3 Celebrity Stylists on the Worst Carry-On Packing Mistakes

carryon-packing-travel-tips-281345-1563469586674-main

(Image credit: @trustmebuythis)

There are two kinds of people in the world—those who solely travel with carry-ons and those who never do. Personally, I'm more of a grab the largest suitcase you own no matter how long the trip is kind of a gal myself, but after giving it some thought, I realized I was only packing that way because I was not educated enough in the art of packing a carry-on suitcase. Every time I tried to limit myself to one carry-on, I failed. It wasn't just what I was packing, it was how I was packing it, and a bunch of other crucial errors that were pointed out to me by a few of my favorite celebrity stylists. 

If there's anyone in this world who knows the ins and outs of travel, it's celebrities and their stylists. Most of the time, these dynamic duos travel across the country for a one-day shoot or an evening event just to head back home moments later. In other words, they are pretty much the queens of packing solely in carry-on suitcases and I was determined to snag some tips from the experts. Ahead, you'll hear from 3 of my go-to celebrity stylists on the worst carry-on packing mistakes one can make plus a few of their under-the-radar tips. 

carry-on-packing-travel-tips-281345-1674512067757-image

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Britt Theodora

Mistakes:

1. Packing non-versatile pieces. 

"I always pack things that I can wear for different occasions. It sounds crazy but my client Sherrie Silver and I are traveling together right now in Australia and she wore her silk pajama top out to dinner last night! Pieces like this are awesome for versatility. I love anything from Lunya for this." 

2. Not checking the weather. 

"Always check the weather before a trip. This is so important. If it’s chilly somewhere I am going, I always pack a cashmere sweater to layer under a leather jacket or sweatshirt. If it’s warmer, I love packing a singlet (what my Australian clients call tanks). I love a bodysuit tank from Otherwise Topless."

3. Being messy and unorganized.

"My last tip is that organization is key. I am obsessed with Dagne Dovers travel bags. They are lightweight and so durable. I pack every client with a Dagne bag for wardrobe supplies, jewelry storage, and toiletries!"

Tips:

1. Slip in a dryer sheet.

"To keep your clothes feeling and smelling fresh in a carry-on, slip a dryer sheet in your suitcase!"

2. Use duster bags. 

"Reuse shoe duster bags for underwear, bathing suits, socks, and jammies! This helps keep things organized and clean."

Shop her picks:

Emily Sanchez

Mistakes:

1. Thinking you won't have to check your bag.

"Ever been really proud of your carry-on packing job only to be forced to check it before boarding? I keep a stowaway bag (that can be a personal item) handy to stow all my in-flight essentials and anything I need to keep my eyes on for my clients."

2. Not transferring products to travel containers. 

"I’m all about travel-size products. One because I love trying new beauty products and two because the idea of transferring my full-size products into plastic travel containers sounds like a messy, wasteful endeavor. I can’t fathom wasting product! Instead, I shop for minis and travel sizes from brands I use and trust." 

3. Wasting space. 

"I pack for shoots, fittings, and for clients for a living and one of the biggest errors is not utilizing dead space when packing. A T-shirt, undergarments, or socks can easily be stuffed in a or around a pair of shoes. It’s key to take advantage of every inch of that carry-on! Packing cubes are also essential to organizing by item and keeping wasted space to a minimum." 

Tips:

1. Buy mini-size products. 

"I shop for mini versions of my favorite products at Sephora online, but I also just popped into the Fresh store and got a bunch of mini-size products and samples with my purchase. All under three ounces., compact enough for TSA, and perfect to travel and try."

2. Bring a fold-up bag. 

"A stowaway bag is key for last-minute checks and for any overflow you may have on the return trip. Longchamp makes many great options with different handle lengths that fold up compact, Paravel has a sportier option with its own pouch, and I never travel without an LL Bean boat and tote that folds up flat."

3. Put your jewelry in a pouch. 

"I send my clients all over the world with this handy little jewelry pouch! It keeps your precious pieces tangle free, organized, and in one place so you can throw into your hotel safe and not worry!" 

Shop her picks:

Alyssa Sutter

Mistakes:

1. Packing all large items in your suitcase. 

"Instead of packing bulkier items such as jackets and knits, it is always best to wear them on your flight. It will give you extra packing space and keep you warm on a chilly flight! Plus it is always a good idea to pack layers."

2. Forgetting to pack an extra outfit. 

"I recently started packing a back-up outfit for emergencies and the dreaded moment of the flight attendant asking you to check your carry-on."

3. Make sure all your clothing can be mixed and matched. 

"The best way to fit all of your clothing into a carry-on is to make sure all of the items can be reworked for multiple outfits."

Tips:

1. Roll everything. 

"Roll up or fold everything vertically to help maximize luggage space."

2. Use a hat clip.

"Use a hat clip! Instead of trying to fit a hat into your bag or wearing multiple on your head during your flight, a hat clip holds your hats in place on your carry-on."

Shop her picks:

Shop suitcases we love:

Next, the #1 It bag of 2023 is already here thanks to Louis Vuitton

Explore More:
Editorial Director

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.