What To Pack: Michael Bastian's Travel Essentials

February is upon us, which means it’s time to pack up and head to sunnier, brighter, and far less snowy shores. While we don’t all have the luxury of extended getaways, there are a few simple things anyone can do to make even a weekend trip luxurious. And according to menswear designer Michael Bastian, it all begins with the most basic element: packing.

Michael gave us an exclusive look inside his weekender. Here’s what we learned:

The essential:
“My theory is you shouldn't leave your house without a navy cashmere sweater. It's the one thing you could wear everyday.”

The evening wear:
“[Something] I think is really practical to bring, is kind of a shirt jacket — like an army jacket. If it gets a little chilly at night, it's good for that. Or if you're going to a dinner party, you wanna dress up a little, it's good over a t-shirt with a pair of jeans.”

The taste of home:
“Yankees cap. I'm a New Yorker.”

The dress-up/dress-down:
“You always need a couple button-downs. You never know where you're gonna end up. Sometimes people have a barbecue, sometimes they want to go to a fancy restaurant. You need to be ready for that kind of stuff.”

The beachwear:
“I've got this theory that even if you're only going away for a day or two, you still need to bring at least two, maybe three bathing suits.”

The good book:
“You know you need a book. David Sedaris is always a good bet.”

And what should you wear while traveling?
“You obviously have to be comfortable, but I also think it's important that you dress up just a tiny bit. I don't even mean, wear a sports coat. I just mean, don't wear sweatpants, don't wear a dirty t-shirt. You know, a lot of people I know have met their partner on a plane, on a bus. Pays to look your best in that situation.”

Watch Michael Bastian's full video at HiltonGoOut.com.