How J.Crew’s Creative Director Olympia Gayot Packs for Vacation

Imagery courtesy of Olympia Gayot

What’s your go-to brand for vacation dressing?

J.Crew, of course! I also love mixing in vintage items, like jeans and coats, and I often borrow from my husband’s wardrobe—Wrangler shirts, blazers, scarves—or even pick pieces from my older son’s tee collection for a more shrunken look.

What’s your go-to travel bag right now?

My go-to travel bag is my aluminum Away carry-on, covered in stickers from all the places I’ve visited—it’s practical and personal.

Do you have a travel outfit formula?

I always wear loose vintage Levi’s—never leggings or sweats—paired with a boyfriend jersey tee and an oversized V-neck cashmere sweater. I layer with a cashmere bandana or silk scarf, cashmere socks, and finish with ballet slippers or cowboy boots and a coat I’ll eventually be wearing on the trip.

What are your in-flight non-negotiables?

I never travel without a face mask to keep my skin hydrated, and, of course, cozy cashmere socks.

Team travel scarf or travel sweater?

Both! Covering my neck and chest is essential, and layering gives me the flexibility to handle a hot or freezing plane.

What are your vacation beauty product MVPs?

Even though I most always travel with a carry-on, my beauty products take up a significant amount of space. There’s no better accessory than hydrated healthy skin and hair– especially after flying and braving any elements like cold and snow. I can’t travel without Biologique Recherche Masque Biofixine. I use it almost daily when I’m traveling. I love their products in general, and take their Serum Erythros and Crème Biofixine everywhere with me.

I must have a face oil when I’m traveling somewhere cold. I’ve been really into Mutha body and face oil. I bring that one in my purse and apply it a few times on the flight—in addition to my daytime and nighttime routine. For my hair, I don’t travel without my Mason Pearson mini brush, and the travel-size Oribe Supershine moisturizing cream and Oribe Gold lust hair oil.

Imagery courtesy of Olympia Gayot

Do you have a strategy for approaching accessories?

I bring what I’m actually wearing the most at the moment. New pieces often get ignored, so I stick with staples: necklaces, my wedding ring, all gold in the winter. And I always pack them in my jewelry roll, which is super practical for travel.

Travel steamer: Yes or No?

I try to keep things easy and low-fuss. I don’t pack a steamer, but will use one at the hotel if needed. For some items, like shirting, I’ll embrace a few wrinkles or hang them outside the shower so the steam smooths them out. In the summer, I often roll clothes and don’t worry about wrinkles; in the winter I fold carefully and let any creases fall out with a bit of steam.

What has been your most-worn vacation item?

Lately it has been the J.Crew for U.S. Ski & Snowboard brushed cashmere Italy sweater. I’m also really excited for the cozy sweater puffer and, of course, my ski socks—every piece from the collection is so good, I want them all!