The ideal travel capsule wardrobe isn’t a hypothetical; it’s a necessity. As a full-time fashion and travel writer, I’ve had to prepare my suitcase for a flight no less than twelve times this year. (And that’s not even counting the two additional trips I have planned before 2026 rolls around!) All this packing has made me a reluctant expert on the process of filling my bag, as I frequently need to make fast decisions that won’t come back to bite me. Especially not in a far-flung destination with little-to-no emergency shopping options available.
My saving grace? Having a few foolproof basics on hand that I can use for multiple types of excursions—and also mix-and-match with other, more location-specific items. Sometimes I’ll need to bring all of them; other occasions call for just one or two of my go-tos. In general, though, I’ve found each key piece serves a singularly important purpose in my travel capsule wardrobe, so even if I only use something once every few months, it’s worth keeping around. Ahead, shop a rundown of my essentials.
My travel essentials, at a glance
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Rag & Bone Miramar Fleece Pull-On Pants
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Free People Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket
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Keds Champion Originals Leather Sneakers
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Tory Burch Small Romy Shoulder Bag
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1. The relaxed jeans
I know, I know: Most airplane outfit guides are going to suggest you make your flight in leggings or chic sweats. But I personally have always found baggy denim to serve the same purpose. It’s warmer, and I look more pulled-together when I reach my destination. It also saves a bit of room in my luggage, as it’s something I almost always wear again throughout my stay. I’m fine with regular old wide-leg jeans, but if you’re really adverse to the idea, try easing into the look with Rag & Bone’s incredibly popular trompe d’oeil Miramar pants, which are essentially sweatpants disguised as real jeans.
2. The boxy white tee
In my opinion, everyone needs a simple white tee for traveling; my top choice happens to be fitted and ever-so-slightly cropped. This makes it perfect for placing under other pieces, but still really cute on its own. I like how the silhouette keeps a nice, structured shape over a skirt or pair of trousers. Plus, it doesn’t need to be tucked, which can throw another wrinkle into outfit planning I often don’t want to deal with.
3. The fitted cardigan
The beauty of a button-front knit, versus a pullover style, is that it works as both a light jacket over a tee and as a top all on its own. This is also something you can wear on your flight—planes are always colder than you think they’ll be—and then reuse throughout the duration of your stay. Again, I prefer a shrunken cardigan, as it’s easier to wear; longer pieces require more strategizing around the proportions of what goes underneath.
4. The wear-with-anything flats
My first choice here would be ballet flats or loafers, since both are very easy to walk in and look more polished—and less touristy—than trainers. However, if you must do a sneaker, my advice is to pick one with some verve, like a dance-inspired lace-up. (But you have some hardcore hiking planned, by all means break out the New Balances!)
5. The day-to-night shoulder bag
Unless you’re on a business trip, you really don’t need to be hauling around a giant tote bag. (Plus, if you wind up needing one, it’s something most hotels and resorts automatically provide in-room.) Instead, go for a midsize shoulder strap purse that comfortably fits all your daytime must-haves, but is small and sophisticated enough that it’ll work for an evening out as well.
6. The throw-over-everything jacket
Remember the boxy white tees and hits-at-the-hips cardigans higher up on this list? These jackets will beautifully layer right over both, should you need a more bundled-up look. Moreover, they’ll also go wonderfully with the dresses I’m about to call out below. In short, this is all outerwear that—as billed!—you can mindlessly toss atop every combination of garments and just know the effect will come off as cool.
7. The weekender duffel
This item serves dual purposes: first, as my main luggage for quick local jaunts; second, as an additional carry-on bag for longer journeys with a checked suitcase. Take it from someone who’s been stuck abroad because of a missed connecting flight: You always want a Dopp kit and a change of clothes close at hand just in case something goes awry with your plans (and, in turn, luggage). My favorite designs are the ones that are roomy but not so big they’ll hurt my shoulders, with lots of hidden pockets.
8. The sneaky-soft trousers
Much like the loose jeans I mentioned above, a good pair of ponte or rib-knit pants go straight from a long air commute to a busy schedule when you land. Some of them are even elegant enough to dress up for meals out with heels and an elevated top. Generally, though, these are essential if you have a lot of walking on your itinerary. This is because they’re made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics that are easy to move in and hold their shape, so they always look good in pictures.
9. The special-occasion dress
Even if you’re heading somewhere super-casual, there’s likely to be at least one night you’ll want to put some extra effort into. There are two schools of thought you can follow: Either go for something memorably one-of-a-kind that’ll make a big splash (think bright colors and statement patterns) or, conversely, pick a more classic piece you can use as a blank canvas for more dramatic accessories.
10. The versatile heels
By way of boots or pumps, a pair of heels is important to have when a photo-ready moment pops up. Depending on what type of trip you’re taking, though, it can be helpful to have a comfortable pair around to swap in for flats with an outfit before dinner or a show. For the most part, you won’t need these for outdoorsy travel, but they’re key in city environments, especially if you’re there for work.
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