How to Pack for Your Fall Trip in a Carry-On
Nine travel-friendly styles. 30+ possible outfit combinations.
If you’d asked me a decade ago, I never would have predicted that I’d become a frequent business traveler. But for the past few years, I’ve been making the journey from Austin to New York to visit the M.M. office about every other month. If you travel for work, you know that it can be tiring and disruptive at times—but I’ve also found that it has some positive side effects. For one: I’ve become an incredibly efficient packer.
I’ve shared my go-to packing list formula on the M Dash several times before, and since our readers find it so helpful, I like to publish seasonal updates with fresh outfits. Here’s the formula:
And here are the criteria for the styles I include in my suitcase:
- Everything is wrinkle-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about ironing or steaming on the road.
- Each item fits into a cohesive color palette, so you can mix and match to maximize your outfit options.
- All the pieces are extremely comfortable—easy, soft, and stretchy enough that you won’t feel restricted.
For this fall’s packing list, I’ve decided to focus on office-ready outfits, so the footwear I’ve selected is on the formal side. However, you easily swap in sneakers with many of these outfits for a casual day. Below, find 30 outfits you can create with this packing list.
Shop all the looks from this story here.
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After months of customer requests, the Lauleh dress is finally back in stock! Cut from machine-washable and wrinkle-resistant Everyday Crepe, it’s designed specifically for travel but also ideal for everyday wear. I especially like it with the belt from the Grenville jacket for a fun pop of red.
If you’ve read The M Dash before, it’s no secret that I love the Milo jeans. But what you may not know is that these pants are my #1 go-to for travel. Most importantly, they’re stretchy, easy-care, and don’t wrinkle. But even better is the fact that they can look like jeans or trousers depending on how you style them—perfect for trips where I have a packed itinerary but limited suitcase space.
For a red dress, the Maude is surprisingly versatile. You can wear it on its own to show off the waist belt and contrast stitching; drape the Kit sweater over your shoulders for a preppy twist; add a blazer like the Janette or Grenville for a more formal look; or layer in the Axam turtleneck for extra warmth and a pop of pattern.
Speaking of the Axam turtleneck, this is one of those styles I truly believe everyone should try (I personally own it in at least four colors). It’s fitted for easy tucking and layering, but not skin-tight, making it a comfortable staple that always looks good. I especially love it in our kaleidoscope print, which livens up your look without feeling over-the-top.
Since I’ve already gushed about the Milo jeans, let me tell you about the Crimmins top. This tank is everyday luxury, epitomized. Its cut is simple, so you can wear it with anything, but the cotton-silk knit feels like wearing a happy cloud, and the pointelle detailing infuses your outfit with thoughtfulness. I love it with the Kit sweater tied around my shoulders for a knit-on-knit look, but it also pairs beautifully with the Janette and Grenville jackets.
Much like the Crimmins top, the Kit sweater takes a simple idea and elevates it with superior quality and thoughtful details. My favorite thing about it is the white contrast stitching at the neckline, which gives you a chic, layered look with zero effort.
I love pairing the Axam turtleneck in kaleidoscope print with the Milo jeans in black for a slightly peppier take on an all-black outfit. Because the print contains so many different colors, you can wear it with a wide range of other neutrals, depending on which shade you want to emphasize.
You can’t go wrong with wide-leg jeans, a sleek knit pullover, and a boxy blazer. In these outfits, I wore the Kit sweater untucked, but you can also do a half-tuck in the front if you prefer (scroll up to see an example). Super put-together, yet surprisingly cozy, this is just the thing to wear on the plane.
Shop all the looks from this story here.
