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The 4 Things You Need in Your Suitcase for Winter Break

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

Like most girls, whenever I’m about to travel home, I’m incapable of deciding what to pack. It takes me at least a week to make the final decision about what stays and what goes, and nine times out of 10, I end up dissatisfied with what I brought. There’s always something I wish I had or left behind, and since I basically bring my entire wardrobe down to school with me, the things in my suitcase are pretty much all I’ve got once I’m home. Bottom line: packing to go home is stressful.

I’m sure plenty of people are plagued with the same issue whenever the times comes to go home, and with winter break coming up, most of us are probably dreading packing the right clothes for a week at home. To make your lives a little easier, here is a list of the must-have items you should have in your suitcase come winter break.

1. Your Favorite Chunky Sweater

Whether you’re just going to be lounging around the house, hanging out with friends from high school or spending your month at holiday parties, your favorite chunky sweater will get you through. It’s comfiest with leggings, but it can also be dressed up for a night out. To dress up your sweater, try a pair of statement earrings, dark wash jeans and a cute pair of flats with a pop of color.

What to leave at school: Every single sweater you own. A few are all you need.

2. Your Ankle Booties

Booties are this fall’s hottest footwear trend; don’t be afraid to wear them with anything and everything. Whatever you pair them with, whether it’s a casual outfit or something a bit fancier, ankle boots make your look fashion forward!

What to leave at school: Heels, unless they match your dress for New Year’s Eve.

3. Your Leather Jacket

There’s a high chance you’ll go out with your high school friends when you go home at least once. You don’t want to be unprepared by not packing anything that’s appropriate for going out, but you also don’t want to bring home a bunch of going-out outfits either. Your leather jacket is the perfect solution. Toss it over a pair of jeans and a basic tee; top it off with some simple jewelry, and you have a simple, yet chic outfit to go out in.

What to leave at school: Tight dresses and skirts.

4. Your Sweater Dress

While the temperatures are dropping, that doesn’t mean shorter hemlines are completely out of the question. A sweater dress worn with a pair of tights and boots is the perfect ensemble to bring home for a stylish, yet comfortable, look.

What to leave at school: Shorts and summer dresses.

With final exams, the last thing you want to stress about is what to bring home this winter break. These few things, as well as a couple more basics, will give you just what you need without packing up your entire closet. Happy packing, collegiettes!

A senior at the University of Illinois, Elizabeth spends half of her time in denial of her impending graduation and the other half acting as Editor-in-Chief/ President/Campus Correspondent for the site you're on now, Her Campus Illinois. Her favorite color is pink, which makes this position a match made in heaven. Still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, her passions lie in writing, digital marketing, social media and fashion. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @champaigngirl. And if you prefer good, old fashioned email, reach her at elizabethdeuel@hercampus.com.