I’m Constantly Traveling — And These 17 Tops, Pants and Shoes Always Make it in my Suitcase

My friends have no idea where I am at any given time. Yep, I’m that person. I catch flights (not feelings), and I’ve racked up more frequent flyer miles in the past year than most people do in their entire lives. All this to say, I’ve become a bit of an expert when it comes to packing for trips.

If you’re stuck on what articles of clothing are absolutely necessary for your next vacation, you came to the right place. Below, you’ll find my complete guide to the items that deserve a spot in your suitcase. With these well-rounded picks, you’ll never be struggling to put together an outfit, no matter where you are in the world.

17 Fashion Items I Swear by as a Frequent Flyer

Tops

1. My Favorite: Black T-shirts are a reliable travel staple. You can style it casually, dress it up and even lounge in the tee. Consider it a no-brainer fallback for the days when you don’t know what to wear.

2. Smooth and Sharp: In the same vein as the black T-shirt, I always pack a white and a black bodysuit. This sleeveless racerback style comes in a pack of three and creates a slimming effect.

3. Elevated Button-Up: Every vacation includes a formal (or formal-ish) dinner. Button-up blouses are often lightweight and don’t take up much space. Plus, they instantly upgrade basic jeans with minimal effort.

4. Don’t Forget This! Unless you’re traveling to the tropics, you’ll want to pack a lightweight sweater — almost always. You might not think you need it, but weather can fluctuate, and it’s always important to be prepared.

Pants

5. My Favorite: Summer travels call for breathable fabrics, and nothing is better than linen. I’ve taken this pair of Quince Linen pants with me to Türkiye, Ireland, London, France, Cape Cod and more because they’re airy, versatile and easy to care for.

6. Old Reliable: Dependable denim always earns itself a spot in my suitcase. The patchwork pockets on this pair add some dimension to the style.

7. Stay Comfy: Long plane rides can get real uncomfortable, real quick. That’s why a pair of soft, cushy and stretchy sweats is a non-negotiable.

8. The Only Skirt You Need: Slip skirts offer plenty of flexibility. Consider this the white T-shirt of bottoms for how it can be dressed up or down and worn for nearly every occasion.

Dresses and Matching Sets

9. My Favorite: I, for one, don’t enjoy chilling in leggings on vacation — especially in a warm location. An informal, flouncy mini dress is my go-to, and this design is so comfy it feels like wearing a night gown.

10. Eye-Catching Sundress: When I travel, my motto is ‘the brighter, the better,’ especially when it comes to dresses. Wearing this vivid floral sundress instantly boosts your mood. Not to mention, it looks incredible in photos.

11. All Set! Short sets, like this tailored vest option, allow you to focus on your destination instead of worrying about how you look.

12. Double Duty: Button-down short sets, including this striped pastel design, are my pick for beach vacations because they work impeccably well as cover-ups but each piece can also be styled on its own.

Shoes

13. My Favorite: If you plan on exploring your destination, white sneakers are 100% needed. Make sure you choose a pair that’s stylish and offers plush cushioning to protect your soles as you get your steps in.

14. Comfy Stompers: I refuse to travel without my Palladium boots. You might think that combat boots are too heavy and bulky, but this expertly designed pick is light as air, cushioned like clouds and adds a cool vibe to any outfit.

15. Strut it Out: Stick with heels that have block heels and soft straps that allow you to dance the night away pain-free.

Bags

16. My Favorite: A featherlight backpack can enhance your entire travel experience, which is why I’ll only fly with Dagne Dover. The medium size bag is spacious and sleek, and I can throw it in the wash at the end of my trip.

17. Crossbody Forever: Wearing this anti-theft crossbody will give you peace of mind during your travels.