If My Luggage Were Lost, I'd Repurchase These 9 Basics Immediately

As someone who thinks about whether something is travel-friendly before pretty much every purchase I make, I've built up quite the arsenal of basics that I tend to pack for every trip. While I prefer not to think about losing my luggage, I was inspired by a story by Who What Wear Senior Beauty Editor Jamie Schneider to think about what I'd replace. She named the essential beauty products she'd restock if she lost her entire makeup bag, and my mind went to the wardrobe basics I'd repurchase.

Among my immediate rebuys are the polished, comfortable jeans I wear on even long flights, the socks I practically collect, and the cardigan I own in no less than five colors. I'd be lost without them (and I'm quite picky), which is a good indication that they're worth-it purchases. Scroll to shop them for yourself, and let's make a promise to just stick to carry-on luggage, shall we?

Polo Ralph Lauren Crewneck Sweatshirt

Aside from the fact that that little Polo Ralph Lauren logo is the definition of cool these days, these sweatshirts are the softest I've encountered. I also love the fit—perfectly relaxed without looking sloppy. It's pretty much my favorite thing to wear on a plane.

Agolde Valen Jeans

If I'm going to wear jeans on travel days, more often than not, it's Agolde's Valen jeans that I reach for. They're comfortable yet polished, and are the perfect length for my 5'4" height. I own them in three washes and counting.

Comme Si The Yves Socks

These socks have a cult following for a reason. The quality is high, they come in great colors, and they never bunch around the ankles. They're also the perfect thickness for wearing with sneakers and non-sneakers.

Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan

I've tried on and owned plenty of cardigans, but Reformation's Clara cardigan is the best, hands down. It's not too lightweight and not too thick, and is the perfect non-frumpy length. I pack at least one (but usually two) for every trip.

Posse Alice Mini Dress

For warm-weather trips, I highly recommend adding the Posse Alice Mini Dress to your wardrobe. It's classic and chic and can be dressed down for the day and up for the night, which means you can get repeat wears out of it over the duration of your stay.

Leset Nando Slim Fit Tee

When you're dealing with limited luggage space, you want T-shirts that can be layered or worn on their own. Leset's Nando tee checks all the boxes for me. I own it in both short-sleeve and long-sleeve versions in multiple colors, so I always have what I need when packing.

Artless Forever Kit Mini Skirt

If you're on the petite side like I am, this is the perfect miniskirt for you. It's nice and short without being too short, and I like that the fabric is structured and the shape is a subtle A-line as opposed to being fitted.

J.Crew Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater

J.Crew just released this cashmere sweater in the second half of last year, but it's quickly become my favorite knit from the brand. The baby V-neck gives it a modern look, and it's ridiculously soft and cozy in the way only high-quality cashmere is. I suggest going down a size as it's not one I'd want to be oversize. And, as you know, cashmere is great for travel because it's warm but doesn't take up a ton of suitcase space.

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28"

Like a swimsuit, I'm always sure to pack a pair of leggings just in case. Almost every time, it's the Lululemon Aligns that I throw into my bag. I don't even have to think about it—they're just the perfect leggings in every way.