how to pack for a casual getaway in a carry-on bag
I’m joining seven bloggers to share our travel wardrobe capsules. I’m very casual, so mine may look like something you would wear to, say, a flea market or…oh I don’t know…Trader Joe’s. I stick to pieces that I love. I never want to be that person who has to shop on a trip. I may choose to shop, but not so that I have something to wear on the trip. Too stressful. I pack with “outfits” in mind for each day, plus the travel days, but the items I choose could be swapped out with any piece and work. That’s when I know I’ll be fine. I wear basics, so big surprise…my travel wardrobe is all basics.
When I travel I choose a dark and a light pair of jeans and maybe another pair of pants that are as versatile as jeans. Add in a white, gray and black t-shirt. Depending on the season, I’ll add at least one crew neck sweater from Everlane and a striped shirt that works under a jacket or on its own.
Sweaters, jackets, and one I wish I had from Veronica Beard
A shawl type sweater is great for travel and it comes in handy if it’s chilly in your hotel room. A jean jacket in something other than blue denim works with everything in my bag. I love this one in raffia from the Gap and it comes petite, regular and tall. If there’s even the slightest chance for rain, I’ll pack a rain coat or at least a mini umbrella. I adore this jacket from Veronica Beard. It’s a very beautiful, but basic jacket with removable dickies. There are dickies that make it more casual, like a sweatshirt with a hood, a jean jacket, a cashmere hoodie or this textured dickie in metallic silver. It’s expensive at almost $750, plus another $200-$300 for each dickie, but I’m certainly considering investing in one.
add in a skirt…
Almost every piece in my bag is interchangeable. I always add a few scarves or bandanas and throw in a pair of flip flops. They are great for going down to the pool or wearing in the hotel room. I love Allbirds and Vince sneakers. I read on That’s Not My Age that flat shoes and sneakers are over. Allyson Walsh is not having it and neither am I! To quote Allyson, “Flat shoes forever!” Allbirds are my go to shoe for travel. They are designed so that you don’t have to wear socks and they are so comfortable, but you don’t necessarily feel like you are wearing an athletic shoe. My Vince sneakers are almost as comfortable and can be worn with anything! I love a pair of flats and my go to is a pair of Gucci loafers. Yes, a bit pricey, but the most comfortable shoe you’ll ever own and they dress up any outfit!
My Favorite pant for just about anything
I adore these athletic pants from Athleta. You could wear them on a hike or to a yoga class, but they are easy to wash out and they dry quickly, so they are great pants to travel in too. They can be worn with anything and adapt quite easily to any situation. Plus they are super comfortable.
A few must have essentials for travel & everyday
Away Luggage – The Bigger Carry-on
I’ve switched to carry on luggage. You only have to lose your luggage once to know that it’s probably a good idea to go with carry-on, plus domestic airlines charge extra for checking your bag. Carry-on does mean that you’ll bring less, but I think that’s a good thing. It means I’ve really considered each piece and there’s not a lot of extra. The bag I love is from Away. It’s the bigger carry-on and it fits everything I need and in the way I love to pack. I use these cubes and I always use shoe bags. I use tiny samples for makeup that the Chanel counter gives me every time I buy new products. I now save them for short trips and they are perfect. I keep all of my makeup and essential oils in my tote so I have access at all times. The Away bag has an ejectable battery. Most airlines require you to remove it and carry it into the cabin with you and where you can keep use it to charge your devices.
A few of my must have travel essentials and a few things that I never leave the house without, ever. I always use shoe bags in my luggage and totes. Electronic ties keep chargers in order and hair ties keep my hair in order…seriously though, if you have long hair, smoothie hair ties are the best! Listerine tabs are my new best friend. When you’re on an airplane, it’s like brushing your teeth without ever leaving your seat. And of course I would never leave home without my essential oils. I have my glow serum which is the only moisturizer I use, a few roller bottles with peace and calming, lavender and peppermint. When I drive to Syracuse and back in one day, I’ll take a bottle of peppermint with me and breathing that in gives me so much clarity. I also will add it to my smoothies when I’m on the road.
What are your tried and true travel tips? I’m still learning and only recently started to travel with carry-on only, so there are a lot of tips I need!
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Please make sure you check out these bloggers for their travel tips!
Classic Casual Home * Tips to Plan an Unforgettable Large Group Vacation
Mary Ann @classiccasualhome
Rough Luxe Lifestyle * How to Rock an Over 50 Travel Wardrobe
Cindy @cindyhattersley
After Orange County * How to Pack Your Suitcase Like a Pro
Celia @afterorangecounty
Curated Travel * Stylish & Savvy Travel Tips from a Travel Advisor
Heather @curatedtravel
Une Femme D’un Certain Age * Footloose: Shoes For Spring and Summer Travel
Susan @susan_unefemme
Brenda Kinsel * How to Take the Stress Out of Packing When Every Outfit Counts
cindy hattersley says
This is such a great post. You and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to packing. I certainly do not need another jean jacket but that Raffia color from Gap is calling my name! I have got to get on the Allbirds wagon so many of my readers love them as well. Can’t wait to see you soon!
Heather Lindstrom says
I’m loving your tips here, Annie! I’m a more recent convert to flats and I’m in agreement–they are NOT going away!
I’m glad to hear the Vince numbers are comfy. I’ve had my eye on those for a while now.
I admire your ability to pack only a carryon. It’s the best! I’ve nailed it for travel in the states but for international travel, I’m still working on it. It’s fun to collaborate with you and these awesome bloggers on this group post today.
Ciao!
Heather
annie diamond says
Heather, I’m sure there’s no tips I could offer YOU on anything related travel. You’re the expert! I still need to work on carry on for international travel too, but last summer we waited a couple of hours for my bag in Paris…it finally arrived in Biarritz on the last day of our trip! I’m 5’10” and wear a size 11 shoe…so not easy to shop…so I’m going to figure it out!
Brenda Kinsel says
I love your casual trip wardrobe. It’s so appealing–nothing fussy, just great clothes to “play” in. You’ve also reminded me that I need to do small trips here and there. Thanks also for the carryon tip. I know I need to take that step and appreciate your resource. I like too that you included your Gucci flats. Yes, they always perk up an outfit. Thanks for all your tips!
classic casual home says
I love your style, Annie as you always look chic! We have Away luggage. I have the small one here with me in San Diego. I want to get the bigger carry-on. Howard says you can’t carry it on the planes inside Europe (like when we go from Athens to Prague or Paris to Athens). So, I think I may have to check it then. We should all boycott a trend going away from flats!!! Also, super low rise jeans! Your t-shirt ideas are brilliant and I absolutely love that raincoat!!! This was a really good Project Design.
Mary Ann
Mary Ann Pickett says
PS> Howard loves his Allbirds too… now I do, too.
LA CONTESSA says
WELL HELLO THERE LIGHT TRAVELER!
Your clothes leave a lot of room in the luggage!THAT WOULD BE A PLUS FOR ME AS I ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING TO BUY WHEN I TRAVEL!I have NEVER heard of ALLBIRDS but I LIKE THE NAME so when I finish here back up to click over YONDER!I am happy to hear GUCCI LOAFERS are comfortable as I have a pair of CHANEL and they ARE NOT!!!
Gucci made my wedding shoes……….ONE OF A KIND!I’ll tell you about that one day!!
XX
annie diamond says
HI Elizabeth!
I actually thought of you when I wrote this post several times! You dress with so much flair and I am so boring! I cannot wait to meet you this week! One of a kind Gucci shoes for one of a kind woman…seems perfect! You will have to share that story with us!
xo
Annie
Susan B says
Great selections! Even though these are casual, they’d work for so many destinations.
Celia Becker says
Hi Annie, sorry I’m so late to comment. The internet during my cruise was virtually non-existent! So enjoyed reading your tips. I’ve been very curious about the AWAY bag, as I hear their advertisements on the radio all the time. Glad to hear your endorsement too, as they are great looking. The ones I’ve seen looked small, but nice to know they have a large size. I’m also going to get some of the electronic cord ties you mentioned. Good for you being able to pack everything you need in a carryon. I’m afraid, much to my husband’s great dismay, I will never fit into that category. Happy travels!
annie diamond says
Hi Celia!
I tried to comment on your post and it wouldn’t allow it…I have to try again. I can’t recall the issue, but there were no comments, so I suspect it was some technical issues! Your travels sounded amazing! 48 Countries and counting…I thinks that’s the number?!
xo
Annie