Inside Lauren Burke’s South Africa Suitcase

Rip & Tan: Tell us about your trip—what brought you to South Africa this summer?

Lauren Burke: We made a last-minute trip to South Africa for a family wedding—an easy yes for one of our favorite places in the world. The celebration took place in Cape Town which we followed up with a few days on safari.

Rip & Tan: What was on your itinerary, and how did that shape your packing list?

Lauren Burke: Since we were in Cape Town for a family wedding, much of our itinerary centered around spending quality time with loved ones—something we cherish, especially living on opposite sides of the world. That said, we still carved out time for a few favorite spots, including a visit to Chef’s Warehouse at Beau in Constantia, one of our go-to restaurants in the nearby wine region.

With it being the start of winter in South Africa, I packed plenty of layers—light sweaters and jackets for cool mornings and evenings, which I could easily shed as the days warmed up. After five days in Cape Town, we headed to Phinda Game Reserve for four nights on safari. Packing for a safari is all about versatility–mornings and evenings can be brisk, but the afternoons are warm enough to lay by the pool. My suitcase included a mix of sweaters, jackets, pants, and shorts–everything I needed to layer up or down throughout the day.

Rip & Tan: Are there certain fabrics or silhouettes you find yourself reaching for when traveling somewhere warm?

Lauren Burke: When heading somewhere warm, I always reach for airy, breathable fabrics that feel effortless but still polished. I gravitate toward elevated basics–think crisp cotton tees, a good trouser or jeans, relaxed button-downs, etc. These are items that can be styled multiple ways and easily transition from day to night. T-shirts are the one item I always overpack–they’re endlessly versatile and a staple in my daily uniform. With a toddler in tow, back ups are a must as by the end of the day, my crisp and fresh tee will no longer be clean. I also lean into lighter fabrics not just for ease and comfort, but to keep my packing flexible – though I’ll admit, that extra room somehow always results in an overweight suitcase. I’m the type of packer where I’d always rather have options than be caught without.

Rip & Tan: How do you balance style and comfort, especially for long days exploring?

Lauren Burke: I keep my travel style very similar to my style at home in New York which is all about being comfortable yet still looking put together and refined. Accessories and shoes always complete a look in my opinion. For long days exploring, a flat shoe is always a good idea to keep things styled. I lean towards an elevated sandal like the Gia, a ballet flat, or a loafer when I want to look a bit more polished.

Rip & Tan: Do you plan outfits in advance or pack more intuitively?

Lauren Burke: I’d say I do a bit of both. If I have specific plans or events, I’ll usually map out a few key looks in advance even if it’s just a general idea. Otherwise, I prefer to pack pieces that can be mixed and matched intuitively, since what I wear often depends on how I’m feeling that day or what the weather calls for. I like having the flexibility to pull a look together on the go. That said, for something like a safari, where the itinerary and climate are more predictable, I planned those outfits ahead to make those early mornings easy and stress-free.

Rip & Tan: Any tips for building a versatile travel wardrobe?

Lauren Burke: When building a versatile travel wardrobe, it’s all about packing with intention and bringing pieces that create a capsule wardrobe on-the-go. I focus on neutral tones, effortless silhouettes, and elevated basics that can be mixed and matched across different occasions. On this trip, I lived in the Simone V-neck in shade Doe–it’s the perfect neutral and paired so well with just about every outfit I put together. A piece like that becomes a true go-to, easily worn multiple times without feeling overdone. The key is choosing items that are both refined and functional, so you feel comfortable and styled. This is also something I take into account especially with shoes as they take up space and add weight to luggage.

Rip & Tan: What’s your go-to vacation look—the one that makes you feel your best, no matter the destination?

Lauren Burke: Without fail, I will always pack a few white summer dresses when travelling somewhere warm. It always makes me feel so feminine.