The Art of Packing Carry-On: Fall Edition
Exactly what I'd pack for a fall trip
I don’t know when I started becoming obsessed with traveling carry-on only, but I do think it’s related to anxiety.
For a while when traveling, all I could think about was…
What if my bags don’t make it, and I’m stuck in Italy with nothing but my comfy “travel suit?!”
What if my luggage is left on the tarmac during a rain storm and soaks through?! (This happened to a friend.)
What if something somehow goes missing from my checked luggage?
One way to neutralize all of these worries is to pack carry-on. I feel best traveling light and having all the things I need right on, or near, my person.
Candidly, I’m also influenced by those chic always-traveling European people you see strolling through airports with nothing but an international-sized carry-on wearing a tee, jeans and a classic pair of loafers and think, Let that be me! (Someday, but for now my current formula has sufficed!)
All of that being said, I thought it would be helpful to put together a sample Carry-On Only packing list for anyone traveling this fall or early winter—one that prioritizes simplicity, classic pieces, and most importantly, will fit into your carry-on.
Like most good things, there’s a formula to packing well carry-on only.
I typically follow the 5-4-3-2-1 rule, which I was doing before I realized it was an actual Thing. (Note: I fudged the 5-4-3-2-1 rule a little for this list, as I only included 3 bottoms instead of 4.)
As for the luggage I use, it’s this piece from Away that I find myself reaching for the most. I’ve had it for four years, and it’s still in amazing shape!
Before we get into my exact picks, let’s talk some general rules I follow.
What to Prioritize When Traveling Carry-On Only:
Non-wrinkle fabrics:
While you can technically bring along a travel-size steamer for finicky fabrics like linen (and I have!), for the most part I try to prioritize fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant. Modal and cotton are great, so is jersey. Of course pack whatever you love, but I tend to prioritize these types of fabrics if possible.
Washable fabrics
Trial- or travel-size beauty products
Looking for ways to pack your beauty products? This has been my go-to makeup/toiletries bag for recent carry-on trips; it’s the one I brought to Norway and packed with all my travel-sized goodies. It easily fit a week’s worth of products! I put some of my go-to travel-size beauty and self-care products here, too.
Compression bags
When you’re packing, rolling your items or using compression bags saves even more space. I swear by these ones from Amazon.
My Ultimate Fall Carry-On Only Packing List
5 shirts:
3 bottoms:
3 Pairs of Shoes:
2 Dresses or Layers:
Halter dress (on sale for $27!)
1 Accessory of each type:
Travel Set:
Coat:
Hope this post was helpful! Feel free to save and come back to it for future trips.
In the meantime, if you want more packing lists and tips, check out the posts below:
This week I shared my exact nighttime skincare lineup and other routines for a no-fail, great night of sleep:
Here are 44 life lessons to celebrate my recent 44th birthday!
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I’m obsessed with carry on only as well!
Perfect timing as I’m reading this while at the airport admitting my carry on in front of me 😘 Thanks for helping me appreciate this moment!