Since the start of this year, I’ve been in and out of airports every few weeks. The frequency with which I’ve picked out clothes, shoes, and accessories for my various trips—to France, Mexico, and Napa Valley—has honed my packing skills to an expert level, allowing me to pack two weeks’ worth of outfits into a carry-on in a matter of minutes. Here, I’m sharing some wardrobe staples that make the process easy, like ultra-versatile button-downs and lightweight, cushioned sandals that I can walk in all day.
Whether you’re heading to Europe or planning a beachy spring break with friends, you’ll want to be able to rely on effortlessly pulled-together styles like a two-piece set or a soft and stretchy dress that’s fit for any occasion. Read on for my spring travel essentials that make the most of your carry-on space, with styles starting at just $15 at Amazon.
Best Carry-on Travel Staples
A two-piece set is the holy grail of travel outfits—it takes the guesswork out of getting dressed, providing a complete, polished outfit in a matter of seconds. Sets like the Anrabess 2-piece Linen Matching Set are particularly great for warmer weather and busy travel days, thanks to the lightweight and breathable fabric and the breezy, relaxed silhouette. Pair the two pieces together for a casual day-to-night look, or wear the chic square-neck top with a skirt and strappy sandals for an evening of wandering between wine bars on your next Italian getaway.
I practically live in satin skirts, and the Zeagoo High-waisted Midi Satin Skirt strikes the perfect balance between fitted and flowy. The silky material hugs your curves without feeling clingy and flares out for a slight A-line look that creates an ultra-flattering silhouette. Pair this with a tank top or a cropped sweater and sneakers for a casual sightseeing look, or dress it up with heels for an evening-ready vibe. Best of all, it comes in a whopping 34 colors and patterns, from springy florals to of-the-moment polka dots.
My best friend has traveled with the Franco Sarto Loran Slide Sandals to at least 10 countries over the past four years, and is just now buying a replacement pair. They’re remarkably durable for how delicate they look, and I’d go so far as to say they might be the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn—I borrow them every chance I get. They’re incredibly supple, and the padded footbed is comfortable enough to tackle the cobblestone streets of Palermo or the slick hillsides of Lisbon for hours at a time. These are the shoes you reach for when you know you won’t be back to the hotel before dinner, as the low heel is the perfect height for everyday wear. The soft, supple, responsibly-sourced leather also folds flat, making them a perfect carry-on companion.
Stretchy at the waist and structured throughout, the Grapent Wide-leg High-waisted Pants are one of the most versatile items in my wardrobe. They’re breathable, flowy, feature two deep front pockets, and are easy to dress up or down for any occasion. I own similar versions from Reformation, Everlane, and Spanx, and while I recommend them all, these are a fantastic alternative for under $40—plus, they come in 10 different colors. At such a low price point, I’d add the black and the khaki to my cart for maximum outfit options.
Boat-neck tank tops have become a staple in my spring travel wardrobe for their flattering neckline, which is more elegant and versatile than the spaghetti straps I’ve packed in the past. The Darong High-neck Tank Top is an excellent lookalike for my favorite tank top from Spanx, which I’ll wear with a silk midi skirt or high-waisted trousers based on the occasion. “It has a buttery soft texture so it’s also very comfortable,” wrote one five-star reviewer, who added, “I’ve gotten so many compliments on it!” Choose from 21 colors to suit your style—I tend to favor neutrals for easy mixing and matching. Notably, this top is double-lined, so even the white or lighter colors won’t be see-through.
When it comes to running sneakers, I’m always on the hunt for a pair that will pack down well without losing their shape. The low-profile Nike Revolution 8 Road-running Shoes feature a flexible mesh upper that makes them easy to stick in my suitcase, though I’ll often wear them to the airport given how breathable and comfortable they are. Weighing in at less than half a pound, they take up minimal suitcase space despite their cushioning. I’m partial to the classic black-and-white version, which doubles as a lifestyle shoe on long sightseeing days.
A well-made Oxford shirt is perhaps the single most versatile item you could pack for a spring trip. While the Aoudery Button-down Oxford Shirt comes in 16 gorgeous colors, I’d suggest opting for classics like white or light blue, which are easiest to dress up or down. Hopping on a sunset boat ride in Sicily? Throw your breezy cotton button-down over a T-shirt and jean shorts, or wear it open over your swimsuit. Afterwards, slip it over a dress or tuck it into a skirt for a dinner-ready look—the options are truly endless.
Dresses take up a significant portion of my carry-on real estate, as they’re my favorite one-and-done base for a full travel outfit. Soft and swishy designs like the Zesica Sleeveless Maxi Dress are perfect for casual daytime outings and fancy dinners alike—I’d wear it with sneakers or sandals and a sweater during the day, then dress it up with heels and some statement jewelry at night. The stretchy material hugs your curves in all the right places up top, then flares out slightly into a drapey skirt that moves beautifully as you walk.
A lightweight, packable puffer jacket is a must-have for spring trips, as it takes up minimal suitcase space while still offering notable warmth and weather protection. The Weatherproof Packable Puffer Jacket stands out for its unique design, which can fold into a neck roll that clips together to form a travel pillow when not in use. “I have used it several times on flights, and it is a practical way to manage a jacket during travel,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “It is quite warm and has been serving as my everyday jacket as well,” they added.
Keep all your skincare and haircare products within reach in the compact, thoughtfully-organized Bagsmart Toiletry Bag. This best-selling bag is a fan favorite, thanks to its double-zippered pockets and convenient hanger. “The hanging hook is a game changer—it makes it so easy to access everything without digging through my suitcase or cluttering the bathroom counter,” wrote one five-star reviewer. While it’s fairly large—at 10 inches wide, it takes up nearly half of one carry-on compartment—it folds down easily if it’s not packed full, so you can layer clothes and other items below or above it. Its size is great because you can also pack full-sized favorites for occasions when you’re checking a bag.
Part of the secret to fitting so much in a carry-on is making the most of your personal item. I love wide, flexible bags like the Hoxis Oversize PU Leather Tote, which are large enough to double as a weekender yet can pack down totally flat when not in use. Use this as a chic, versatile day bag throughout your trip and to stash extra souvenirs on the journey home. At 22 inches long, 6.5 inches wide, and 15 inches high, it has plenty of space to fit a change of clothes, a book, a water bottle, plus a pocket for sunglasses and a secure snap closure to keep everything in place.
As a frequent traveler, the number one product I recommend to friends is compression packing cubes. It looks far chicer to have everything arranged in such neat little bags, which help to keep you organized while also maximizing your carry-on space. The Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes are a killer deal at $20, as this six-piece set is designed to nest alongside each other in your suitcase. One large bag fits bulkier items like jeans or sweaters, while two medium bags and two small bags are perfect for storing shirts, skirts, delicates, and more. I love that there’s a separate shoe bag, and that the mesh design allows you to see what you’ve packed inside at a glance.
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