There is all kinds of advice out there about what to pack when you travel, and I am not suggesting that my way is the right way….it’s just mine. Everyone has their favorite shirt/dress/sweater/jacket/accessory that they just cannot leave home without. But, here are a few of my pared down tried-and-true items that go with me no matter where. You can customize this to fit your needs and what is in your own closet. And, while admittedly, this is kind of for the traveling girl, my guy has actually adopted some of these, too.

It is true that we do a lot of cruising, which has somewhat of it’s own style of packing. And, though cruise ships in general no longer require formal wear for dinner and special functions, there is a bit more expectation for attire than, say, a road trip across New Zealand. But, it can also demand a lot of variety with multiple ports in cities and countryside, and varying climates…all in one trip. And, the ship itself is a destination, with swimming pools, gyms, and a wide array of activities.

No matter what, it’s best to keep your color palette restricted….neutrals, with just an accent color or two, mostly solids and limited pattern, that all coordinate, work well together, and can be used interchangeably. My basics are mainly black, with gray and white as neutrals, and an accent color, which right now is citron, but that is more subject to trend. I look for clothing made of wrinkle resistant fabrics, and try to avoid anything that has to be dry cleaned in favor of hand washables, so I also always take some detergent and a packable clothesline so I can hand wash on the go. Here are my top 15:

A Quintessential, Versatile LBD:

Every girl has at least one little black dress. The one I covet most for travel I have had for years and have yet to find an alternative that is as multipurpose, so I baby it in the laundry. Mine is a twist-front sleeveless v-neck that I can wear alone, as a jumper, or as a tunic. When the weather is cooler or I need a different look, I pair it with a t-shirt underneath, a three-quarter or long-sleeved one for extra warmth, or add a scarf (see scarves below). I can wear it with sandals or booties for sightseeing, or dress it up with heels and some statement costume jewelry…which, but the way, is all I ever travel with. I leave the real stuff at home so I never have to worry about losing it.

Leggings:

These can be full length or capri, or you can take both. Leggings are the work horse of my travel wardrobe. I wear them under a tunic, with a t-shirt to work out in, or just to lounge. If the weather gets really cold, they can become long underwear. Or slip them on under your LBD for access to religious sites with restricted dress code.

Camisole:

This is a staple, no matter what the weather. If your destination is tropical, wear a cami with shorts and sandals. For colder destinations, it works under a t-shirt or sweater, and for evening, I wear it as an under pinning for a sheer beaded top.

Layering Sweater:

This works like a camisole in reverse, as a mid-layer. The sweater can be a boxy linen or cashmere pullover, depending on where you are going and how much warmth you’ll need. Wear it alone, over a camisole, t-shirt, or black dress, or with leggings and pants.

Scarf

I usually take more than one of these, since they weigh almost nothing, take up very little space, and are so useful. The same scarf worn in different ways can really change the look of an outfit and give it a shot of color or pattern, whether it’s used as a shawl, a poncho, a muffler, a pareo, a head wrap, or even a vest. It is worth it to check out some of the many Youtube tutorials on scarf-tying and learn the extreme versatility of this accessory.

Pashmina Shawl:

OK. This could be a stand-in for one of your scarves, but it’s elevated to more of an outerwear staple. A pashmina is a little heavier, perfectly suited as a wrap for dinner, cool evenings, air conditioning, or even your own blanket for the airplane. In cold climates, use it as a neck warmer, and carry it sightseeing when a head wrap is required for visiting religious sites. Mine is black, but shake it up with a color, if you’d like.

Packable Wide Brim Hat:

You can always pack a baseball cap, but if you want to be a bit more chic, take a wide brim hat. It will elevate even a pair of shorts to higher fashion, and do a better job of keeping you protected from the sun. In fact, mine is made of a fabric specially designed for sun protection. And, I can flatten it, roll it up, and secure it with a rubber band to carry in my tote. When I undo it, it pops right back in shape, and comes to the rescue if I’m having a bad hair day.

Waterproof Raincoat:

You’ve spent thousands of dollars on your vacation and are not going to sit out a rain day. So, be prepared with a functional, all-purpose, waterproof raincoat. Did I say “waterproof”? Yes. To me this is essential. “Water-resistant” just does not cut it. My raincoat is, again, black, but also a mid-thigh-length trench-style that I can wear with pants or dresses, with a convertible hood so that even if I forgot my umbrella, I’m covered, so to speak. Plenty of pockets are an added benefit.

Packable Insulated Jacket:

There are many different brands of this kind of jacket, but mine is a North Face “Thermoball”, which is a lightweight, synthetic-filled quilted jacket that stuffs into it’s own pocket, and weighs only about twelve ounces. It’s washable, warm, and can be layered as insulation under your waterproof raincoat when the weather gets frosty and wet. I also have a Thermoball vest, which is on my “B” list of travel essentials, and works as a great layering piece, too.

Tote Bag:

This is my purse on the plane, my shopping bag, my beach tote, and it even folds down to fit inside its small inner snap-in bag with a strap, which I can detach and use as an evening purse. Mine is a Bric’s brand with a zipper closure and strap handles that can convert to a cross body bag. It carries maps, water bottles, souvenir purchases, umbrella, raincoat, snacks, magazines, digital devices…all at once if necessary.

Secure Cross Body Bag:

My tote can convert to a cross body bag, but when I need more security, I will also take my Pacsafe brand purse. It is not as large or fashionable as my tote, but what it gives me in peace of mind makes up for that. What it lacks in style, it redeems with its many security features, so with this bag, I can even stroll down La Rambla in Barcelona with confidence. The shoulder strap has a built-in cable to protect from slashing theft, the zippers have a secure locking mechanism, and the interior has RFID-blocking pockets to prevent credit card and identity scans.

Packable Backpack:

I am not a particular fan of backpacks, since they allow easy access from behind for thieves and pickpockets. But, a lightweight, packable one is useful for hiking and outdoor excursions, and even as spillover luggage if you end up with too many souvenirs and need another bag. In some parts of the world, I have seen them carried on the front of the body for extra protection in areas of high crime and theft.

Caftan:

About a year or two ago, this became my new favorite travel essential. Mine is not the gauzy see-through kind of caftan, but rather an opaque, but lightweight, knee-length style. It still feels glamorous and floaty, and can be worn as a dress, a tunic over pants or leggings, a beach cover-up, or slip it on as a robe. Either way, it makes a statement.

Denim Jacket:

This has been on and off my list due to it’s weight (denim is heavy) and bulk, but I keep coming back to it. Sometimes I get tired of always wearing knits and just want something with substance. And it is justifiably versatile. It can be layered under the Thermoball, over the sweater, under the raincoat, and goes with everything. I keep finding reasons, so I must really need it. I did not take it on a long cruise from Portugal to Cape Town, and ended up buying one in Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain, because I missed it so much. So, it’s back on my “A” list.

Nude Heels:

For dress shoes, try some nude-colored heels for a more modern look than black. They go with everything and lighten it up. You can decide if they should be delicate or more sturdy.

My philosophy of travel essentials was really tested when our luggage was lost for two weeks of a three-week cruise. At the last minute, I prophetically packed my carry-on with my black dress, a pair of capri leggings, and some light gold gladiator sandals. This really paid off. Along with the jeans, t-shirt, camisole, cardigan, scarf, and Maryjane flats I wore on the plane, I made a multitude of outfit combinations work for many situations, including using our stateroom’s aqua cashmere throw as an evening shawl for dinner.

There you have it…to do with what you like. This does not include, of course, the hardware and toiletry necessities, but those you can figure out, and the rest of the travel wardrobe includes, of course, lingerie, tops, pants…how many and what kind depends on your trip. Just shop your closet for things you are comfortable wearing, and stick to a mantra of “limited color, layerable, washable, versatile, interchangeable, lightweight, packable”. And, if you find you’ve forgotten something along the way…just go shopping!