Paloma Elsesser describes her approach to packing and dressing for travel as an intentional process deeply tied to self-expression and the unique character of each destination. Rather than traveling light, she often brings three suitcases filled with diverse outfit options that reflect different moods and activities she might encounter on her trip—from elegant dinners and lively nights to quiet days and beach outings.

Elsesser, who prepares her looks meticulously in her New York apartment, photographs her outfits in advance to ensure she is ready for whatever the holiday may bring. For her, vacation attire is not about minimalism or casualwear but about embracing a fuller, more extravagant style. She cites designers such as Gucci under Tom Ford’s direction as embodying the hedonistic and playful aesthetic she seeks while traveling.

Her wardrobe choices are also shaped by the spirit of the cities she visits. In Rio de Janeiro, for instance, she favors sensual and body-conscious clothing. European destinations inspire lighter, more romantic ensembles, while Tokyo prompts sharper, more avant-garde selections, including pieces by Junya Watanabe and Comme des Garçons. Through these variations, Elsesser illustrates how a holiday allows her to shed the daily practicalities of dressing and instead prioritize instinct and indulgence.

Memories tied to her clothing add a sentimental dimension to her travel wardrobe. She recalls a Gimaguas bikini worn during a joyful day with friends at a Belmond hotel, a piece embedded with the memory of laughter and carefree moments. Another example is a pair of mesh Alaïa flats she wore while hiking in the Brazilian rainforest, paired with a vintage Alexander McQueen scarf, underscoring both the challenges and the aesthetic pleasure of holiday dressing.

Elsesser’s approach highlights the way clothing can serve as both a practical tool and a vessel of personal experience, carrying the wearer through a range of identities and moments while reinforcing the transformative nature of travel.