Travel·10 min read

Our Official Guide To Not Overpacking

Our Official Guide To Not Overpacking
Design: theSkimm | Images: Free People, DSW, Quince, Anthropologie
September 11, 2026

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Not to state the obvious, but traveling is expensive. Between flights, accommodations, and dining out every night, you have enough to worry about without adding overweight bag fees. To help keep the stress at bay, we’ve selected our favorite clothes and accessories that can be mixed, matched, and rearranged over and over again for countless looks. 

For more affordable, stylish outfit ideas, click here.

Quince 100% Washable Silk Maxi Slip Dress

Quince

100% Washable Silk Maxi Slip Dress

A washable silk maxi dress…

We wouldn’t tell you to pack silk if you couldn’t throw it into your Airbnb’s washing machine when needed. This gorgeous slip dress is made with 100% washable mulberry silk that has just the right amount of sheen. It’ll take up virtually zero room in your suitcase, so don’t be afraid to grab a few different colors. Top it off with a blazer and kitten heels for dinner. 

Ana Luisa Giulia Large Hoop Earrings

Ana Luisa

Giulia Large Hoop Earrings

Hoops you can wear with anything…

A good hoop will never steer you wrong — it’ll instantly elevate everything from your T-shirt to your going-out top. We love these from Ana Luisa for their water-resistant and hypoallergenic materials and perfect size. 

A&F A-Line Removable Scarf Trench Coat

Abercrombie & Fitch

A-Line Removable Scarf Trench Coat

A multiway trench jacket…

If you’re going to pack a jacket, make sure it's multipurpose. Meaning it can be worn during the day, at night, or even in the rain. This Abercrombie trench is almost its own outfit, thanks to the adorable (and removable) printed scarf detail. It’s machine-washable and comes in four neutral colors. 

Anthropologie Sunday in Brooklyn Batwing Button-down Shirt

Sunday in Brooklyn

Batwing Button-Down Shirt

A chic oversized button-down…

You can wear this roomy button-down over a bathing suit, tucked into jeans, tied over a maxi dress, or as a tunic over leggings when you travel. Basically, whenever you want to look put-together without too much effort. 

Artizan Joyeria I Do Layered Necklace Set

Artizan Joyeria

I Do Layered Necklace Set

A layered necklace set with mixed metals…

Investing in a layered set is one of our go-to packing hacks. The four delicate chains in this set can be worn together, or separately for a minimalist vibe. We love that it uses a mix of gold, silver, and faux diamonds, so you’re free to pair with any other jewelry in your collection. 

Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes

Adidas

Taekwondo Mei Shoes

A ballet flat that feels like a sneaker…

Behold: one of our favorite shoes of 2026. These flats have the support and durability you’d expect of Adidas, but the lace-up, ballet-inspired silhouette gives them a fashion-person edge. They come in eye-catching prints and colors, and we love that you can easily switch out the laces depending on your vibe. 

Free People We The Free Breezy Denim Pull-On Jeans

We The Free

Breezy Denim Pull-On Jeans

Comfortable pull-on jeans…

Denim isn’t always the most comfortable material to travel or tour around in. That’s why we opt for pull-on, elastic styles when packing. These wide-leg “jeans” are made with a lightweight fabric and have an elastic waistband that gives them the look of jeans, but the comfort of sweatpants.

Old Navy High-Waisted PowerChill 7/8 Cotton Leggings

Old Navy

High-Waisted PowerChill 7/8 Cotton Leggings

An affordable pair of black leggings…

If it were up to us, we’d be in these 7/8 leggings all day, every day. They’re moisture-wicking and hit just above your belly button, making them a great bottom to pair with a cropped T-shirt or sweatshirt for long plane rides. 

Pashion The Miranda

Pashion

The Miranda

Convertible heels you can turn into flats…

If you’re low on luggage space and only want to bring one or two pairs of shoes, make sure to bring this editor-approved pair. Their heel attachment kits will take up minimal space in your suitcase or purse, and will take your strappy sandals or booties from flats to heels in seconds. 

Athleta Always Ready Jumpsuit

Athleta

Always Ready Jumpsuit

A jumpsuit that makes getting dressed a breeze…

A one-and-done outfit will save you both time and energy on your travels. This jumpsuit is wrinkle-resistant, which makes it easy to roll up and stuff into a bag, or wear for hours on end at the airport and on a plane. We’re especially loving the Mountain Olive color for fall. 

Old Navy Snug Crop Tank Top

Old Navy

Snug Crop Tank Top

A tank top you’ll want in every color…

Simple, snug, cropped, and under $15: This is how we like our tank tops. It comes in regular, tall, and petite sizes, as well as countless (OK, 17) different colors. 

H&M Smocked-Waist Skirt

H&M

Smocked-Waist Skirt

A printed maxi skirt that will make your entire outfit… 

A versatile capsule wardrobe should include one or two statement pieces that stand on their own. This printed maxi skirt is one of our favorites for its bold patterns and tiered silhouette. All you need is a tank and a pair of casual sneakers (or heels for night) and you’re out the door. 

Uniqlo Mini T-Shirt

Uniqlo

Mini T-Shirt

A short-sleeve T-shirt that fits just right…

Baby tee, but make it age-appropriate. We love this tee for its not-too-cropped length, soft fabric, and fitted silhouette. It’s almost impossible to make this shirt look bad, whether you pair it with jeans and sneakers, or trousers and heels.

Aldo Ovie Low Top Sneaker

Aldo

Ovie Low Top Sneaker

White sneakers you’ll reach for every day…

All-white sneakers are always in style, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on them. We love these $60 ones from Aldo. They have dual-density foam and padded insoles for peak comfort — ideal for your 10,000 steps — and they’re easy to wipe clean after a day of traveling. 

Lo & Sons Pearl Convertible Crossbody Bag

Lo & Sons

Pearl Convertible Crossbody Bag

A crossbody that fits more than you’d think…

For travel, you’ll want a crossbody that’s minimalist (to match with the majority of your looks) and roomy (to fit all of your essentials). This Lo & Sons convertible crossbody is both. It’s sleek, has tons of internal pockets to keep everything organized, and can also be worn as a wristlet or shoulder bag.

Madewell Airy Denim Relaxed Shirt-Jacket

Madewell

Airy Denim Relaxed Shirt-Jacket

A denim shirt that doubles as a light jacket…

Jackets are usually the last to go into a suitcase, which is why many of us wind up toting it around on our arms while we travel. This denim shacket isn’t just packable (thanks to its soft, malleable denim), it also makes a great casual top or second layer. 

Vuori Villa Wide-leg Pant

Vuori

Villa Wide-leg Pant

Flowy pants that could pass as officewear…

If you’re going straight to an office or a meeting after you land, we’d recommend throwing on these wide-leg pants before heading to the airport. They’re designed to feel like loose-fitted sweats, while looking like elegant, drapey work trousers.

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