Hey there, superstar! ✨

Let’s talk about something that might just change the way you pack forever — the 54321 method.

If you’ve ever found yourself throwing clothes into your suitcase last minute…

Or packing “just in case” outfits that never get worn…

Or lugging around a suitcase so full it could count as your third travel companion…

Then keep reading, because this method was made for you👇🏼

So... what is the 54321 method?

It’s a super simple packing formula that’s been floating around the minimalist travel community for years.

No one knows exactly who created it (if you do, let me know so I can send them a fruit basket 🍍), but it’s gained popularity because it’s so easy to remember — and surprisingly effective.

Here’s the basic formula:

• 5 tops
• 4 bottoms
• 3 dresses or layers
• 2 pairs of shoes
• 1 wild card item

That's it. Just 15 pieces.

Of course you can tweak it for your own needs (and I’ll show you how in a minute), but the idea is to give yourself just enough variety without overpacking.

Why it works 🧠

The beauty of the 54321 method is that it keeps your suitcase under control while still giving you at least 20 outfit combinations.

Here’s the math:

• If each of your 5 tops matches your 4 bottoms, that’s 20 outfits right there.
• Add in your dresses and layers? Boom. Even more looks.
• You can dress up or down depending on your shoes and accessories.

It also saves you time and stress when packing — instead of staring at your closet and spiraling, you’ve got a clear checklist.

How to actually use this method when packing:

Let me walk you through it the way I would if we were sitting on your bed, sipping wine, and staring at your “maybe” pile 😅

I even went all in and built a sample packing list for a warm weather trip. Here's how that looks like:

*all the pieces linked below are the pieces in the image.

I'll admit that the example above is a little bit advanced (notice NO BLACK).

But I didn't want to do a basic boring one with just neutrals. I wanted to show you what's possible when you choose the right colors and have a strategy BEFORE you start packing.

So let me explain how you can do this too:

✅ 5 Tops

Choose 5 tops that you love wearing and that can be dressed up or down. Think neutral basics with a twist:

• A crisp white tee (or an elevated version like this one)
• ​A tank top​
• ​A going out top (bonus points if it's part of a matching set)
• ​A comfy crop top​
• ​A basic striped T-shirt​

These 5 tops should all match all your 4 bottoms pieces. Not just the colors, but also the silhouettes.

✅ 4 Bottoms

You’ll want a mix of function + flair. Go for:

• ​Comfy pants​
• ​A pair of breezy linen pants​
• Something a little elevated, like a midi skirt or dressy trousers (bonus points if it's part of a matching set)
• ​Linen shorts ​

Versatility is the name of the game here. And again, make sure all four bottoms match all five tops — that’s how the outfit magic happens.

✅ 3 “Extra” Pieces

Traditionally, this means 3 dresses, but I also like to include a layering piece here:

• ​1 dressier dress (that you can also wear with sneakers)
• ​1 casual, flowy dress (it's sold out in the 'sage' color, but ANY of the other colors also work for this packing list)
• 1 layering piece (like a linen shirt)

Tailor this section to your style and your destination. Notice the linen shirt matches both dresses.

✅ 2 Pairs of Shoes

My golden rules for travel shoes:

• They MUST match all your bottoms
• They MUST be comfy for walking
• They MUST work for the actual activities you’re doing

For most trips, I recommend:

• 1 stylish pair of walking shoes (think white leather sneakers)
• ​1 dressier pair of flat sandals (these are the ones in the photo)

Don’t let your shoes take over your suitcase — and definitely don’t bring a pair that only matches one outfit.

To be fair, I usually pack 3 or 4 pairs of shoes. But that's because my trips are up to 6 months long (and I need gym shoes). So even though I usually do recommend 3 pairs, let's stick with 2 for the purpose of this exercise.

✅ 1 “Wildcard” Item

This is your bonus piece. For this exercise I chose:

• ​A denim jacket because it matches every single one of the other outfits (including the dresses)

So, how many outfits can you create with the packing list above?

• 5 tops x 4 bottoms = 20 outfits
• 2 dresses = 2 outfits
• 2 dresses x linen button down = 2 outfits
• ​Linen button down x 4 bottoms = 4 outfits

Total = 28 outfits 🪄

Plenty for up to a month long trip! (with a washer of course)

And you would be shocked how little space this actually takes out of your carry-on. You'll have plenty or room for toiletries, underwear, workout clothes, accessories (super important) and a pair of more casual sandals like these.​

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to follow this method exactly. (I don’t)

It’s not about rules — it’s about having a helpful framework to guide your packing decisions.

Packing doesn’t have to be chaotic. It doesn’t have to be stressful. And it definitely doesn’t have to mean bringing your entire closet “just in case.”

The 54321 method helps you focus on what actually matters:

✅ Pieces you love

✅ Outfits that make you feel good

✅ A suitcase that’s light, intentional, and still so you

So next time you’re packing — whether it’s a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure — try it out.

Tweak it. Make it yours. And above all, have fun with it.

Packing is just one part of the trip… the best part is everything you’ll get to do once you get there.

And if you ever want to go deeper — planning it all out together, step by step — I’d love to help you inside my packing workshop. ​

You’ve got this ok? ✨

Thanks so much for reading and I truly hope you've found this email useful!

XO,

Aimara

>>> PS: see what's included in the workshop, reviews, FAQ's, here.​