I was thrilled with my bag choices, especially after picking up a large rattan tote during the trip. It ended up being my go-to for everything from beach days to market strolls.

Packing for a Month? Easily!

To be honest, this suitcase could have easily lasted me a month in Bali. In fact, I could have reduced a few items, but more on that later.

Scaling Back on Dresses:

I packed three dresses, and that ended up being the perfect number. Each one served a purpose, and I felt like I had just the right amount of variety without overpacking.

Swimwear:

Limiting myself to two swimsuits worked out perfectly. I didn’t feel like I needed more, and they were easy to rotate.

THE ALMOSTS: The things I could have left behind

Too Many Pants:

I definitely overpacked in the pants department. My Assembly Label ecru jeans didn’t get worn at all—they were just too thick and hot for Bali’s climate. In hindsight, I could have scaled back on other pants too, as I mostly re-wore my favorites (which I knew deep down when I was packing!).

Sweaters:

I packed two, but in reality, I only needed one. They were mostly for the plane, and since the temperature never dropped below 26°C at night, they didn’t get much wear.

Sneakers:

I packed two pairs (my Adidas Sambas and New Balance sneakers), but aside from travel days (Melbourne was cold when we left), I only wore my Sambas once—and they gave me blisters! I could have managed with just my sandals and left the extra sneakers at home.

Hats:

I brought two, but in the end, I mostly wore my new foldable Target hat, which was super practical. The second hat just took up space.

WHAT I WISHED I’D PACKED

Tees with Sleeves:

I definitely could have used a couple more tees, especially graphic ones, to add a pop of colour and variety to my outfits.

A Long-Sleeve Linen Shirt:

I wore my two cotton shirts, but they felt a bit too thick for the Bali heat. A lightweight, white oversized linen shirt would have been perfect for layering or throwing on over swimwear.

Unexpected Hero: Thongs

I ended up buying a pair of Havaianas when we arrived, and they became an unexpected essential. I wore them so much more than I anticipated!

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I’m pleased with how my packing turned out. With just a few tweaks (like fewer pants and an extra tee), I could have had the ultimate travel capsule wardrobe. This trip reinforced how important it is to pack with versatility in mind—being able to re-wear and restyle items made all the difference

What’s your biggest packing takeaway from recent trips? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,

Julia x