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When I was younger, I used to dream (and vision board) about a career that would take me to faraway lands. Thankfully, those dreams came true, and as an editor, I now spend a good amount of time catching flights, not feelings. This year alone, I checked off nearly 25 flights to cities like London, Seoul, and Paris, and somewhere along the way, I finally learned how to pack without crying. More importantly, I mastered the carry-on, which feels like the safest option in an era of airport delays and weekly “my bag was lost and everything I love is gone” horror stories that circulate in every group chat.
That said, I’m a fashion editor who still wants to look good, which makes true minimalism a challenge. I can’t exactly pack every statement bag or chunky scarf I own, so I’ve learned to prioritize high-quality, lightweight pieces, shoes that can be dressed up or down while surviving 10,000-plus steps, and a plane outfit that can be recycled throughout the trip. I’m also a die-hard sweatpant jeans (a.k.a. sweans) person, which has made traveling comfortably while still looking pulled together much easier.
Below, I’ve curated a list of 11 non-negotiable items that make it easy to look good and stay comfortable on long-haul flights—and they all fit in a small carry-on bag. Think: Comfy flats, my favorite Mother jeans, the Ray-Bans that let me capture content on the go, and a few other travel staples I never leave home without.
11 Carry-On Packing Essentials
- Travel Hack: Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes, $30 (Originally $43); amazon.com
- Rag & Bone Miramar Terry Sofie Wide Pants, $258; amazon.com
- The Perfect Everyday Jeans: Mother The Half Pipe Ankle Jeans, $268; amazon.com
- New Balance 1906R Running Shoe, $155; nordstrom.com
- Amazon Essentials Slim-Fit Crewneck T-Shirt 2-Pack, $11 (Originally $14); amazon.com
- 66% Off: Vee Collective Medium Porter Quilted Tote, $112 (Originally $339); nordstrom.com
- Madewell the Remy Mary Jane Flat, $138; madewell.com
- Skims Soft Lounge Short Sleep Set, $110; nordstrom.com
- Buttery-Soft Cashmere Blend: Lallier Cashmere Ribbed Scarf, $40; amazon.com
- Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 50mm Square AI Sunglasses, $247; amazon.com
- Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, $229 (Originally $299); amazon.com
Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes
Amazon
The first time I went to Europe for a two-week trip, I used these compression packing cubes, and I’ve sworn by them ever since. Traditional packing cubes tend to be bulky and make little difference, but these actually compress your clothes, letting you pack twice as much and still have room to shop. They’re impressively durable (I’ve truly put mine through the ringer) and come in multiple colorways like baby pink and yellow.
Rag & Bone Miramar Terry Sofie Wide Pants
Amazon
Although they’re definitely an investment, these sweatpant jeans are the backbone of my travel wardrobe. I wear them on every flight because I like to maintain an air of put-togetherness (even while fully asleep with drool running down my face). They’re super comfortable, and thanks to the button detail, no one is ever the wiser.
Mother The Half Pipe Ankle Jeans
Amazon
Beyond the sweans I wear on the plane, I always pack at least one pair of real, sturdy denim. No matter how many brands I try, I somehow always end up back at Mother. From their shorts for summer trips to barrel jeans I can dress up or down, I’m a loyal fan. They’re a splurge, but they go on sale often, and they’re the kind of jeans you’ll reach for year after year.
New Balance 1906R Running Shoe
New Balance
Comfort is everything to me when traveling, as I live by the philosophy that everything is within walking distance if you just believe. I’ve worn my New Balances into the ground, yet they somehow still look good as new. I especially love the 1906s for travel because they work just as well with jeans as they do for a quick hotel gym visit should the urge strike.
Amazon Essentials Slim-Fit Crewneck T-Shirt 2-Pack
Amazon
Vee Collective Medium Porter Quilted Tote
Nordstrom
Madewell The Remy Mary Jane Flat
Madewell
Skims Soft Lounge Short Sleep Set
Nordstrom
Lallier Cashmere Ribbed Scarf
Amazon
Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 50mm Square AI Sunglasses
Nordstrom
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Amazon
