This post is sponsored by Everlane and all Everlane items I’m featuring in this post were gifted. When it comes to brands I’m proud to work with, Everlane is at the very top — they were one of the very first responsible brands I learned about quite a few years back and I’m thrilled to partner with a company that places high value on transparency and sustainable practices. This post is part two in a three-part summer series.
For a while now, I’ve been fascinated by the art of packing, especially the art of packing for an extended stay — say two or three weeks.
I don’t have a ton of experience with extended travel, but in 2012, Aaron and I took a two week trip to Europe for our belated honeymoon. This was a few years before I developed an interest in capsule wardrobes, so packing in something as small as a carry-on wasn’t even on my radar. I just wanted to have as many options with me as possible, so I stuffed an extra large suitcase full of clothes. I even took over some real estate in Aaron’s suitcase too.
I look back now and have to smile — I brought so much stuff that most of it never even got worn, but I definitely paid for it every time I had to maneuver a heavy suitcase around a train station or airport or cobblestone street.
I’ve often thought about how I would re-do that packing job if I were leaving on the same trip tomorrow. So today, I’m taking the opportunity for a do-over! I may not have an extended trip on the horizon, but maybe you do (or maybe you just like to dream about it like I do).
So settle in for a fun one! In this post, we’ll cover:
- Pack This: 16 Versatile Items (Plus! My 3×3 formula for successful packing)
- Wear That: 30+ Outfits
- Bonus! Free Printable Packing Planner
Pack This: 16 Versatile Items
Creating a versatile travel wardrobe that’ll work for extended trips takes a strategy. So I started with my 3×3 formula — 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 colors. Here’s how it works:
- Settle on 3 colors you already have in your wardrobe. For this example, let’s use my favorite palette: black, white, and toffee.
- Pick out one top per color — one black top, one white, one toffee — for a total of 3 tops.
- Pick out one pair of bottoms per color — one black pair, one white, one toffee — for a total of 3 bottoms.
- Bonus! Do the same for your shoes. Pick out one pair of shoes per color — one black pair, one white, one toffee — for a total of 3 pairs of shoes.
The repeating color palette is the key. Repeating each color in each section of your travel wardrobe makes for a seriously versatile setup. Everything is mix and matchable.
Now, a 3×3 formula might work great for a week or a weekend trip, but most of us will probably want a few more options if we’re taking an extended trip.
So I adjusted the formula a bit, and included 5 tops and 5 bottoms, while still limiting my color palette to 3 colors (you guessed it: black, white, and toffee). To finish, I also included a dress, blazer, and four pairs of shoes.
Here’s the full packing list. Read on to see why I included each piece, and how I’d style it:
If you see something you like, you can shop it and support my blog at the same time by using the affiliate links below:
1. Sneakers | If you’re going to be walking, you’re going to want sneakers. A simple, all-white sneaker with minimal logos is a chic choice that’ll pair with just about any bottom.
2. Block Heels | For dressier occasions. And in case you encounter any cobblestone streets, the block heel will keep you much more stable than a stiletto heel.
3. Sandals | These are my favorite sandals right now, mostly just because I love the warm tan color and because the crossover is such a classic look. Keep in mind, they do not have any cushioning, so I recommend inserting a self-adhesive insole specifically made for open toe shoes and sandals.
4. Strappy Sandals | I usually try to limit myself to 3 pairs of shoes when I travel, but since we’re talking extended travel, I decided to include another pair. Plus sandals pack down so small — there’s no reason not to bring an extra pair. :) I like these because they are dressier than the crossover sandals, but not as dressy as the block heels — the perfect in-between shoe.
5. Dot Cami | Classic patterns lend a timeless feel to your outfits — and to your travel photos. :) It can be so fun to create travel photos that feel timeless. Not for the ‘gram, but for yourself and your own memories.
6. Black Cami | Don’t leave home without this one. First of all, the black fabric won’t show sweat or spills. You can tuck this top into black bottoms for a dress/jumper look. You can dress it up with heels for an evening out, or dress it down with flat sandals for a morning at the market.
7. White Tee | There are so many ways to wear a white tee, but one of my favorite combos is a white tee with white sneakers. Sometimes the more simple the piece, the more chic it looks.
8. Toffee Tee | Another tee because you can’t have just one. This one is easy to hand wash when needed, it’s soft and comfortable, and the toffee color adds so much warmth to a neutral travel wardrobe.
9. White Button Down | I am enamored with this shirt — and I didn’t expect to be! Knot it for a cute, casual look. Tuck it in for a tailored, clean look. Or (my favorite) wear it untucked for a modern, chic look. It’s light as air and stands away from the body, making it ideal for summer temperatures.
10. Midi Skirt | For warmer days when you still want to be covered up in case you duck into any museums or churches. It’s made of Everlane’s GoWeave fabric that’s wrinkle resistant and fantastic for travel. Style it casual with a tee, or dressy with a silk cami on top.
11. Jeans | Non-stretch, pinch waist jeans are lovely to look at, but when you’re packing for a trip, opt for comfort over all else. A relaxed pair of jeans fits the bill.
12. Relaxed Trousers | These are my favorite new discovery at Everlane. Dress them up or down. Wear them high around the waist or slouchy and low. Roll the hems for a casual look, unroll them for a chic look. There are just so many ways to wear them and they are so comfortable.
13. Shorts | Shorts offer a welcome change of pace on those days when you’re well into your trip, and bored of the pants you packed. I’ll admit, I see them getting worn less than trousers or jeans, but still, they’re a refreshing style shake-up during a long trip.
14. Mini Skirt | Great for warm days, and so cute with white sneakers.
15. Blazer | Even if you’re traveling somewhere hot, it’s smart to pack an outer layer. Throw it on to ward off the cold in a chilly train or use it to dress up an outfit.
16. Midi Dress | This thing is flattering beyond belief and so versatile. Pair it with heels for the symphony or pair it with sneakers for a day out sightseeing.
Wear This: 30+ Outfits
This little travel wardrobe does it all — I was able to make 34 outfits ranging from casual, slouchy airplane outfits to comfortable, cute sightseeing outfits to chic, understated cocktail attire.
Have a look. Which is your favorite?
Bonus! Free Printable Packing Planner
If you’re like me and you love a good printable, this one’s for you! You can download my packing planner right here and here’s an example to get you started. It only has enough planning room for a week, so feel free to print out multiples if your trip is longer.
Tip: I’ve found it’s best to write in pencil, so you can adjust as you go along.
• • •
And there you have it!
Your turn! Do you have a formula you loosely follow when it’s time to pack? What’s the longest trip you’ve taken, and how did you feel about your packing job? Would you do anything differently? Did you feel like you brought too much, too little? I’m always curious how other people approach packing, so let’s keep this conversation going in the comments.
xo,
I loved your outfits! Especially the toffee on toffee shirt/shorts one.
I just returned from a two week trip to Sydney and tried to follow the 3x3x3 then added a bunch of jackets to layer. It’s winter there so I needed to stay warm. I would say I have a hard time packing for longer trips because I never know how I’m going to feel when I’m one week in. I need options and I don’t want to end up just wearing the same favorite outfit.
I did your packing planner. Thank you! And I took photos of each outfit to help me remember. Next time, (I go back next summer) I will edit more.
Great post! It must have taken forever to get all those pictures! Most of our travel is very casual and in the Spring or Summer so I usually have 3 different styles of denim (1 boyfriend, 1 raw hem cropped flare, 1 white raw hem straight). Then I pack a variety of striped, floral and solid tees. Finally, I finish with a denim jacket and a white and beige cardigan. Most everything has 2-3 ways to wear it for variety. If I do need something dressy, I take a black maxi dress. For shoes I take comfortable flat sandals in cognac and black and my Nike sneakers (cute and good for walking). I always take a waterproof rain coat or jacket too. This is making want to take a trip to somewhere fun!
Kelly Great comment. Thanks. Learning so much from this blog and its followers.
Hello – Great post. Love Everlane. I’ll be glad to use your links. Can you tell me what bag/purse you are carrying in some of the looks? It’s perfect.
Thanks…
Great blog and photos Caroline! I like the way you write, always interesting.
I’m currently planning/packing for two months in Europe/UK, the longest I’ve ever been away, so the timing for this post is perfect!
Your advice is really helpful and that in the other comments. I’ve done a first version pack but I think I might have too much stuff. I don’t like being cold and I’m going to England in late September, so have packed some warmer clothes despite the current heatwave…..but I will re-look at what I’ve packed based on this advice.
Thanks again!
This post has me buzzing! I love the outfits you created so much!
I haven’t been on a long trip in some time… but historically, I’m not the best packer. I always seem to bring too much because I am scared of not having enough options. I think a lot of it stems from the fact that my wardrobe in general was always a mish-mash. Lately, it’s been much more coordinated and in keeping with my instinctual style. Hopefully, that will translate into a better-packed suitcase the next time I travel!
Thanks for this post. =)
I love how many different “vibes” each of these outfits have! When I travel for work I tend to pack pink, navy, and white items so that they can be mixed and matched. I feel like it helps when I’m in conferences too because someone who I met the previous day has context clues as to who I am “oh, that’s Allison the girl who wears pink.”
Love the outfits and the styling of your photos lately! Also love that you seem to be wearing your hair very natural. It’s so refreshing to see and very beautiful!
So very well done! I am impressed. It’s what I envisioned, and seeing your outfits “live” gives me much needed confidence that This is exactly what I need to pack for Prague. I leave Sunday! Thanks Caroline.
Awesome post!! Thanks for all your hard work creating this?
Awesome post!
Thank you for each detail!
Outfits are outstanding!
This is such a simple packing guide to follow. All of your outfits are lovely, I’m definitely going to try to use it for my next trip. My longest trip with a three month backpacking trip in Greece and Italy. I did alright with packing but I did end up sending a box home halfway through the trip. I can only carry so much on my back!
I love all the looks! What special intentionality it took to get everything Just right. Can’t wait to see your fall posts! ❤
I love the jeans with the blazer! Your posts always inspire me to purge my closet. I will follow this plan on my next trip. Thank you!
This might be the most RIDICULOUS question… but how do you get the knots in your tshirt to look so perfect and sit so nicely? I love this look but mine always seem to come apart or put the tshirt in a funny way.
This is very helpful! I tend to go into scarcity-mindset and overpack when I travel, out of fear that I won’t have something I need/want while I’m away. But this 3x3x3 or 5x5x3 formula makes so much sense, I can’t wait to try it! Would you amend it for a cold-weather trip that requires more layers, or just switch out the items for warmer ones? ?
I don’t worry about colors because I stucki to fall colors palate for all my clothes, then all colors go together, no matter how many there are. For example, say you had thrown in a few blush and navy pieces (picked these two because I think you have them in your wardrobe). It would all still go together even though there were 5 colors instead of 3.
I do love the monochrome looks though, like the toffee shirt/toffee shorts combo
I love your style!!! I always over pack, it’s a bad habit of mine lol.
Great article! The items you have chosen work perfectly together and I love the way you styled them in your photos.
I usually get confused with what to pack for holidays, specially when I try to image which combinations I can make with the pieces I’m packing. My biggest problem when packing is the weather, I hate feeling cold and I always pack extra items to guarantee that if the weather is colder than I’m expecting I will have enough warmer outfits to wear everyday :\ and that makes me pack a lot more volume than I should need.
What size did you wear in the oversized tees? I have been eyeing them, but I just not sure if I should size down.
I was recently away for 3 weeks and was really happy with my planning. I had black, navy and white as my neutrals and yellow for pop. My breakdown was:
-3 shoes: white sneakers, yellow sandals and black flats
-5 bottoms: black ankle pants, black jeans, blue jeans, white jeans, denim shorts
-6 tops: white linen t, white and black geometric print top, 2 navy and white striped ts, navy t with silver pokka dots, dragonfly print sheer t
-4 layers: black cardi, navy merino ls top, grey and black ls merino top, blue-grey polar fleece + bought blue leather jacket.
-1 navy dress
I also took a scarf, never wore it, ditto a bikini. It felt great to pack so light :)
I’m no packing expert, but it’s something I’m slowly getting better at! I used to get into trouble with weekend-length trips. I’d bring too much stuff since I’m less likely to want to repeat outfits for a short trip. I’d always have too many options, especially if I wasn’t sure what activities we’d be getting into. And then that’d lead to too much laundry/ironing once I got back home – so annoying! Nowadays I try to plan better and only pack one extra piece, usually a top, just in case I spill something on myself (accident-prone, here). :) The longest trip I’ve ever taken was a month in Italy. It was long before capsule wardrobes became a thing, but looking back, I think I did fairly well in the packing department. It’s probably because outfit repeating was inevitable for that length of trip, plus we were only allowed one checked bag anyway, haha. I love these packing guides, btw – and I’m convinced I need those trousers!
Caroline! I love posts like this, with formulas and lists :) Thanks got writing this out.
I know it’s not your preference or forte but would you ever consider doing an example post using actual colors instead of all neutrals? Maybe even NO neutrals? I don’t own a lot of neutral colors because I look mousy in them, so I’d love some advice on how to put an adventurous but streamlined palette together!
Also wondering: I’ve been doing a lot of research on the country I’m due to visit and the cultural customs surrounding shoes are very different than the USA and I’m stumped on what to pack! They find exposed toes, and especially thong sandals, very offensive; and only teenagers wear tennis shoes – they’re not appropriate for grown adults. Suggestions? I feel totally stumped here, but I want my feet to fit in!
Just got back from a few weeks in France, where it was very hot. My colors were black, white, and navy with one mustard top and interest brought in with fabric, print, and cut. This is what I packed:
4 Bottoms: one pair of jeans for the plane both ways, dark shorts, black skirt, denim colored skirt.
5 tops: striped T, black silk, polka dotted flowy top, button down short-sleeved shirt, mustard T
2 dresses: one silk, one linen
One cardigan for the plane and needed only one late night
2 pairs of shoes
Bathing suit
PJs
It all packed very compactly and covered museum visits, the beach, rowing a boat, date night, carrying sweaty kids up 6 flights of stairs, reading in the shade, riding a bike around an island, and train travel days. Less is more and laundry on vacation is a must.
https://images.app.goo.gl/TdhaVS472mbYW7ff9 I wore these daily on a recent trip. They were comfortable enough to walk miles a day a nice enough to wear everywhere.
So, summer shoes that are not sandals or sneakers? How about boat shoes (for example, Sperry Top Siders)? Moccasins. Ballet flats with skirts instead of sandals. Of course, if it’s cooler there, you can always wear boots or oxfords.
Love this post! I struggle with packing light but still having an array of interesting outfits so this was perfect! The two things I include in every pack are a cozy sweater (I get cold easily!) and a bikini (never know when they’ll be an unexpected pool, hottub etc). Thanks for another great post!
We’re in the Dominican Republic right now and 90% of my suitcase is Everlane. I included two body suits – one highnecked tank (no longer available but there’s a regular tank top version) and a vneck long sleeved. You get the comfort of a tank top with a more streamlined look.
Love the skirt with the polka dot vest top, so cute!
Abigail Alice x
I think my favorite is the white button down shirt and blue jeans.
Just got back from a few weeks in France, where it was very hot. My colors were black, white, and navy with one mustard top and interest brought in with fabric, print, and cut. This is what I packed:
4 Bottoms: one pair of jeans for the plane both ways, dark shorts, black skirt, denim colored skirt.
5 tops: striped T, black silk, polka dotted flowy top, button down short-sleeved shirt, mustard T
2 dresses: one silk, one linen
One cardigan for the plane and needed only one late night
2 pairs of shoes
Bathing suit
PJs
It all packed very compactly and covered museum visits, the beach, rowing a boat, date night, carrying sweaty kids up 6 flights of stairs, reading in the shade, riding a bike around an island, and train travel days. Less is more and laundry on vacation is a must.
That’s an awesome list!
I love the look of everlane’s clean silk cami and have started to purchase one several times, but I always hesitate because it says to dry clean it. That’s just not something I’m willing to take the trouble and cost for. Especially when traveling, how would you handle this? Can it be hand washed?
I always hand wash my Everlane silk clothes and haven’t had any issues. Just make sure to leave them to air dry, don’t put them in the dryer. Tip: if you hang them to dry while still dripping wet and gently shape them on the hanger, you won’t need to iron them.
This is one of the best travel wardrobe posts I’ve read!! I’m excited to implement your advice on my next trip. Thank you!
This is great. My husband and I recently traveled with my three kids to London and Paris for two weeks. The woman at the airport was shocked at what little luggage I brought! I packed 4 x 4 plus a dress, sweater and light jacket and wish I had upped it to 5 because I was a little burned out of my clothes when I returned. Wish I had this guide before we left :) it was so nice though to not have so much stuff to haul around/ unpack when we arrived. Also have to highly recommend packing cubes and the Tom Bihn duffle/back pack bag they made the trip and packing for 5 people so easy! Love all of this and Everland!
Hi! What kind of cushioned insoles did you use on your sandals? I just bought the Day Slide from Everland and love how they look but I was thinking that the lack of cushioning was a dealbreaker until your post gave me hope. Inside they feel fine, but walking outside on concrete just isn’t going to work.
Hi Becky! :) Here are a couple of options I’ve used before:
1) https://rstyle.me/+kr7uZvs384Th-KzQ8IimOw
2) https://rstyle.me/+axTEGOxPYlThCnkDXgr3LQ
Hope that helps!
Thank you so much!
Love how many combinations you are able to get out of the items! It’s everything I wish my wardrobe was <3 I also love the fact that you didn't stay only in the white, black and jean area, but you also added some warm colors, that still work great with all the other pieces!
xxx
Isabel
https://isabelstories.com/
I am totally digging these concepts. I love and embrace minimalism so this post really speaks to me. Thank you!
What are the brown mules and jeans you are wearing in the photo that links to this post on your home page? I love them! Thank you!