If you often find yourself unpacking a suitcase full of clothes you didn’t actually wear after a trip, it might be time to refresh your closet with some new wardrobe staples. After all, a trendy, wear-it-once outfit can only take you so far. The items you reach for most in your carry-on will almost always be the versatile basics that can comfortably take you from early morning breakfasts at your hotel to after-dinner cocktails. When you pack timeless wardrobe staples, you’ll never run out of things to wear or places to wear them. To help get you started, I’ve rounded up a list of the 12 wardrobe essentials I never travel without.
From the perfect everyday tee to a lightweight packable jacket, these basics below are the foundation of every packing list. Whether you’re searching for the fluffiest croissant in Paris or shopping your way through Tokyo, you can effortlessly build an outfit around these hard-working clothing staples.
The perfect tee
Let’s start off with the one item I literally never travel without, whether I’m headed on a beach vacation or staying at a friend’s house for a night: the perfect T-shirt. Soft, simple tees like these from Aritzia, Buck Mason, and Vuori will last in your closet for years and have that cozy, worn-in feeling you love. If you have no idea what to wear or don’t exactly know what’s on your agenda for the day, throwing on a basic tee is a safe bet. Plus, no one will notice if you rewear a T-shirt once (or twice) on a trip.
The white button-down
The next time you’re packing your suitcase, toss in a white button-down shirt. Whether you prefer linen, silk, oversized, or slightly fitted—pack it. It can be dressed up for a business dinner with a pair of slacks, worn casually with jeans while sightseeing during the day, or thrown over your bathing suit poolside (so there’s no need to pack an additional cover-up). A crisp white button-down is always in style and instantly makes you look more put together.
The day-to-night dress
I always slip a simple dress in my suitcase, even when I’m traveling on business or to a slightly colder climate. The best travel dresses can be worn casually during the day with a pair of sneakers, dressed up for dinner with a kitten heel, and even underneath a sweater as a long skirt. These lightweight dresses do it all and more, making them well worth any room they take up in your carry-on. (Pro tip: Hang your silk dresses up in your hotel or Airbnb bathroom while you take a hot shower to de-wrinkle them in a pinch.)
The comfortable sneaker
The ultimate must-pack shoe: a pair of white sneakers. Shoes take up a lot of space in your luggage and add extra weight. To limit how many pairs you need, a go-to white sneaker is essential—wear them with jeans, activewear, or a casual dress. My favorite pairs of sneakers are ones I can wear to the airport, during a light workout, and through a full day of walking. Brands like Adidas, Allbirds, and Reebok make classic pairs that are just as comfortable as they are versatile.
The trusted denim
No packing list is complete without a trusted pair of denim. Well-made jeans from Levi’s, Madewell, and Lucky Brand are built to last—even after dozens of cycles in the washing machine. For even more versatility, we recommend a straight leg jean in a medium or dark wash without any rips or raw hem. The pairs below offer enough stretch to keep you comfortable if some walking ends up on your itinerary.
The base layer
The key to dressing for colder weather is layering vests, cardigans, or thicker jackets over a lightweight base. This will help keep you warm and comfortable without overheating. A solid-colored long-sleeve shirt or a cashmere sweater are great options that aren’t too bulky to pack. Whether you’re headed on a ski trip or staying in a cozy cabin upstate, these super-soft base layers have you covered.
The relaxed trouser
If you’re traveling for business, a relaxed pair of trousers will take you from meetings to lunch to the hotel bar. A polished, tailored pair can be worn with loafers, sneakers, or a kitten heel with ease. And the best part: They are so comfy! The relaxed, loose fit around the legs of a good trouser makes them easy to wear all day long. The Effortless Pant from Aritzia is one of my top picks for its smooth material, slimming silhouette, and well-made, expensive feel. I’ve been wearing them nonstop lately—they look great for the office but are versatile and comfortable enough to wear in more casual settings too.
The packable jacket
Packing a jacket can be a bit of challenge—you don’t want yours to occupy all of the space in your carry-on. Wearing your heaviest coat on the plane is a great tip to avoid packing it, but you might want a more packable jacket with you too. These travel-friendly jackets layer well over sweaters, and can be folded up tightly to maximize suitcase space. FP Movement’s Pippa puffer is my go-to year-round for most trips—it’s incredibly lightweight and surprisingly warm. I’ve brought this with me to the Catskills, Vermont, and even Cape May.
The elevated shoe
When I’m tight on packing space, I try to cut back on footwear as it tends to be some of the heaviest items in my suitcase and one of the easiest to rewear. I try to pick just one elevated shoe to rely on for outfits when a sneaker is too casual. A sleek black boot will usually do the trick to help dress up an outfit without sacrificing comfort. If I want something slightly more elegant that I can wear with different types of dresses, I’ll pack one pair of kitten heels. These styles are low to the ground (no blisters here), but still look stylish enough to pair with formalwear.
The trench coat
The trench coat is an effortlessly chic wardrobe staple that we love for chilly or rainy cities like London or New York. You don’t have to worry about it going out of style and it’s easy to transition from daytime to night. Toss yours on over a hoodie on the plane for a cool airport look while also saving yourself from packing it.
The ballet flat
A ballet flat is a staple in every traveler’s closet. It might not be known as the most supportive walking shoe, but these options from M.Gemi, Margaux, Franco Sarto, and Rothy’s are surprisingly comfortable. I love how easy a ballet flat is to pack, and how it saves my tired feet for evenings when I don’t want to slip on a heel. Elegant and stylish, a fun flat is an easy way to add some color or texture to a simple outfit.
The shoulder bag
Purses and bags are another essential that can be tricky to pack. I try to pack one white, black, or beige shoulder bag that matches everything and can travel with me from morning to night. These timeless leather bags from Coach and Cuyana hold just enough of the essentials for a day in the city, but are still small enough to carry on your shoulder to dinner and dancing.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
