From the archives. Originally published in 2019.
I’ve got my fall packing down to a science. Rotating a few pairs of jeans for day and switching to black for the evening is a formula that’s worked well for me. I bring tees, knitwear, and shirts that are good layered or on their own. Coats and scarves are the best places to add variety so I like to have several for lots of styling options. I can put together tons of looks from the pieces above that are versions of my uniform at home. Using a fall color palette with a heavy dose of camel and black makes for easy mixing and matching. I’d add a couple of plain tees, gloves, hats and maybe a pair of sneakers, but that’s about it. Using my packing system of a carry-on and tote, I’ll still have enough space in my suitcase to bring home new purchases from my travels.
DAYTIME
I’ll switch between dark, light and grey jeans for day and top with a jacket, sweater or blouse that’s weather appropriate. Lug sole boots will keep me comfortable for hours of walking but I could swap them out for sneakers if needed.
NIGHTTIME
For casual dinners, I’ll switch to a leather (real or faux) legging or skirt and pair with a polished loafer or chunky heeled boot. I’ll bring one or two shirts that have a vibe appropriate for dinners, or I’ll just wear a thin black knit for a monochromatic look.
COATS & JACKETS
I like to have a variety of coats and jackets, so along with the required piece (trench or puffer) to get me through any inclement weather, I’ll pack a slim blazer and a patterned jacket to switch things up. If I know I’m going somewhere very chilly, a down vest would also make the cut and take up little to no space in the suitcase.
TOPS
Tops consist of mostly fine knit sweaters with perhaps one chunky option in the mix. Tees in a number of sleeve lengths will be rotated and worn as a base layer or on their own.
SCARVES
Scarves are key to keeping the looks fresh. I always bring at least three in varying weights. You’ll always find an oversized cashmere travel wrap in my tote for the flight. It’s one of the indispensable items I never leave home without.
MORE POSTS ON PACKING…
PACKING A CARRY-ON FOR A WEEK IN COLD WEATHER
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Denise
Love your packing lists! Certainly, all that is needed for one week or one month of travelling.
What are the weight limits for US international and domestic flights? Recently for a one month North Europe Autumn trip, my checked luggage weighed between 14 kg and 19 kg (return trip 😬) and it was pretty similar to above. There is a 14 kg limit (2 bags neither over 7 kg) for business class where I was travelling to and from, so intrigued by how you get it all in! Ditch the toiletries?
Karima
Wow. That is very low, especially for business class. What airline? I usually fly British Airways in Europe and American for domestic flights. For business class, they allow 2 bags at 23kg/50lb each and I’ve never had a problem.
Denise
Singapore Airlines out of Australia.
Anyway, your packing list is fabulous and a great guide, as is your blog. Does not matter if it is in a carry on bag or checked luggage.
Often, flying out of Australia involves a connecting flight which is not so conducive to carry on luggage, you have cart it around the airport/lounge waiting for the next flight.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your American readers.
Cindy
New to your blog and loving your style! I, too, almost always use carry-on. Some of these capsules have a LOT of stuff. What suitcase do you use?
Thanks!
Karima
Thanks! I use a Tumi carry-on, but really it’s all about the tote.
Cindy
Ok! So what tote do you use??😊
Karima
Here you go…It’s in this post: THE KEY TO CARRY ON