My Universal Carry-On Packing Guide

Have you heard of a “capsule wardrobe” before? Essentially, you downsize your wardrobe to a few staples that are versatile, simple, and streamlined. The thought process is that slimming down your closet will leave you with less headaches when it comes to planning what to wear every day.

Do I have a capsule wardrobe? HECK NO. As much as I wish I could be one of those modern gals with only a handful of key pieces, I have a hard time letting things go and like having options. So why am I talking about this capsule concept? Adopting a similar frame of mind has allowed me to make packing a relatively straightforward process.

My packing approach has ranged from making detailed lists to packing as much as I could fit in a suitcase to dumping all my initial picks onto my bed and working from there. The result usually left my bedroom looking like my closet imploded upon itself and I usually became frustrated that I didn’t have enough space for everything I “needed”. However, the more I’ve traveled the more I’ve identified key pieces in my closet that seem to always get packed. Those items serve as my universal baseline for any travel destination that I can easily modify and add-on to as needed. It’s essentially morphed into my Carry-On Capsule Wardrobe.

This packing list should be bookmarked, saved, pinned, whatever because:

• It works as a great base for most travel destinations (with opportunities to add in items that will work best with wherever you’re going)

• It fits in a carry-on

• You likely already own these items (and if you don’t, you’ll get mileage out of these staples everyday if you invest in them)

• You can dress items up or down to fit many occasions and get multiple outfits out of the pieces

So what’s in my Carry-On Capsule Wardrobe?

Items italicized are pieces that I wear while traveling, so they don’t need to get packed in your suitcase!

• One pair of pants – great for dressing up and down. I prefer black or navy in a skinny or slim fit. These are also perfect to wear around the office when I’m not jet setting!

• One pair of jeans – try to wear these while flying as it saves space in your carry on and will keep you warm. I usually opt for a darker wash in a legging fit so they can be dressed up easily and are extra comfy. If you prefer to fly in something cozier, you can tuck a pair of lightweight leggings into your purse and change on the plane as needed.

• One day-dress – works as a base for layering and you can easily dress this up or down. Pair it with the tights, cardigan, and scarf for a layered day look. Go with the jacket and necklace for a casual evening out. This is a good time to incorporate a print!

• One cocktail-style dress (that’s not overly dressy) – keeping it toned down will allow you to wear this during the day, too. Throw the sweater over the dress for a twist, too.

• A skirt – you can easily swap this for shorts if you’re hitting up a tropical destination or plan on hiking. Pair with the tights to stay warm if the weather is chillier. Planning on touring some temples or churches? Go with a knee-length skirt to abide by dress codes.

• One sweater – another staple to wear on the plane. Wear with the jeans, pants, skirt, or dress – that’s four outfits right there!

• One cardigan – necessary to cover your shoulders while visiting a temple or just to ward off cooler weather. Dress down your cocktail dress by pairing these two items together.

• One jacket – bring this with you on the plane. If you know you’ll hit rainy weather, go with a waterproof material. Otherwise, my go-to is a faux leather moto jacket – awesome for adding a little edge to my looks.

• A t-shirt – an essential that you can get tons of mileage out of

• 2-3 tops – my tops are usually where I’ll add some color or prints to break up all the neutrals. Have fun here! If you plan on being active during your trip, pack one athletic-style tank.

• 1 lightweight PJ set – I usually pack a lightweight tank and pair of shorts. The tank sometimes doubles as my active wear top if we hike around.

• A scarf – perfect for adding a pop of color or accessorizing a look.

• A few key pieces of jewelry – studs, a pair of dangly earrings, delicate small necklace, a longer necklace

• Tights – a versatile option for making your dresses and skirts comfortable during the evenings or cooler weather. If your destination is warm, feel free to omit these.

• 3 pairs of socks – I’ll wear a pair on the airplane (bonus if they’re compression socks!) and wash these in the sink as needed.

• 2 bras (black and nude) – I wear one while traveling and pack the other.

• Underwear – a pair for each day I’ll be traveling, plus one extra is my general rule of thumb

• Comfortable flats – make sure these are supportive enough for walking around all day.

• Boots (usually with a small yet comfortable heel) – I’ll wear these on the plane as well. I go with a small heel so these are dressy enough to wear in the evening at a nicer restaurant, if needed.

Need to modify the Carry On Capsule wardrobe to fit your destination? Here are some examples and guidelines I follow.

Warmer Climate?

• Ditch the tights and sweater and pack a bikini or two in its place

• Swap the boots for a pair of flip flops or other beach-friendly shoes

• Add some more color into the mix

• Go with lightweight materials so you don't get too sweaty

• Don't assume it'll be hot all the time - even in warm destinations it can be chilly when the sun sets and wind might be a factor to deal with

• Replace the pants with another pair of shorts or go for a beach-y, looser pair of pants

• Make your day dress double up as a beach cover-up

• A sunhat and sunglasses are better options than the scarf

Somewhere Colder?

• Make sure you’re packing heavier sweaters and cardigans to keep you bundled up

• Sleeves are your friend – bring long sleeve tops and dresses

• Fleece lined tights are a thing. Find them and live in them

• Longer hemlines (think maxi dresses and midi skirts) will keep you covered from the cold

• A warmer scarf can also be paired with a hat and gloves

• Pack a coat that’s as heavy and warm as you need it. You’ll be wearing it on the plane anyways, so no need to try and make it fit in your carry on

By establishing a travel “capsule wardrobe”, you can take the guesswork out of packing and maximize the options you bring with. Having a list of essential items will ensure you’ve covered all your bases and force you to break the habit of overpacking. It’s easy to customize the staple items to fit your destination and itinerary. Going to swankier events? Pack statement jewelry and dressier boots to really jazz up your outfit. Planning on athletic activities most days? Swap out the skirt and pants for more athletic-approved bottoms and make your tops are moisture-wicking. Spending every day at the beach? Make your outfits do double-duty by using them as beach cover-ups. You can incorporate your personal touches by adding color and prints and statement pieces as you see fit – just make sure you can easily mix and match options!

This can all fit in your standard carry on (trust me) if you wear your heaviest items while on the plane. You’ll still have space leftover to bring other essential packing items (phone charger, adapter, book for the plane). There’s also room to spare for your beauty essentials – though I’ve managed to slim down those items to essentials, too! Would you be interested in seeing my beauty packing list and looks? Drop a comment if you are!

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