J.Crew pink shirt | Cashmere sweater over shoulders | White denim skirt | Raffia clutch | Gold Zara sandals
15 Days in a Carry-On: The Summer Vacation Capsule
A few summers ago, my middle son Jack and I went on a 15 day trip to London and Italy. It was just after he graduated from Oregon State University, and I welcomed the one-on-one time with him. Heathrow was in the news for record lost luggage at the time, and I wasn’t about to take any chances. So, I managed to fit everything into a carry-on — crazy, I know 😳 It was tricky, but with good compression cubes and a little outfit planning, it really did work out well. Fast forward to this summer, with my youngest also graduating from Oregon State and a family trip coming up … this packing topic is on my mind all over again!
Today’s post is all about packing for a two-week summer trip … in a carry-on. Whether you’re headed to Europe or anywhere warm this season, this is for you. You’ll want to include versatile staples that can each be styled multiple ways. I’m also sharing a few faves from my recent vacation post, as well as outfit ideas and tips for fitting it all into one smaller suitcase. And remember, packing light doesn’t have to mean packing boring. Have fun with it!
P.S. I started a Substack with my daughter Emily called Susie & Em Unfiltered. We’re covering wishlist-worthy finds, hotel recs, trends worth knowing about, and what it’s really like to work and travel together. Think different decades, same taste, zero filter. Check out our recent post the May Edit, and subscribe here if you like it!
Dreaming About a Sunny Vacation
Amalfi Coast, Italy
15 Day Packing List
No matter where you’re vacationing this summer, every great wardrobe capsule starts with the basics. Below are the foundation summer pieces I’m recommending right now, plus the fun ones that take it all to the next level.
Left: Vince polo | Lodge pants | Sandals | White bag | Top row: Denim jacket | Pink skirt | Denim dress | White tank | Lodge pants
Row 2: Farm Rio dress | Lace coverup | Swimsuit | Green sweater | Skirt | Row 3: Pink vest | Travel jeans | Denim skirt | Midi dress
Discount codes: Frame denim – SUSIE15 | Rag & Bone – SUSIE20 | Cinq a Sept – SUSIE15
Summer Dresses
Left: Farm Rio dress | Jacket | Raffia bag | Earrings | Sandals | Right: Sweater | Dress | Sandals | Earrings | YSL bag
Dresses: Talk about the easiest pieces to pack! I always throw in several extra since I tend to check my luggage. I also think they’re one of the easiest pieces to wear in hot weather. Some favorites include anything by Farm Rio, and classic linen dresses by Quince. Check out this post for more Quince ideas.
Summer Skirts
Left: Sweater tank | Skirt | Sandals | Hat | Earrings | Clutch | Right: Pink vest & skirt | Basket bag | Sandals | Earrings
Skirts: Longer midi-style skirts are trending this season. You might consider a printed one like this red Farm Rio, or a simple white one like this or this. I’m certain you’ll wear it all the time!
Beachy Outfits
Left: Lace cover up | Pink swimsuit | Sandals | Raffia clutch | Right: Farm Rio coverup | Milly swimsuit | Raffia tote | Sandals
Super Comfy Travel Outfit
Button up | Travel jeans | Sweater over shoulders | Luggage | Raffia tote | Sandals
This travel set is super comfy, and perfect for a long day of travel!
Thank you for reading xx
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