15 Fashion Basics I Won't Travel Without

I'm a fashion editor, but next to all things style, travel is my true passion, and I make sure I squeeze in trips as often as possible. I used to dread pulling out my suitcase to figure out what exactly I was going to add inside, but over the years, I’ve tweaked and refined my packing process. Now, I have some travel fashion basics I make sure to include every time I leave home, no matter where I’m headed. It might be a quick road trip or a flight overseas, but regardless, there are some staples that always make it in my bag.

Ahead, I’m breaking down the pieces that you’ll find in my suitcase no matter what. From my go-to outfit formula of straight-leg jeans and a crew-neck T-shirt to a versatile dress that will take me from day to night to the everyday essentials like bras and underwear I’ve narrowed in on, these are the perfect travel fashion basics. Go on to see the exact pieces I pack for every vacation.

A GREAT TRENCH

travel-fashion-basics-276889-1549295920533-image

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

I've owned this Burberry trench for years, and it's always one of the first pieces to go into my suitcase.

CREW-NECK T-SHIRTS

STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS

A VERSATILE DRESS

travel-fashion-basics-276889-1549295527413-image

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Dresses from Réalisation Par are a travel must on my list.

A DAY-TO-NIGHT BAG

HEELS

ANKLE BOOTS

travel-fashion-basics-276889-1549295607720-image

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Great ankle boots always go in my suitcase. They're both comfortable for walking around and a great way to tie an outfit together.

SNEAKERS

A WORKOUT SET

SWIMSUIT

travel-fashion-basics-276889-1549295677455-image

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Just in case there's a pool at the hotel.

A T-SHIRT BRA

UNDERWEAR

A PAJAMA SET

SUNGLASSES

travel-fashion-basics-276889-1549295765293-main

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

I'm currently very into '90s-inspired sunglass silhouettes.

Next, see the 13 fashion brands I wear on repeat.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.