Carry-on: Spanx AirEssentials 1/2 zip & matching pant | Schutz sandals | Chloe tote | White tee | Foundrae necklace | Zoe Chicco necklace
How To Travel For 15 Days … With Only A Carry-On!
A couple of years ago, my middle son Jack and I went on a trip for 15 days. Jack had just graduated from Oregon State University, and two days later we were off to London and Italy! Since Heathrow had made the news with record numbers of lost luggage, I decided not to take any chances. I squished all my clothes into a carry-on 😳 It was a little tricky, but thanks to some good compression cubes and thoughtful outfit planning, it actually worked out! If you’d like to find out how to pack for a 15 day trip this summer, and fit it all into a carry-on, keep reading to see how I did it!
Today’s post is about how to pack for a 15 day trip to Europe (or anywhere you might be traveling this summer that’s warm). This includes a capital (or major city) and also a visit to a coast (in our case, the Amalfi Coast in Italy). For packing inspo, I selected versatile pieces that can each be worn several different ways, as well as a few items from my recent vacation checklist. I’m also sharing outfit ideas, and tips on how you to fit everything into one carry-on. Remember, your outfits don’t need to be boring in order to achieve this. So, have fun with it!
Full disclosure: I’m not a packing expert, and there were some things that should have stayed behind. But, that’s what happens when you pack the night before and don’t take the time to think through every outfit 😂 I’m just like many of you — figuring it out as I go! Hopefully, the tips below will help you plan for a great trip. Happy travels!
ICYMI: Get My Ultimate Vacation Packing Guide Here
Dreaming About a Sunny Vacation ☀️
St. Tropez & Italy, 2024
Hotel Review: Hôtel La Ponche, Saint-Tropez, France
Okay, What’s In the Carry-On?
Row 1: Denim dress | Polo & Short | Linen vest | Farm Rio skirt
2: Red Madewell dress | Farm Rio swim | Denim skirt | Linen pant | Caftan
Row 3: Frank & Eileen button up | J.Crew cardigan | Dot dress | TWP shirt | Paige pants
Creating this summer capsule was pretty challenging for me, since I tend to be an over-packer. After hours (I’m not joking) of considering many many pieces, here’s what ended up making the list. Not only did I make sure that every piece can be worn at least 2-3 ways, I also took the time to actually pack my bag, just to be sure! It’s full, but it works. There are more tips towards the bottom, so keep reading 🙂
Not pictured: Pajamas — these are the best | Undergarments | Tennis skirt | Tank | Airplane outfit (see below)
Shoes: Hermès sandals, similar | Schutz Victoire | Flip flops | Sneakers
Accessories: Baseball hat | Straw hat | Packable tote | Sunglasses | Inexpensive jewelry
Key Pieces/Outfit Combos
Left: Swim | Denim skirt | Navy hat | Straw bag | Sandal | Right: Linen vest | Skirt | Earrings | Sandals | Hat | Bag
Outfit ideas
Red skirt: Short sleeve cardigan, linen vest, white button up, white tank
Denim skirt: White tank, white button up, swimsuit, striped button-up
Pretty Dresses
Left: Dot dress | Cardigan | Sandals | Bag | Earrings | Right: Dress | Vest | Bag | Sandals | Bracelet
Outfit ideas
Denim dress: Wear as a cover-up, wear alone, wear with a sweater over shoulders, wear on repeat
Red dress: Short sleeved cardigan, linen vest, white button up (tied)
Pants/Tops
Left: TWP shirt | White linen pants | Tote | Sandal | Right: Fleece jacket | Polo | Tote | Navy pants | Sneakers
Outfit ideas
Linen pants: Navy striped polo, white button up, light blue tee, white tank
Navy pants: White tank, white button up, striped polo, light blue striped tee
The Very Best Travel Day Outfit
Sneakers | Frank & Eileen fleece jacket | Pink scarf | Stripe tee | Rag & Bone Miramar sweatpants-size down | Baseball hat
Can’t say enough good things about the Rag & Bone Miramar sweatpants — and they’re available in several options here
A Few Tips I’ve Learned Over the Years
#1 – The Beis Mini Weekender is the carry-on I recommend, and you can get a lot in it, plus it fits under the seat
#2 – Compression packing cubes are essential for organizing well, and they have a double zipper to help compact your items
#3 – Wear your heaviest items on the plane, like sneakers and jackets
#4 – Limit shoes to 3-4 pairs. Sandals are a little easier to pack because they’re flat
#5 – Bring a lightweight cashmere sweater for over your shoulders — it’s chic, and perfect for cooler evenings
#6 – Every item should be able to be worn at least three different ways. If not, leave it behind
#7 – Yes, I always bring white linen pants and white dresses in the summer 🙂
#8 – Throw in some laundry detergent like this pack of 5 … just in case
Thank you for reading xx
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