We are coming up on one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, so it’s a good time to go over packing to avoid, well, over-packing. Keeping it in one suitcase and a large tote will keep you from having to check a bag – which means your bag will definitely make it to your destination.

I do a lot of international traveling for work. I also dedicate a lot of my free time to traveling for pleasure. I pride myself on always looking presentable and blending with the city. Since I often jump on flights at the last minute, I can’t check a suitcase (too risky that it may get lost). So over the years I’ve learned exactly what I need with me and what just takes up space, so here goes:

My rule is that if you will be gone 5 days or fewer, there is no reason that 1 roll aboard and 1 large tote shouldn’t be adequate.

MICHAEL - Michael Kors New Brookville Large Tote

Best jeans (you’ll use these for 2 days, 1 night)
Jacket
Blazer
Carry a large tote – This will be your day bag. Keep your makeup and jewelry in it during the flight.

In the suitcase:

Wrap Knit Sheath Dress - Banana Republic

1. Black dress – This should be good for 2 nights. Black can dress up or down. People over-pack because they pack for “what ifs.” Black covers them. If it’s casual and you wear black, you can dress it down with casual accessories. If it’s more formal and you wear black, you can dress it up with accessories. There is a reason black is called basic.
2. Black skirt – can pair this with sweater, t-shirt, or blouse depending on the situation. Wear once.
3. Jeans – 1 pair, your go-to pair that you always feel good in. Like the black dress, you can dress it up or down with accessories. These are good for 2 days.
4. Leggings and/or tights – 3 pairs. Here’s where you add colors to play off that black dress. They will change the dress so you don’t look like you are wearing the same thing twice.
5. Cashmere sweater – Bring the cashmere not the wool. Temperature forecasts are wrong and cashmere has you covered. Cashmere is warm when you need it, not too hot when you don’t. Also cashmere being thinner than wool takes up less suitcase space. You’ll wear twice.
6. 2 t-shirts – to wear under sweater, to wear alone or with blazer. You may leave those in your bag and never trot them out. But if for some reason your crazy aunt drags you to a bowling alley, you are ready.
7. 2 feminine shirts – these are for evening (wear with jeans or black skirt).
8. Scarf – If you are just wearing jeans and the t-shirt because weather is mild, use the scarf to give you a pop.
9. Evening bag – you might want to skip this, but don’t. It will dress up the jeans if you want to wear them at night.
10. Shoes – 2 pairs of shoes for trip, 1 you wear on airplane, one you pack.
a. Heels – pumps or fantastic boots, but have a great pair with you.

b. Comfortable shoes – duh.

11. Jewelry – lots of it. Jewelry will immediately change whatever you have on. If you have jeans, heels, and a sweater, you look plain. Throw on some jewels and you are ready for the surprise dinner date. I take as many necklaces as days I’ll be gone.

And if I have extra space (even a tiny bit), I’ll jam one more pair of shoes in there for good measure.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving. I’ll be in Paris at the Salon des Vignerons Indépendants. See you next week!

- Sometimes you have to check a bag at the last minute because the overhead bins are full. But if it’s checked at the airplane door, it is very unlikely that your bag won’t make it to your destination.