Travel wardrobe secrets: how sandeep salter packs her way through the world

Forget frantic packing lists and overflowing suitcases. Sandeep Salter, founder of the chic minimalist brand Salter House, has cracked the code to effortless travel dressing – and it starts with a nightgown.

The unexpected power of the nightgown

Yes, you read that right. Salter, a seasoned traveler and style icon, swears by bringing one or two nightgowns on any trip. “I love the feeling of waking up in an unfamiliar place and creeping outside in my nightgown, smelling an unfamiliar morning air,” she explains. It’s a surprisingly versatile piece, seamlessly transitioning from a luxurious morning ritual to a chic, understated layer on the road.

Capsule wardrobe essentials

While her nightgowns are a constant, Salter’s on-the-go capsule wardrobe is a carefully curated collection. Think crisp cotton shorts, gauzy silk-cotton blend dresses, and lightweight pointelle pieces – all in a calming palette of ivories and blacks, punctuated by pops of pink. She prioritizes comfort and versatility, favoring brands like Salter House and Aeyde.

Key pieces & brands

Her suitcase is a Patagonia duffel, a trusty companion she’s relied on for years. Inside you’ll find essentials like a SALTER HOUSE Bunny skort, a Lesse Every Tone SPF 30, and a silk scrunchie – a surprisingly crucial accessory, she insists, for taming unruly travel hair. Don’t overlook the C.O. Bigelow medium French jaw clip, either; it’s her go-to for elevating a relaxed look.

Packing like a pro

Salter’s approach to packing is methodical. She begins with a cohesive color scheme, often planning outfits in advance. “I tend to pack in color schemes, with a pretty clear idea of how I’ll pair things,” she says. “And shoes that match it all.” For a recent Tulum trip, she envisioned a palette of neutrals with pink accents. She packs an outfit for each day, plus one or two evening changes, and always includes a cozy pointelle cardigan – a surprisingly effective layering piece.

Beyond the clothes: the ritual

But it’s not just about the clothes; it’s about the ritual. Salter's carry-on is always stocked with a book, a notebook, pencils, and lip glosses. And, of course, multiple scrunchies – a necessity for managing her hair throughout the day. “I am someone who puts their hair up and takes it down several times a day,” she admits, “so I’m usually wearing a scrunchie on my wrist to futz with.”

The verdict: effortless style, travel-tested

Sandeep Salter’s travel wardrobe isn’t about extravagant pieces or complicated trends. It’s about thoughtful simplicity, a keen eye for color, and a commitment to comfort. It’s a reminder that even the most stylish journeys can be achieved with a few carefully chosen essentials. And, perhaps surprisingly, a nightgown.