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)
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 — TODAY’S POST
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 5 down in detail:
Part 5: Wearing one piece of clothing in multiple ways
Wearing one piece of clothing in multiple ways can instantly make it look like you packed way more than you really did.
Here are some ideas:
Sweaters
Wear a sweater normally
Around your shoulders
Buttoned
Unbuttoned
Under another top
Over another top
Tied around your waist
Tied crossbody across your chest from shoulder to opposite armpit
Restyled into another piece of clothing — like worn strapless with sleeves tied
Bottom tied up
Off one shoulder
Used as a pillow or blanket for travel
Button down shirts
Worn unbuttoned as a sweater
Worn as a strapless dress with the arms tied around the waist as a belt
Wear an oversized shirt belted as a dress
Worn as a beach cover up
Worn as a skirt with the arms tied into a knotted belt
Tied around the waist
Worn with a variety of bottoms
Worn buttoned and tucked in for a professional look
Buttoned the whole way up with a collar necklace or neck scarf
Unbuttoned and worn with lots of layered necklaces
Worn under a sweater with the collar, cuffs and bottom sticking out
Worn under a sleeveless top
Tied around the shoulders
Tied crossbody
Tied into a handbag
One side tucked in and the other untucked
Tied in the front as a crop top
Sleeves rolled up or down
Worn over a dress
Worn off one shoulder
Tucked in
Not tucked in
Buttoned up
Worn open
Skirts
Worn normally as a skirt
Worn as a strapless top
Worn as a dress (if long enough)
Worn as a scarf
One skirt layered on top of another
Scarf — A large lightweight scarf is one of the most versatile pieces you can pack.
A black silk scarf can be tied into a skirt
A swimsuit cover up
Tied into different styles of tops
Worn around the neck
Worn in the hair
Worn as a babushka with sunglasses
Worn as a belt
Tied around a handbag
Used to keep hair in place while getting ready or sleeping
Tied around the neck with the ends hanging down your back and hair up
Silk scarves are thin and take up hardly any space in a suitcase. Packing scarves in white, black, and gold(or beige/tan) can be super helpful for creating various outfits.
Tops
Layer tops
Can work as pajamas too
Blazers
With matching pants/skirt for a professional look
With cutoff shorts and boots
With jeans
Over a dress
With a waist belt (example: gold)
Sleeves rolled up or down
Worn oversized as a dress with bike shorts
Over the shoulders
Worn buttoned up
Worn open with a tank top
Dresses
Worn normally
Worn backwards for a different neckline
Worn backwards for a front or back zipper
Worn with a shirt/top to make it look like a skirt
Worn with a sweater and thick belt (with the bottom of the sweater tucked behind the belt) to make it look like a skirt
Worn with or without a belt
Worn unbuttoned as a long sweater
Worn with various shoes: sneakers, heels, sandals, boots
Worn over a longsleeve shirt or turtleneck
Jeans
Worn with high heels and a tiny top
Worn with sneakers for a casual look
Rolling/cuffing the bottoms
With the waistband rolled over
Belts
With bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts)
With dresses at the waist
With coats at the waist
With an oversized top at the waist
With a sweater or blazer at the waist
Handbags
One wallet on chain worn in different ways (without chain as a clutch, with long chain, with chain doubled up and shortened to a shoulder bag or top handle bag, chain looped over the flap, chain looped under the flap, silk scarf tied around handles, worn as a belt bag)
Large personal item bag doubling as a beach bag or gym bag
Gold/metallic color goes with almost anything
Jewlery
Gold jewelry can transition from outfit to outfit and day to night
Layering jewlery or wearing one piece at a time
Clipping necklaces together to make short or long
A statement earring worn as a brooch, bag charm, or hair accessory
Shoes
One pair of casual neutral white sneakers can be worn for workouts, outdoor activities, walking, casual outfits, and even dressing up or dresses
One pair of nude sandals can go with almost any outfit
One pair of nude block heels can go with almost any outfit
Gold/metallic color goes with almost anything
Change the silhouette
To make one piece of clothing look like a different piece of clothing, just change the shape:
Tuck it in
Half-tuck it
Belt it
Knot it
Roll the sleeves
Push up the sleeves
Tie it around the waist
Tie it over the shoulders
Layer it underneath something
Layer it over something
Wear it open
Wear it buttoned
Change where the waist sits
Change the accesories, change the vibe
The same basic pieces can transition depending on accessories. For example:
Black skirt + white sleeveless top
Daytime casual / errands —white sneakers, black cap, canvas tote bag
Daytime classy — sleek bun, minimalist sandals
Elegant — silk scarf, sunglasses
Lunch — button up shirt worn open, low heel sandals
Meeting — flats, blazer, waist belt
Dinner — blazer, heels, jewelry
Going out — block heels, jewelry, hair styled
Concert — boots, layered jewelry, cool patterned silk scarftied over skirt
Cozy— sweater, beret, boots
This shows:
You don't need a suitcase full of clothes—you need pieces that can move between different contexts.
Before adding another item to your suitcase, ask yourself, “Can I wear something I already packed in a completely different way?”
Rather than thinking “What clothes do I need?”, think:
What combinations can I make from the core/basic pieces I'm bringing?
Think in combinations rather than individual outfits.
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)
Disclaimer:
Some of the links included in this blog are for products, services, or external content created and maintained by third parties. I am not affiliated with, sponsored by, or in partnership with the creators, brands, or companies behind these items unless explicitly stated.
I do not manufacture, sell, or control the quality, availability, or performance of any products mentioned (such as travel accessories, organizers, or packing tools), and I am not responsible for any issues, damages, or dissatisfaction that may arise from their use.
Additionally, any links to external content—such as YouTube videos or tutorials—are provided for informational and inspirational purposes only. I do not own, control, or take responsibility for the accuracy, safety, or practices demonstrated in that content.
Please use your own judgment and discretion when purchasing products or following advice from third-party sources.