The Leo pullover, Curie pants, and Briar earrings.
What to Pack for a Week-Long Trip in Any Climate
Increase your outfit options, not your baggage fees.
For most of my life, I’ve been terrible at packing. I’ve overpacked, I’ve underpacked, and I’ve forgotten key items (true story: I once showed up at my college dorm at the start of the school year only to realize I’d left my laptop, toothbrush, and pillow at home).
But today, I’m proud to report that I’ve got packing down to a science, and it’s all thanks to one foolproof formula—and a note on my phone listing all the essentials I absolutely can’t forget (yes, “toothbrush” is on there). Read on for the formula, plus a guide to adapting it for different temperatures.
The Formula
This formula works for two reasons. First, everything fits into a standard-sized carry-on with room left over for toiletries, pajamas, and undergarments. And second, it was designed to maximize versatility, allowing you to create outfits for a wide range of different formalities and situations from just a handful of items—because you never know when you might be invited to something fabulous.
The list below was made for week-long trips, but if your trip is longer or shorter, you can always add or subtract a few pieces to match your needs.
- 1 pair of lounge pants
- 1 pair of structured pants
- 3 layerable tops that pair with both bottoms
- 1 versatile dress
- 1 polished layer
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 1 pair of formal shoes
- 2 accessories
For Warm Climates
To maximize your outfit options, it helps to choose tops in a variety of cuts and colors, as well as two very different pairs of shoes. Pair the Malki top with your Hockley jeans and some elegant sandals, and you have a sleek, elevated look. But swap in the Alina T-shirt and Koio sneakers, and you’re ready for a casual afternoon. The same goes for dresses: You can wear the Dylan with sneakers, but you can also dress it up with those fancy sandals and a jardigan.
The Merritt jardigan, Malki top, Hockley jeans, Ella sandals, and Claressa earrings.
The Alina T-shirt, Hockley jeans, Koio sneakers, and Celia earrings.
The Leo pullover, Shiloh pants, Ella sandals, and Celia earrings.
The Merritt jardigan, Dylan dress, Ella sandals, and Celia earrings.
For Cold Climates
Layering is always a good idea, and that’s especially true for cold climates. When you’re heading outside, bundle up in the Axam T-shirt and Arbus sweater, plus the cashmere Keely joggers and a cozy beanie. Once you’re back by the fire (finally!), you can swap the Arbus and the beanie for some fuzzy socks. And if your trip includes activities that require more formal attire, don’t worry—everything you need is in your carry-on. Pair the Axam with the polished Milo jeans, O’Hara blazer, and Lana boots for a meeting-ready outfit. For an evening look, try the Nene dress layered under the Arbus sweater, plus some gold hoops.
The O’Hara blazer, Axam T-shirt, Milo jeans, Lana boots, and Claressa earrings.
The Arbus sweater, Nene dress, Lana boots, and Claressa earrings.
The Kristin pullover, Milo jeans, Koio sneakers, and Claressa earrings.
For In-Between Climates
One of my favorite things about this packing formula is that it allows you to rewear the same few items without anyone noticing. The key to pulling it off is to pack mostly neutral, not-too-showy pieces (think: classic jeans, a white T-shirt, a black tank top, white sneakers, easy flats), plus a few complementary items that can serve as an outfit’s focal point (a jewel-toned silk top, a woven jacket, an elegant dress). Pepper these pieces into your various looks, and you’ll be outfit repurposing—not outfit repeating.
The Lilia jacket, Toni top, Frame jeans, Koio sneakers, and Bezel necklace.
Whether your next trip is for business, pleasure, or a little bit of both (it’s a good idea to mix them…right?), this foolproof packing formula will make your wardrobe one less thing to worry about. Safe travels!
