Mastering Travel with Just a Carry-On
Travelling with just a carry-on can feel like a challenge at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s liberating!
Everything changed for me when a fun trip to New York turned into an absolute nightmare. As a fashion lover and designer, I always bring pieces I’ve created myself. There's something incredibly satisfying about strutting through a new city in my own designs—it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it! But during this trip, disaster struck. My suitcase was nowhere to be found. It never made it to New York with us, it went on an adventure to another city…
I wanted to cry. I had every outfit meticulously planned, and one major piece was a stunning blazer and skirt combo I designed and made myself for a night at the theater to see Sarah Jessica Parker in Plaza Hotel. I was absolutely devastated. I knew there was nothing to be done, so of course, I went on a shopping spree! Yay for me, not so much for my husband🙄. Thankfully, the credit card we used to book the flights had great insurance, and we were able to get all the money I spent on the shopping spree back. So, silver lining? At least my wardrobe was revamped... just a little sooner than expected! Remember, there is ALWAYS a silver lining!!!
They say the key is packing smart and efficient. Start with versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched easily—think neutral colors and layers for different weather conditions. Opt for lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that won’t take up too much space. Roll your clothes or lay flat instead of folding them to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Yes, I agree with all of this and I do sometimes use these tactics…but as a creative who decides what to wear day of based on how she feels inside, how the heck am I supposed to do that? I am also a woman, so one day I can wake up feeling bloated and yuck after the flight or late night pasta & wine. I need comfort but I want to look cute too, I’ve only got a week here!
Oh, and let’s not forget for the fact that there are different times of year when one travels and sweaters and thick jeans take up the entire 22" x 14" x 9" of the carry-on allowance. I did my honey-moon of 2 weeks in Europe, in 4 different cities, in a carry-on but that was August! Everything was tiny and light. Don’t get me wrong, I did have to check my suitcase + bring back an extra bag on the way back from all the shopping…But who cares about the way back? As long as you have that Airtag (perfect for travel in case you DO have to check your bag) and the trip is done and you’re heading home.
OK, enough with the complaining and sob stories. Let’s get to why you’re really reading this…
Here’s the scenario. You land in Europe. It’s 10-13 degrees, so not super warm not super cold but just the “perfect” weather for walking around, looking chic and cozy in your cashmeres... You want to be stylish, because let’s be real, it’s Europe and you not only want to kind of blend in but you want to snap some cute outfit photos. Well, one awesome thing I do is, I wear all the heavy things to the airport…and back… You look a little insane but kind of hobo chic. Vraiement chic, almost like Carrie on New Years.
On my recent trip, I opted for oversized wide-leg jeans, a simple white tee, a denim dress shirt, and topped it all off with an oversized blazer. For footwear, I went with beige suede kitten heel boots. Heels at the airport? Unheard of these days, right? I also wore two coats: my black oversized wool coat and another stylish, oversized leather coat draped over my shoulders. Sure, in a perfect world, I'd be lounging in my Birkenstock slippers, hoodie, and leggings, but I live by a quote: "Beauty is pain, babe, and let's save money."
I won’t lie—at first, I was burning up, running through terminals and constantly shedding and putting on layers at security. (The looks I got from security while I made small talk...I wish it had been recorded, haha.) Finally, sweating and overwhelmed, I made it into the plane, but as always, the plane was freezing, so my coat and blazer kept me warm, while the rest of my outfit turned into makeshift pillows and blankets. When I finally sat down, I kicked off my boots and curled up in my seat like a cozy curled up cat. And then, I was good.
Now, let's talk about packing that carry-on...
Undergarments for each day, +2 days: undies, 1 nude bra (goes with everything even if it’s something black, 1 comfy sports bra, and 1 sexy one.
2 white tees, 1 black tee, and 2 tanks.
1 pair of blue denim jeans (that you may wear to the airport to save room), 1 pair of black denim, or ideally, a pair of black wide-leg slacks (easier to pack and versatile enough to dress up or down).
1 satin skirt—perfect for both casual and dressy looks. I've even worn mine as a tube dress, pinned in the back.
1-3 dresses (one casual and one for evening, depending on the weather) + a comfy one that can we worn casual or not.
1 blazer (black is always a safe choice). I’ve even worn mine as a dress for a night out.
1 cardigan (either cream or black). I once wore mine upside down, with the buttons at the back and off one shoulder—super chic and effortlessly sexy.
1 shawl or long scarf that you can throw on stylishly.
1 bathing suit (trust me, even if it's not a resort vacay—my husband and I once randomly went to a rooftop pool in NYC).
1 pair of linen shorts and 1 pair of denim shorts (perfect for summer).
Shoes: This is always the trickiest part for me. Summer makes it easier: 1 pair of heels, 1 pair of running shoes, 1 casual sandal, and 1 fancy sandal. I used to overpack shoes, but you don't need five pairs of heels! Especially when you're walking a lot. Pack your comfiest pair of heels (and make sure to break them in before the trip). All shoes give blisters!
If you're staying at an Airbnb, there's a good chance you'll have access to a washing machine. But if not—and you’re feeling a bit “adventurous”—just grab some Tide Travel Sink Packets (Amazon, obviously). You can easily hand-wash your essentials and hang them to dry, saving you space in your luggage. It’s a great trick for squeezing in a few more outfits! Sometimes, I bring my favorite comfy black and white t-shirts, and if I want to wear them again, I’ll do a quick wash, and they’re ready to go the next day. No, it’s not the 1800s—we’re just smart travelers!
Your “personal item” bag is a game-changer. It holds way more than you'd think and can be surprisingly flexible with its size. That under-seat area? You can stuff it pretty well! I found an awesome duffle bag that fits perfectly under the seat. It's not the most stylish, but it’s incredibly light, holds a ton, and can fold up into a small disc pouch. Plus, it only cost $30—such a steal! Who cares what you look like at the airport. It’s the destination that matters in the end!
I sometimes will actually put 2 pairs of shoes in there! Don’t bring more than 1 book, you won’t read it. Bring a small notebook (for your sketches or notes & thoughts). I actually always buy a cute little notebook wherever I travel. It’s a nice thing to bring back :) All your bathroom goodies go in there too. Don’t overpack on makeup. Bring necessities. 2 lipsticks is enough. A nice red or pink & an everyday shimmery one. If the destination is a warm spot, you likely won’t need that concealers, foundations, powders, and you for sure won’t need the full sizes. So grab those mini containers and fill them up enough for the days you’re away. Depending where you’re going, you can buy little shampoos and hair stuff while there. Extra space saved :)
Accessories. My god, the things you can do with accessories! SCARVES. They’re a hot trend right now and there are SO many ways you can wear them—your whole outfit can feel brand new just by switching up how you style it. And the best part? They SAVE ROOM. Instead of packing multiple outfits, you can use scarves to elevate your look with minimal effort. They can be worn around your neck, as a headband, or even tied to your bag for a pop of color. You get all the style without the extra bulk—talk about a travel hack!
Travelling anywhere with just a carry-on is the ultimate game-changer. Not only does it save you time at the airport—no waiting at baggage claim or worrying about lost luggage—but it forces you to be more intentional about what you pack. With a little creativity and smart choices, you can fit everything you need for any trip into that small, streamlined bag. Plus, you get the freedom to move around with ease, whether you're hopping on a train, navigating cobblestone streets, or catching a last-minute flight. It's not just about packing light; it's about making the most of your travel experience without the hassle. Once you embrace the carry-on life, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled any other way! Trust me, I know ;)
Mwah!
Christina