I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves to Travel—5 Simple Outfits Always in My Carry-On

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(Image credit: @trustmebuythis)

I've always joked that I would live my life out of a suitcase if I could. Although that's theoretically impossible with the state of my wardrobe, I'm as close as I'll ever get. After 24 years of long-haul trips and more airline miles than a Victorian-era child could ever imagine, I've perfected the art of packing thanks to smart, thoughtful outfit choices that will last me a week and a half that fit in just a carry-on suitcase.

Since worldwide shutdowns nearly two years ago, 2022 was a return to travelling for me. In total, I racked up over 150 hours on the go, including heading to Japan to see family, meeting up with friends in Spain, and taking road trips throughout California and New York. If I hadn't had packing down to a science at this point, I don't know how I would have done it.

With the amount of airline rerouting and luggage delays nowadays, no one needs infinitely more stress when it comes to packing for a weekend trip if your luggage gets lost. Although it hasn't happened to me yet (fingers crossed!), the number of horror stories I've seen on social media has made me begin to pack a few days' worth of clothing I carry with me at all times.

Below are the foolproof outfits I pack each time I escape the city and travel somewhere new.

1. Wide-Leg Trousers + Cardigan + Trainers

@_livmadeline wearing wide-leg trousers, cardigan and trainers

(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Style Notes: Call it classic, or call it the Matilda Djerf effect, but ever since replacing my airport-approved sweats with wide-leg trousers and basic cardigans, I've felt much cooler. For nearly every fashion capital you're in, this timeless combo never goes wrong.

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2. Two-Piece Set + Boxy Blazer

@by.regiina wearing a tracksuit and blazer

(Image credit: @by.regiina)

Style Notes: As much as I admire aviation outfits from the '60s and '70s, there's no way I can constantly wear heels and hosiery on a six-hour fight. If you feel like dolling yourself up like how people did back in the day to head to the airport, look no further than a comfy two-piece tracksuit. Plus, you can always throw over a boxy blazer when you want to slightly smarten the look up.

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3. Oversized Linen Shirt + Long Skirt

@anoukyve wearing an oversized shirt and skirt

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: In 2024, jet lag is my personal public enemy number one. While combatting different time zones and still remaining cute, I've turned to fully embracing the sloth vibe: an oversized button-up and a loose-fitting skirt. Thankfully, basics from brands like H&M and Mango are lifesavers tucked into my carry-on in the off chance that my luggage doesn't arrive.

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4. Ecru Jeans + Black Tee + Denim Jacket

@cassdimicco wearing a denim jacket and ecru jeans

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Style Notes: Denim on denim is set to be one of the smartest purchases of 2024, so naturally, the Canadian tuxedo has made an appearance in my travel bag. This chic combo can be worn with every wash of denim and still look put-together.

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5. Little Black Dress + Evening Bag

@deborabrosa wearing an LBD, strappy heels and a handbag

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style Notes: There's nothing quite like discovering a chic, swanky bar while on vacation. If you're anything like me and live in comfortable clothes 24/7, the opportunity to head out for a night on the town in a new city calls for the best eveningwear. No matter the location, weather, or current trend cycle, an LBD and a sleek bag never go out of style.

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This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.

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Assistant Shopping Editor

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitiated). At Who What Wear, Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.Before joining Who What Wear, Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)