The 10 Key Items to Pack for Hong Kong

Bad news for the sweatpants set: Hong Kong’s business-oriented culture means you’re far more likely to throw on a skirt than a pair of joggers. But there’s no need to suffer in something rigid and restrained. You need a versatile, breathable skirt that you can toss on anywhere, anytime. Banana Republic's Pencil Skirt in two-way stretch cotton is the perfect choice, with its classic silhouette, chic knee-length, and stylish front-wrap. Made of cotton, viscose, and spandex, this skirt can be tossed in your suitcase without wrinkling, making it an instant travel staple. 

All your Kindles, iPads, cell phones, hairdryers, and other gizmos will be useless if their U.S. plugs and chargers don’t have an adaptor. Don’t worry. The sleek Tumi Travel Adaptor has you covered. Sturdy and compact, this unit provides four different plugs that can tackle 150 countries (Hong Kong included), so you can keep all your gadgets juiced up. It also comes with a reassuring two-year warranty, in case it ever goes on the fritz.

Forget cut-off jean shorts, acid-washed numbers, or ‘90s throwbacks with knee holes—denim in Hong Kong is still put-together and polished. The flattering High Waist Skinny Jeans from J Brand does the trick. They’re cut from Japanese stretch denim that hugs your body from the cinched waist to the fitted ankles, keeping you tailored. But the stretchy cotton-blend fabric will stay comfy, even as you’re traipsing around Hong Kong, gorging on dim sum, and scouting out street markets. Bottom line: They’re easy to wear, yet formal enough you won’t look like a slouch.

Put a little kick in your cross-body with this super-cool Lucent Crossbody bag from Bao Bao Issey Miyake. A study in geometry, this space-age white bag is covered in triangular split panels that flex around objects for a 3D look. The main compartment is fully lined with a zip closure and interior pocket. Gunmetal brass hardware and an adjustable strap keep it functional and sharp. And like all cross-body bags, this one keeps your hands free so you can navigate around on Google Maps. Plus, those that like to flash their labels will get a kick out of the branded logo on the pull tab and interior.

Real talk: Unless you’re in a luxury hotel or fine dining establishment, you shouldn’t expect Hong Kong rest rooms to have toilet paper. Plus, many street-food vendors don’t hand out napkins, so expect sticky fingers when you sample those egg waffles and fish balls. That’s why a few travel packs of tissues are an HK must-have. The Kleenex Go Pack includes ten soft, three-ply disposable tissues and a small, packable size that can be tucked into your handbag or coat pocket. Naturally, they can also be called into duty for sniffles, makeup malfunctions, or just everyday clumsiness.

By now you know you’re bringing your fashion A-game to Hong Kong. Don’t let footwear be your downfall. Cute, comfortable flats can get you everywhere you need to go—OK, except hiking around HK’s outlying island. But for urban trekking, these All Black Slingback City Flats have you covered. Plush insoles will keep you upright in your third hour of sightseeing, and the contrasting pale soles add a bit of contemporary flair. Plus, the adjustable buckle gives just a hint of ‘70s fabulousness.

The streets of Hong Kong are really, really, really buggy. This city has more than 70 species of mosquitos alone (yikes!), so it’s a good idea to arm yourself with a reliable insect repellant. Pick up a bottle of Avon Skin So Soft Original Bath Oil Spray and critters be damned! This Avon product was originally created as a bath oil, but over time it was found to be one of the most effective insect repellants money can buy. Just spray it on in the morning all over exposed areas, and you should stay bite-free. Note: This comes in a five-ounce container, so definitely decant this into a three-ounce spray bottle if you’re putting this in your carry-on.

Like any city, Hong Kong has its pros and cons. Pro: There’s mild weather year around. Con: There are crazy thunderstorms from May through September. Oh, and have we mentioned typhoon season? Don’t come in these rainy months without packing a good waterproof jacket. The Everlane’s ReNew Anorak gets our vote. This lightweight, stylish anorak won’t get in your way as you explore around town. And its poly-nylon material repels water so you stay dry. Other useful features include a button-snap front and pockets, plus a hood to keep your hair from becoming a soggy, matted mess.

Even if you’re on vacation, Hong Kong is a city where business is top of mind. That means the locals go into professional mode by default. When you’re doing a meet-and-greet, it’s a good idea to have your business card handy, even if you’re not on company time. And for that, the CYLO Iridescent Phone Wallet makes a trusty sidekick. This handy, iridescent wallet is stuck-fast to the back of your phone with slots for credit cards, cash, and of course, those all-important cards.

Summer in Hong Kong is sweltering and humid—and that’s on a good day! But indoors the AC gets ramped up to Antarctic levels. So, if you’re visiting during summer, or one of the chillier seasons, you’ll want to keep a wrap handy. This classic cashmere and silk wrap from Nordstrom comes in a rainbow of colors along with ivory, tan, and reliable black. It’s a blanketing 28 x 80 inches size, with enough coverage to keep the goose bumps away, while the subtle eyelash fringe adds subtle flair.