Sometimes, you just want to take a quick weekend trip & not have to hassle with a checked bag. Sometimes a carry-on can be all you need!
For those who struggle with over-packing, this post is for you!
For me, the 7 keys to successfully packing a carry-on you can actually make outfits from are:
1) Maximizing the size of your carry-on and personal item (aka taking the biggest ones you can that fit the airline’s dimensions)
2) Packing your absolute essentials (personal hygiene items, makeup, etc)
3) Packing versatile/neutral pieces that can be dressed up or down (denim, a little black dress, white sneakers, etc) — TODAY’S POST
4) Changing up accessories, makeup, and hairstyles (doesn’t take up much space and can change the look of outfits)
5) Wearing one piece of clothing in multiple ways
6) Borrowing clothes from others you are traveling with
7) Wearing your bulky layers vs packing them (especially if traveling to cold weather) -or- using compression bags
Ok, let’s break part 3 down in detail:
Part 3: Packing versatile/neutral pieces that can be dressed up or down
My favorite can’t-go-wrong color is all-white. I try to pack all or a lot of white if I can because to me, white is a color that can be dressed up or down, to me is all-season, transitions from day to night, and therefore is a versatile piece. A white dress can work for a morning stroll, a meeting, a girls brunch, or a night out on a boat.
All-white is a color that says elegant, clean, and coordinated.
And a monochrome look — like white pants and a white top — looks instantly elegant, stylish, and put-together.
If white isn’t your color, any neutral like black, gray, or beige works well. You don’t need to be limited to just all-one color, but it makes things easier and more stylish. You can also mix and match neutrals, which is still easy to create outfits (for example, white pants and a beige top, or a black skirt and a white top).
It’s not that I’m against patterns, it’s just that they make outfits more difficult to coordinate when there is limited space. Plus, it’s hard to re-wear a pattern without it being super noticeable.
I also love to treat these as neutrals: denim, leather, metallics, and (sometimes) faux animal print.
Denim:
Packing a good versatile denim piece is key. The right jeans can be dressed up for a meeting, for going out, or dressed down for a day at the park. Choose a style that’s modern and flattering to your body shape and that makes you feel good and comfortable so that you want to wear them.
I like to size up in denim for a relaxed cool fit, and it can always be folded or belted.
I also tend to think dark wash is a little more versatile where it can be worn day or night, but the “in-style” denim colors change frequently.
Little black dress:
A little black dress is another essential piece that will save the day if you have an unexpected event to go — the little black dress is the can’t-go-wrong closet staple that can be worn basically anywhere — an event, a dinner, a night out, a meeting paired with a button-up on top and belted.
Again, I prefer white over black, but traditionally, the little black dress is the go-to classic piece.
The key is to find one that flatters your body type and makes you feel comfortable, stylish, and confident.
Neutral shoes:
My favorite shoes to wear are those that match either my skin tone (if I’m wearing shorts or a skirt) or the color of my pants or tights. The reason is that wearing the same shoe color as the color of the leg (whether that’s skin tone or the color of pants) lengthens the look of the leg. Visually, matching colors looks like one long line to the eye, versus breaking it up.
One exception I have is a low-cut white casual sneaker. I like low-cut sneakers because they show as much of the ankle/foot as possible, making the leg look longer. I also like white sneakers for a carry-on because they can be dressed up or down, and, depending on the shoe, worn with anything from a dress to an exercise class to an unexpected outdoors adventure. They can also be easily washed (except canvas).
Jackets:
For jackets, a denim jacket, white jacket, or a dark brown leather jacket are good versatile pieces.
Bikini:
A string bikini can be tied in so many different ways to create so many totally different styles — see here — one bikini top can be tied to look like you packed 10 different ones.
If you are traveling somewhere warm, a bikini top tied in a unique way can also sometimes work as a top — it can look great paired with a long skirt or high-waisted bottoms like cargo pants.
Also, don’t forget to get creative with your looks!:
Socks are an essential for sneakers, but when paired with the right heels, socks create an unexpected and cool look.
Dresses can be turned into skirts, skirts can be worn as shirts, jackets can be worn on the shoulders or around the waist — use your imagination!
As a side note, I’ve found that my clothing fits best in my suitcase when it is rolled rather than folded, and this also helps prevent some creasing/wrinkles.
Note: this post is part of a 9-series of posts on “How to pack a carry-on (& get the most out of it!)”: (intro, parts 1-7, and conclusion)
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