Why Carry-on?

Some tips about bringing carry-on only on vacation for women and presenting

PACKING TIPS

Valerie Fredericks

8/11/2026

Why carry on?

less stuff to lug around
easier to plan outfits and to wear them
No waiting at baggage claim; you’re done.
Airlines can’t lose luggage if your bags are with you
You’ll spend less time packing
less money checking your luggage.

When packing for a long trip, I've always wanted to have options because I like to not be tied to a certain thing I will be wearing because I didn't have room to pack all of my options in my luggage.

For several reasons, not the least of which I've had my luggage lost and had to wait days on my vacation for its return and also because it's annoying to wait at the carousel for your luggage at the airport - I have become a carry on only traveler.

And the way that I've done it so that I don't have to worry about not having choices is to have built a capsule wardrobe (or two).

There are a couple ways to get a capsule wardrobe without spending a ton of money. But you can build one slowly as well. But if you have a trip that you're planning soon and you want options without having to lug around a bunch of stuff, read on.

Your Basics:

You are aiming to pack for either one week or two in your carry-on luggage

Make sure you love every piece you chose and that you are comfortable wearing it. Try it with the bra/s you will bring.

Choose classic styled pieces that coordinate in the colors you have chosen. The goal is that everything goes with everything so you can mix and match to create many outfits from 15 pieces.

Any combination of 2 of the following denim pieces - a pair of jeans and either another pair, a skirt or shorts, depending on season and weather where you are going. They can be your favorite shade of blue jean, or they can be your neutral color, like black or brown.

Add pops of the accent color in accessories as well as pieces.

One pair of neutral pants, that can be dressed up or down. Flowy, loose pants are a great choice but tailored capris are also good, if weather allows.

One dress, or a skirt and top combination if you prefer. You’ll want the dress to be in a non-wrinkle fabric. It can be solid or print. I recommend a print for this piece if you have one you love. Bonus would be if you can wear it casual or evening.

A scarf/poncho combination in your pop color

You can style your capsule from your current wardrobe or build it piece by piece new, or any combo as you go. You can have one palette for each season, or use the same basic colors with a different accent for different seasons.

A Note about Shoes:

I suggest that you take only 3 pairs of shoes, including the ones you wear on the airplane. One pair should be walking shoes or sandals (depending on season). The other pair should be a pair that is versatile enough to walk on most urban terrain, cobblestones, cement, or gravel. A comfortable pair of flats in your neutral base color or in one of your color pops should be good. The last pair should be either tennies, low heeled boots or heels (if you wear them). Stay away from spiky heels. Go for block heeled, as they are easier to walk in on uneven streets. My third pair is usually a low or platformed/block-heeled sandal open toe or closed depending on the state of my pedicure and ankle boots in colder weather :) I do have some comfortable multifunctional shoes that I bring for spring and summer that I can switch to different style top and color base, which allows me to pack and wear 8 different shoes in the space of one pair.

Additional Shoe Note:

This used to be the hardest thing for me. I love shoes and I love having choices in shoes but the reality is it's so much easier carrying less stuff around that I don't feel like it's a sacrifice if I pick the right shoes for the trip.

Step 1 - Pick your core palette - If you don’t know what colors are best for you - see here for a fun way to determine what colors flatter your coloring. It’s just one site of many for this type of thing. Google for additional sites and/or for clarity :)

Option 1 - Either Black and White or Brown and Beige are good starters and many people already open a few basic pieces of one of these

Option 2 - Go through your closet and separate pieces that you are thinking of using by color. Pick 2 neutrals that you can build on. Neutrals can include black, white, gray, navy, camel, or even olive green

Step 2 - Once you have your 2 core neutral palette colors decided, add your favorite 1 additional color, for example, something that contrasts or pops like pink, burgundy, rust, mustard or emerald green etc. Make sure you stay cool or warm depending on your coloring.

Step 3 - Don’t forget your blue jeans or jean skirts/jackets as pieces too.

For Example, here are a couple of capsule wardrobe color combinations I use regularly.

Navy, brown and pastel pink

Olive, brown and burgundy

Cream, rust and mustard yellow

Step 4 - Now that you have your colors decided, you will decide your outfit combinations ahead of time. I find it easiest to make a chart, or the pieces and which you want to wear with what. Then count out your daily outfits. I will take a photo of this list, or add them to one of the packing apps. You can also take a snap of the outfits together so you can reference them when you are on your trip. That way. It will be simpler to put your clothes on in the morning.

A note here: Multifunctional pieces are great for your capsule wardrobe. A cute piece that can be a skirt, top or wrap is invaluable. Look for a blog post soon with my picks. An additional benefit is you can pack either another pair of shoes (if you must) or an additional favorite piece because you will have saved the room.

Step 5 - Pack!

3 comfortable, casual t-shirts or tank tops, at least one in a neutral

2 blouses for dinners, formal outings, etc.

1 light jacket or fleece

2 jeans, blue and one other color.

6 pairs of underwear

6 pairs of socks

2-3 bras (including 1 sports bra if needed; stick to smooth, skin-toned fabrics that won’t show through your tops or require delicate cleaning)

1 pair of multi-use shoes for walking and everyday use

1 pair of “nice” shoes (flats, booties, fancy sandals, etc.)

1 pair of legging

1 midi skirt, maxi skirt, or lightweight dress (if you’re traveling somewhere cold, add a pair of tear-resistant black tights)

I hope this helps. Even if you don't decide on carrying-on, I hope this has helped with selecting your wardrobe at least!

If you are curious about the destinations I plan and where I have put this into practice, see my Destinations page here. I hope this was helpful!

Valerie

valerie@wanderingstartravel.com | 650.918.7360 voice/text
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