It’s been another big year of travel—there were my usual trips to Paris, a record three visits home to New Zealand, two trips to Australia, one blissful honeymoon in Mallorca (plus a wedding in Grenada and a little vacation in Madrid), two quick weekend jaunts to London, two longer trips to visit with family in the Bay Area, and just a couple of quick stints to see friends in L.A. It’s enough to get you to Diamond Status on Delta, and it’s definitely enough to ensure I’ve become an absolute master of packing for every possible event and climate.
Whether I’m going to Europe or just popping to the West Coat, there are a handful of fashion staples that always come with me. The way I style them might be ever-so-slightly different depending on the weather and the vibe of the city I’m in, but these key items are so reliable they’re always the first things I pack. Whether I’m at home in New York or traveling overseas, these are the six wardrobe staples I’m never without.
Crewneck Cardigan
I love everything about a crewneck cardigan, especially the way it converts from an easy daytime layer to throw on over a tee to a chic top that works for the evening. Just button it up to whatever extent feels right, and pair it with tidy jeans and polished jewelry.
Reformation
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
Zara
Soft Feel Ribbed Cardigan
Treasure & Bond
Crewneck Cotton Blend Cardigan
Mango
Buttoned Ribbed Cardigan
Z Supply
Outlook Metallic Cardigan
Polished Flats
No footwear gets more wear in my wardrobe than the flat shoes I can dress up or down. Mary Janes and loafers are always favorites when I’m packing, but its my black slingbacks that are currently nonnegotiable.
Reformation
Charlie Ballet Flat
Jamie Haller
Penny Loafers
Linea Paolo
Cassidy Pointed Toe Slingback Flat
Madewell
Greta Patent Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Jeffrey Campbell
Dancerina Mary Jane Ballet Flat
Wide-Leg Jeans
There’s something about the trouser-like fit of wide-leg jeans that makes them super versatile, which, in my book, means they get a permanent spot in my suitcase. The most important thing for me is length. They need to pair perfectly with the flat shoes I’ll be wearing on repeat.
Agolde
Dame Jeans High Rise Wide Leg
Cotton On
Stretch Wide Jean
Toteme
Twisted Seam High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Reformation
Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Madewell
The Perfect Vintage Wide Leg Jeans
Ribbed Tanks & Tees
Ribbed basics are a year-round staple for me, from racerback tanks to long-sleeve tees. I pack a variety of styles in both black and white and layer to my heart’s content.
Toteme
Curved Ribbed Stretch Organic Cotton-Jersey Tank
Agolde
Abbie Ribbed Stretch-Jersey T-Shirt
LNA
Bellina Ribbed Long Sleeve Top
Éterne
Ribbed Stretch Cotton and Modal-Blend Top
Relaxed Trousers
Speaking of pieces that are easy to dress up or down, relaxed-fit pants are a staple of my wardrobe no matter what season it is. Since I gravitate toward trousers more than dresses and skirts, I always pack a reliable mix of tailored, knit, and silky styles that will get me through any imaginable occasion.
Mango
Pleated Wide Leg Pants
Reformation
Olina Silk Pant
J.Crew
Stratus Pant in Textured Satin
Zara
Soft Straight Leg Pants
Easy Blazer
I don’t travel anywhere without at least one blazer. I’ll pair it with everything from jeans to dresses to matching trousers. Cropped and collarless styles are current favorites, but if I (cruelly) had to choose just one, it would be an ever-so-slightly nipped-in style in black, navy, or on-trend dark brown.
Tibi
Tropical Wool Max Blazer
Mango
Straight-Fit Suit Jacket
