What Not To Pack + A Summer Carry-On Guide

I used to be that girl who packed her entire home up for a week (end) getaway.

But now that I’ve learned how to remix pieces, I don’t have to carry around everything and the kitchen sink. Please, learn from the mistakes I’ve made. Your slim suitcase and non-aching arms will thank me. (Gifts and songs written in my honor are appreciated but not required.)

What Not to Pack:

• Clothing items you don’t usually wear. Use Pareto’s law: 20% gives 80% of the results. Pack pieces from the 20% of your wardrobe you consistently wear. Don’t get stuck with a suitcase full of items that never see the light of day.
• Uncomfortable pieces. That shirt that you’re always having to readjust, the shoes that are a little too tight- no matter how cute they are, just say no.
• Any piece that doesn’t do at least double duty. If it doesn’t go with multiple items you’re taking, leave it behind.

That being said, here is a basic, 13 piece summer wardrobe perfect for a carry on. (The items I took on our vacation this summer are in parentheses.)

1. colored tank (blush)
2. neutral tee (gray)
3. neutral blouse (black)
4. light-weight neutral button up (chambray)
5. light-weight neutral sweater (cream)
6. colored cardigan (chartreuse)
7. neutral jacket (jean)
8. casual shorts (jean)
9. patterned shorts (shades of pink)
10. patterned skirt (black and white tribal)
11. dress (black t-shirt version)
12. palazzo pants (damask-esque print)
13. jeans (white)

Can you believe these pieces have the potential to create almost 100 outfits? Scroll through the list and a few outfit examples or head to the end of the post to figure out how to create your own 13 piece summer carry on list!

1. colored tank patterned shorts
   

If you chose a lightweight cardigan that would work as a top when it’s completely buttoned, you would have even more options.

Even though I know there are a ton of combinations, listing them out blows my mind every single time!

Of course, not all of these will work. My 3 jean pieces wouldn’t pair well in most cases, and sometimes colors look a little funny as a combo or pieces don’t fit quite right together. But there’s no denying that just 13 pieces will give you dozens of options that do work.

When you pack:

• Try to look at these pieces loosely. Don’t get stuck trying to find the exact items I used. Use the descriptions (a colored tank, neutral blouse, etc.) to pull from your closet.
• Want more options? Add another couple of pieces and you’ll have a few more dozen options. A scarf is another great way to change up your pieces (and it can double as a blanket on the plane!)
• What about shoes? I usually pack three: a pair of neutral flat sandals, a fun/dressy pair of shoes or sandals, and a pair of tennis shoes.
• Wear the bulkiest items on the plane, and you’re good to go!

Are you going anywhere this summer?