There are so many wonderful things about a winter vacation, whether you’re bound for a sunny beachfront or a cozy ski chalet. One of the not-fun things about a winter vacation is packing for it. That’s why Decode 1.8 would like to offer you some tips on how to make packing a breeze.

Whether you’re heading north or south, there are some universal hints for smart travel that apply to either destination.

1. Plan your itinerary

Before you can know how to pack, you need to know what you’ll be doing when you get there. Will it be totally casual—days on the beach, nights at the local oyster bar—or a mix of dressy and sporting events?

2. Leave it at home

You don’t need to bring either your entire jewelry box or your entire closet. A few key pieces that can serve double duty are all you need. If you know exactly where you’ll be going and what you’ll be doing, there’s no need to cart along “just in case” items. If you receive a last-minute invitation to a formal affair, think of it as an excuse to do some extra shopping at your location. You were planning to shop there anyway, weren’t you?

3. Pack light

Two pairs of shoes, or a pair of boots and shoes, depending on your destination, is plenty. They should be easy to slip on and off for airport security reasons. If you’re taking boots, make them the kind you can wear on the plane as well as in the snow. Two or three basic outfits that you can dress up or down with jewelry or a jacket tossed on can give you the variety you crave without overloading your suitcase.

4. Pack smart

Items that are rolled rather than folded not only take up less space but end up less wrinkled. In fact, one old tip that always works is to lay out all your clothing, one piece on top of the other, lay a sheet of tissue paper on the top item, then carefully fold arms and legs inward, making a rough rectangle. Then roll the rectangle into one large cylinder and tuck it into your suitcase. You’ll be surprised how wrinkle-free everything comes out at your destination. If wrinkles aren’t an issue, try one of those vacuum bags that condense everything into a much smaller area, and ask to use the hotel’s vacuum before your return trip.

5. Don’t pack

If you’re heading to a single destination, consider shipping your bulkier items by mail, FedEx, or UPS and notify the hotel to hold it for your arrival. It could turn out to be less expensive than paying for one or more bags on the plane.

For cold weather

In winter, it’s all about the layers. Layers to keep warm in and layers to shed if shops and restaurants are overheated. You’ll need two scarves (in case one gets wet) and two pairs of waterproof gloves, plus a hat you can wear on the plane and one that will crush nicely in your luggage. Also at least one pair of leggings or thermal underwear that can go under jeans or slacks.

For warm weather

You can get away with packing more if you’re heading to a tropical locale, simply because warm-weather clothing takes up less space. That doesn’t mean you need to go crazy, though. Check your itinerary and aim to travel light. Unless you have special requirements, many of the toiletries you need, such as sunscreen and moisturizer, can be purchased on site and save you the extra weight they’d take up in your suitcase. Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing that you can wash in your hotel room and let dry overnight.

And to ensure you always look your best, scroll through Decode 1.8’s beautiful line of dresses for all occasions.