All the Clothes I'm Packing for Our Trip to Norway
We’re heading to Norway this summer as a family, and as you may know by now, I view each trip these days as a carry-on challenge.
When we visited Italy a few years ago, I used the world’s best invention—these vacuum-seal bags (that don’t require a vacuum)—and packed three weeks’ (!!!) worth of clothing into my carry-on. I have the bags; as well as two travel steamers I have and love; my go-to carry-on suitcase; and more all linked here in my Amazon storefront.
Ultimately, traveling carry-on for me isn’t just about convenience, but it’s also about reducing stress and travel anxiety. The thought of my luggage not arriving makes me itch.
But before I zip and seal the bags, I want to show you what I’m bringing.
As always, the focus is on versatility and fabrics that pack well. This trip is unique, though, in that we are going to be very active and less lounge-y. Our itinerary has days full of hiking, walking the city of Oslo, and even riding a sauna boat, so there are more casual items on this list than I packed for our Italy trip.
Also, when you seal clothes in an airtight bag, wrinkles happen. While not all fabrics are affected, I bring a travel steamer for the things that need touching up. This Nori travel steamer looks just like an oversized flat iron, and is just as chic as it is effective. (Make sure to pack a converter if you’re going to Europe!)
One Week in Norway: Carry-On Only
Bottoms:
Drawstring denim pants. These are made of a super soft denim material that feels more like sweatpants. What is so ironic to me is that the first time I visited Norway when I was 14, this drawstring denim style was popular; you know you’ve lived a full-circle moment when you’re wearing the same thing you wore as a teenager. 😅 I’m also eyeing up this pair from Madewell, which I think may be of higher quality than the Zara ones.
Lululemon Align leggings. I love this neutral (but still different) color and bought the matching top as well. I’ll wear this together with a windbreaker, and wear the leggings with other shirts I’m bringing as well.
Pleated navy shorts. These are so easy to dress up or down! I plan on wearing these with sneakers during the day for shopping and walking the city with a button-down and sneakers, and with heels if we decide to go out for a nicer dinner.
Black vegan leather shorts. I’ve had my vegan leather shorts for yeeeears, and this will be the third time I’m bringing them on an international trip with me! Proof that classic pieces are always worth the buy. I wear mine with both sneakers and heels. For this trip I’ll likely pair with this black bodysuit and heels as a just-in-case dressy outfit.
Butter yellow crocheted shorts (for a bathing suit coverup): For our sauna boat day :). I’m hoping it’s warm enough to wear these; if not, they don’t take up too much space in the suitcase.
Patagonia hiking shorts (in Eddy Blue): Grabbed these last-minute for our hike day!
Tops:
Long-sleeve ribbed black top. The highs are topping out at 72 degrees, so I’m bringing this classic Vince black top to wear with my jeans. The quality on this brand is really great, so this is something I reach for throughout the seasons. (Always nice to feel like a purchase is justified!)
Long-sleeve black bodysuit. The fabric on this is buttery and soft, and it packs really well!
Align tank top in Allspice, to match my leggings
Butter yellow collar polo cardigan: Part of the cover-up for our water day, but I’ll also pair this with a plain white tank and jeans.
Alo Dreamscape button down: This is made of a super-packable performance fabric, and I’ll wear either as a bathing suit coverup or open over a tank with denim. I always find a reason for a white button-down on vacation!
White bubble tank: Mine is from Target and unfortunately sold out, but I’ve found a similar one here. This looks so cute with the drawstring denim. (And this style is under $23!)
Vuori Pose tee: This is a great layering basic that I’ll likely wear on hiking/active days.
Jackets:
Denim studio jacket: I’m obsessed with this oversized denim jacket! I’ll throw this on with everything. The perfect top layer for cool weather.
Travel Set:
Spanx Air Essentials Set, Shirt and Pants: The fabric on these pants and shirt is so insanely soft. I’ll also throw this shirt over my shoulders for cool days or just to finish off an outfit.
Shoes:
Steve Madden black mesh flats. These are a dupe of the Alaïa flats, and while I’m not wild about a dupe in every instance (there’s nothing like the original), in this case it made more sense to have the more affordable version than the designer one. I’ll pair these with my black vegan leather shorts and black bodysuit and some statement gold jewelry if we end up having a night out.
New Balance 9060s. I wear these all the time, and they’re a perfect blend of style and function. I’ll wear these on the plane so I don’t have to pack them.
Swim:
Zara cutout one-piece. I’m obsessed with this suit! Unfortunately I don’t get commission from Zara links I share (yet!) but I couldn’t not share this. The fit and fabric is high quality too. I ordered a size M.
The Try-On
I didn’t get a chance to try everything on, but I did snap some pictures of some of the outfits so you can see what they look like.
How to Use the Vacuum Bags
I want to mention this again; you don’t need a vacuum to use these bags! You use your own body weight to push out the air.
I put together a Reel so you can see exactly how I use them. :)
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Serious packing like a boss.