{"id":432953,"date":"2026-01-25T20:39:30","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T20:39:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/432953\/"},"modified":"2026-01-25T20:39:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T20:39:30","slug":"how-interior-designer-madelynn-hudson-packs-for-vacation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/432953\/","title":{"rendered":"How Interior Designer Madelynn Hudson Packs for Vacation"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to mastering the art of the travel wardrobe, it\u2019s no surprise that our favorite fashion insiders also moonlight as packing pros. In My Packing Style, we tap some of the most well-traveled people we know for a peek inside their travel bags and vacation wardrobes to see how they take their style on the road. You\u2019ve bookmarked the trip, you\u2019ve screenshotted the outfits; now, a look at how it all comes together.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t pack full outfits, but I do pack in families,\u201d says Madelynn Hudson<\/a>. The founder and creative director of M.H. Interiors<\/a>, a New York-based design firm, is exactly the kind of capsule wardrobe traveler most of us aspire to be: Everything is high-quality, expertly edited, and able to moonlight as a different character depending on what the day\u2019s itinerary looks like. (Take, for instance, her favorite black silk blouse: It works with bootcut jeans for a day of sightseeing, but is easily dressed up with kitten heels for low-lit dinners.) So when we learned that she was heading to Paris<\/a>\u2014\u201cOne of my favorite cities!\u201d\u2014to attend Design Week, we caught up with the designer to see exactly how she packs for a long weekend of exploring and decor-scouting.<\/p>\n

Shop Madelynn Hudson\u2019s Carry-On<\/p>\n

Her plan was to attend the D\u00e9co Off design fair, which overlaps with the Maison & Objet presentations to make up a packed Paris Design Week schedule. \u201cI knew there would be lots of walking, good food, and friend catch-ups, so I planned for my clothes to feel effortless and lived-in,\u201d she explains. \u201cThat\u2019s always the goal.\u201d Her essentials include cashmere knits<\/a> and silk blouses, all in neutral hues so that they can be elevated easily with the addition of a python-print bag or swipe of Westman Atelier lipstick. She packed it all up in her roomy Away suitcase (making an exception to her carry-on-only rule to be able to bring back decor for clients) and headed out for a few days in the French capital.<\/p>\n

Ahead, Hudson shares a behind-the-scenes look at her airport uniform, her packing philosophy, and why she finds black ankle boots<\/a> the best for navigating cobblestone streets and days spent perusing decor stalls.<\/p>\n

Are you a pre-packer or a throw-in-and-go type?<\/p>\n

I\u2019m somewhere in between. I start mentally packing about a week out\u2014thinking about mood, weather, walking, dinners, etc.\u2014but the actual packing happens two days before. I like having enough time to edit, not enough time to spiral.<\/p>\n

\"Image<\/p>\n

Courtesy of Madelynn Hudson<\/p>\n

Do you pack in outfits?<\/p>\n

Everything has to speak the same language, and I tend to stick to neutrals in general, with a great pair of denim thrown in. If every top works with every bottom, the wardrobe takes care of itself.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your go-to brand for vacation dressing?<\/p>\n

I gravitate toward brands that feel timeless but relaxed; things that don\u2019t announce themselves. And I try my best not to invest in pieces that are for vacations only, so I tend to wear things on vacations\u00a0that I wear in my everyday life. I love brands like Khaite, Kallmeyer, R\u00f9adh, and Aflalo. With that said,\u00a0I\u2019m not sure there is anything better than a warm-weather vacation and an easy D\u00f4en dress!<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your go-to travel bag right now?<\/p>\n

A structured leather tote that can take abuse but still feels elegant. It has to fit a laptop, sunglasses, beauty essentials\u2014and still slide under a seat. If it looks better with wear, that\u2019s a bonus. I’m currently using my bag by The Row. I\u2019m a pretty organized packer, so a lot of the time I travel with only my Rimowa\u00a0carry-on; however, I\u2019ll be doing some sourcing\u00a0for clients in Paris, so I plan to bring my large Away\u00a0suitcase.<\/p>\n

Do you have a travel outfit formula?<\/p>\n

A sculptural black top, perfect-fitting denim, flat boots or an easy mule, and a great bag. Layers are key, something soft you can throw on and off without thinking.<\/p>\n

What are your in-flight non-negotiables?<\/p>\n

A sweater or long-sleeve knit I actually want to be seen in: It doubles as warmth, a pillow, and an outfit finisher. I\u2019m planning to fly in this gorgeous Khaite sweater.<\/p>\n

\"Image<\/p>\n

Courtesy of Madelynn Hudson<\/p>\n

What are your vacation beauty product MVPs?<\/p>\n

A bold lip. 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.<\/p>\n

Team travel scarf or travel sweater?<\/p>\n

Travel sweater. Always. Scarves feel fussy to me when I\u2019m moving through airports.<\/p>\n

Do you have a strategy for approaching accessories?<\/p>\n

I keep it tight: one or two statement bags, one neutral bag, one great belt, one pair of sunglasses. Accessories do the heavy lifting when you\u2019re re-wearing clothes.<\/p>\n

Travel steamer: Yes or No?<\/p>\n

Low-maintenance, always. I love pieces that wrinkle beautifully or not at all, like silks, knits, washed cottons, a structured jacket… I never travel with a steamer. I hang things in the bathroom while showering and let gravity do the work.<\/p>\n

What has been your most-worn vacation item?<\/p>\n

Currently, my Emme Parsons boots. They have the perfect toe and heel height for racking up those step counts.<\/p>\n

What staple piece is always in your suitcase?<\/p>\n

A simple black silk blouse. With denim and boots during the day, with a heel and bold lip at night. I even use mine as a swimsuit cover-up on a beach trip. It\u2019s the anchor.<\/p>\n

Overpacking or leaving room for souvenirs?<\/p>\n

I always leave room. I\u2019d rather come home with something collected along the way than something I over-planned. And I love having an excuse to shop, especially for vintage clothing and home goodies.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best packing lesson you ever learned?<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t wear it at home, you won\u2019t suddenly wear it on vacation. Comfort and confidence matter more than novelty.<\/p>\n