Carry-on Winter Capsule Wardrobe for 1 Month Abroad

I have family in Italy, Canada, India, and Australia, so several times a year, I pack a suitcase for long international trips. As a frequent flier, I’ve nailed my packing process down to a science over the past couple of decades, and as a fashion editor, I’ve also become a lot pickier with my wardrobe essentials. That said, I’ve curated a capsule wardrobe for every season and type of travel. Each item is stylish and comfortable, but the best part is that I can mix and match them, and they can all fit inside one single carry-on. 

In a few days, I’m leaving for a month-long trip to northern Italy, and as I write this, I have a fully-packed carry-on suitcase just feet away from me. It’s filled with all the cozy sweaters, comfy shoes, and fun holiday party outfits I want — with room to spare for some gifts for my family. From a cashmere sweater (discounted during Nordstrom’s Half-yearly Sale) to the soft pajamas from an Oprah-loved brand I’m gifting my sister to the comfy Good American jeans my mom and I both swear by, this may just be my best-packed suitcase yet.

Caslon Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

I love super soft sweaters, and I’ve tried a lot of different cashmere and wool options, but from the moment I first slipped on this 100 percent cashmere sweater — and at such an affordable price point — I knew I need not to explore other brands. It feels so luxurious against my skin, pairs perfectly with a variety of bottoms, and can be layered over or under other layers on this list. I have this in black, but I’m planning on snagging it in red since it’ll add a pop of color to my winter wardrobe and is currently discounted to more than half off in Nordstrom’s Half-yearly Sale.

Madewell Harlow Wide-leg Pants

It’s a true luxury to feel like you’re wearing soft sweatpants when you’re actually rocking a sleek pair of trousers — and I found that in the Lululemon City Sleek Utilitech Wide-leg Pants for the first time. Wide-leg pants have since become my go-to for flights and travel days as they are roomy, comfortable, and flattering, all while offering a put-together look. Versatile and so easy to dress up or down, pair this all-season essential with a basic tee, sweater, or blazer for any activity on your trip itinerary. While my favorites from Luluemon are sold out, the T+L team loves a similar version from Madewell — it’s the Harlow Wide-leg Pant.

Vivaia Amanda Water-repellant Booties

I won’t let my travel outfits interfere with my goal of getting 10,000 steps in every day, and for that, I will only ever wear comfortable shoes during my trips to make sure that I can stay on my feet all day pain-free. I’ve been wearing these Vivaia booties for years, have been able to walk in them for hours where I live in New York City, and I reach for them when packing for any cool-weather adventure. Thanks to the stretchy fabric, I can wear cozy, thick socks with these boots in the winter and thin, breathable cotton socks in spring and fall. I own the black ones, but I’m adding the dark brown ones to my wish list (hint, hint, fam).

Topshop Lace-trim Satin Midi Skirt

I’m a big fan of silk, because it looks sophisticated and can instantly elevate any outfit — even when paired with a simple t-shirt or crewneck sweater. I love lace for the same reason, so when I discovered this satin Topshop skirt that features a lace trim, I knew it would prove to be the perfect addition to my fashion travel arsenal. It pairs seamlessly with every top in my wardrobe (as well as with sneakers and boots), proving its versatility as I can mix and match it, it helps me to pack light, and is suitable for everything from family events to evenings out.

The Drop Kendra Button-up Shirt

I love a clean button-up, but what I particularly appreciate about this pick is the slightly oversized fit and breathable 100 percent cotton fabric that makes it feel comfortable and less business-like. I have it in white, and I love to tuck it into my Good American jeans, but I also wore it unbuttoned over a bathing suit as a cover-up on a beach trip a few months ago. I traditionally wear a medium, but I got this in a large because I wanted a really baggy look. If you’re needing additional sizing than what’s available, check out this other highly-rated white button-down from Amazon for just $30.

Splendid Sivian Bouclé Coat

A plush but stylish bouclé coat can make even the most bundled-up outfit in winter look utterly chic. I get compliments from strangers in the street almost every single time I wear this in the white color, and the forgiving fabric doesn’t have the same restrictive fit that some wool coats have. I actually wear this on airplanes, as it makes the perfect makeshift blanket for long-haul flights. I wear it with a matching cashmere scarf, which is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. 

The Drop Shelly V-neck Long-sleeve Maxi Dress

You can never go wrong with a classic black dress, and I especially love maxi dresses because they work for all seasons. I’ve paired this over a bathing suit with some sandals for a beach vacation in Capri, with some loafers and a blazer for a fall trip to London, and recently with some maroon boots for Thanksgiving. I’m of course partial to the black for its versatility, but this also comes in neon pink and flashy lime, which would look great come spring or on a tropical getaway.

Interested in more little black dresses? Consider this ruffled, wrap-front midi dress, this midi dress with a ruched bodice and tiered skirt, or this newly dropped ribbed, pleated, wrap midi dress — all with high ratings and under $55.

Princess Polly Oswin Turtleneck Sweater

I bought this sweater on a whim a few years ago and it has become one of the most-worn items in my closet. Thanks to the super soft, thick fabric, it’s my go-to second layer for flights and I even sleep in it if I end up in a cold hotel room when I’m traveling. I’ll pair it with leggings or wide-leg trousers for a flight and then dress it up with a mini skirt and tights for the office or exploring a new city during vacation. While sizes are going quickly, you can grab similar styles like this Madewell wool and alpaca oversized sweater (now 40 percent off) or this classic 100 percent cotton turtleneck from J.Crew for less than $100.

Good American Good Skate High-waisted Wide-leg Jeans

I refuse to compromise my comfort for style, so when I got these Good American jeans about four years ago, I knew I’d found the perfect everyday pair — and one that would become a staple for travel. The fabric is stretchy and comfortable, yet still manages to offer a structured silhouette, while the wide-leg shape looks totally sophisticated when paired with my favorite cozy turtleneck and ankle boots. I raved about them so much that my mom was convinced to buy a pair and even donated all her old jeans because they just paled in comparison. 

Karl Lagerfled Faux Leather Blazer

Winter makes putting together an outfit more challenging than in other seasons because of all the layering that’s involved. That’s why I have a couple of outfit formulas I keep on tap; one is a blazer with a turtleneck, jeans, and ankle boots. Another is a blazer with a long-sleeve shirt, skirt, and knee-high boots. The common denominator? A blazer. The moment I tried this faux leather jacket, I knew it would be a key piece in my rotation. The soft, flexible feel and slightly oversized fit make it easy to dress up or down and makes any outfit immediately on-trend.

Sporty & Rich New York Health Club Sweatshirt

A versatile sweatshirt is the ultimate packable layer for travel, as it can be paired with any bottom and worn for any occasion (depending on how you style it up). I’ve had my eyes on this sweatshirt for months, and it seems like my patience paid off, because I got one as a Diwali gift. I love it so much, I’ve worn it multiple times a week to the gym ever since; however, I also plan to wear this with leggings on errands and trips, and I could easily dress it up with jeans and fun jewelry for a casual dinner with friends. 

Cozy Earth Long-sleeve Pajama Set

No matter what I’m wearing, comfort comes first — and that’s obviously even more important when it comes to pajamas. While I never thought I’d spend more than $50 on nightwear, Oprah’s favorite loungewear brand changed my mind. I was gifted one of Cozy Earth’s pajama sets, and I’ve become a total convert thanks to the silky soft bamboo viscose fabric that’s somehow plush yet breathable. Thank goodness it’s moisture-wicking too, because I’m admittedly a sweaty sleeper. 

Billy Reid Wool Turtleneck Contour Sweater Dress

There’s one thing I love more than an LBD, and that’s a turtlenecked LBD. This one from Billy Reid is perfect in every category, from the lavish and stretchy feel to the sexy little slit detail. Yes, it’s super pricey, but it makes an incredible investment piece or gift — and right now you can even get it for 50 percent off after the holidays. Trust that it will be in style for ages, too. I’ll be wearing this with some boots and chunky jewelry for most of my upcoming holiday parties.

Skims Fits Everybody Thong

If you’ve been wanting to try Skims without getting one of the higher-priced bodysuits or loungewear pieces, snag this thong on sale before it ultimately sells out. Made of a buttery-soft fabric with a cotton-lined gusset, it feels like second-skin without being too tight or restrictive. I own several of these and am always looking around for them in my underwear drawer because they’re the most comfortable underwear I own. They’re also the only pieces I’ll wear on a long-haul flight since they almost feel like going commando. 

Stems Cotton Cashmere Socks

You know by now that I’m a big cashmere stan, but these socks exceeded my expectations. They’re velvety and cute, and though they’re warm, they’re also lightweight enough that I’ll often sleep in them. They take up such a small amount of space in my suitcase, and since they’re so easy to carry, I actually always put a pair in my tote bag to change into once I board any long-haul flight.  

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