Carry-On Couture (2024)

22/12/2023

It's Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!⁣⁣⁣This cozy airplane outfit features a comfy stretchy sweatshirt/sweatpant combo, but the look is elevated with a wool blend full-length top coat.

The sneakers are Dolce Vitas and I love them because they are trulu like walking on clouds! I have been all over Italy in mine and I highly recommend!

The backpack and carry-on suitcase are beautiful and classy in this taupe gold color.

Shop my LTK linked in my .couture bio!

20/12/2023

Why Merino wool and cashmere for travel?The science: Merino wool and cashmere fibers naturally adapt to different temperatures. The fine wool fibers form air spaces that make merino wool and cashmere clothing breathable while also allowing moisture to pass through keeping the wearer dry and at a comfortable temperature. They keep you warm...and cool, which is pretty cool!

Merino wool and cashmere are odor-resistant. This means you can re-wear these items multiple times in your travel capsule wardrobe. (This is especially handy in the sock department! YES, you can re-wear those socks...multiple times!)

Both Merino wool and cashmere are lightweight and wrinkle-resistant...perfect for packing! They provide warmth without bulk.

Cashmere vs. Merino Wool: Cashmere can be seven to eight times warmer and is also softer than Merino. However, it is less durable, making cashmere the preferred textile for casual wear, while Merino is the preferred wool for activewear.

Now I can already hear some of you saying that wool makes you itch...ME TOO! But I encourage you to give it a try. I have found some great brands that do not itch at all.

If you are super sensitive, try Merino wool blends or stick with cashmere which is considered less "itchy" than other wools.

18/12/2023

Vienna is always a beautiful trip, but during the Christmas season, there's added magic as the city is full of the aroma of sweet treats, sparkly lights, and the charm of Christmas everywhere. If you're traveling to Vienna in December, be prepared for cold! This travel capsule wardrobe features the coat of all coats...and you already know you'll be carrying this baby on the plane (you might even need to book its own seat!).

Focus on cozy details like cashmere, merino wool, fleecy linings, and LAYERS!

Mix-and-match strategy is easy with this neutral color palette.

Space out re-wears on your itinerary so as not to wear them back to back.

This travel capsule for a 9-day trip to Vienna has 7 clothing items, 1 pair of shoes (YEP! Just one! Trust me, it's all you need!), 1 cozy blanket scarf, and 1 puffer coat which all combine to create at least 9 outfit combinations, and the best part....it all fits in your carry-on suitcase! (But don't forget to wear your heaviest, bulkiest items on the plane!)

Thank you to for the destination inspiration! Have a magical trip to Vienna!

Links to clothing items: https://liketk.it/4qOQH

15/12/2023

It's Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!⁣⁣Today's airplane outfit features PURPLE! This cozy airplane outfit is by Nordstrom's Zella brand.

The sneakers are On brand and I love them because they are so light and perfect for travel.

The backpack and carry-on suitcase are my very own items that I ALWAYS travel with and at the time of this post, the suitcase is on sale for 30% off with an additional 10% using a site discount code. If you're looking for an ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT suitcase, this one is definitely worth the investment.

Shop items here: https://linktr.ee/carryoncouture

13/12/2023

Find all of these gift items here: https://linktr.ee/carryoncouture

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.)

08/12/2023

It's Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!⁣Today's airplane outfit features the newest jeans on everyone's "must have" travel list...The Jet Set Flare by Frame. Designed without hardware or pockets for elevated ease and comfort during travel, this sleek silhouette features a high-rise waist and a flared leg that hits at the ankle.

The wool coat is from JCrew and at the time of this posting is on sale for a whopping 40% off and so is the cozy crop sweater.

The sneakers are the oh-so-popular New Balance with a 70's inspired design. These are definitely a sell-out risk.

The tote is a Carry-On Couture frequent flier by Longchamp. The packable fold-flat design makes it a great travel companion.

The carry-on luggage is gorgeous and it's from the Monos brand.

07/12/2023

After every trip, I analyze my capsule wardrobe to see how I did.

This helps with my decision making for the next time.

When planning for a trip, it always seems important to bring the cutest clothes and lots of options, but once I’m actually on my trip, function trumps fashion, every time (especially when it’s really cold!).

For my next cold weather trip, I will only pack one hat and one scarf...my warmest and coziest, of course!

My big success was only bringing one pair of shoes for the entire trip!!!

I really wanted to add a pair of sneakers for this trip, but I knew I would only wear them on the plane. And then there’s my rule of “wearing my bulkiest items on the plane”, but I really didn’t want to!

I ended up being disciplined. I only brought the boots, and it was absolutely the right thing to do! No regrets.

Sometimes it’s worth being disciplined and doing the hard thing...like wearing the boots on the plane! It wasn’t bad at all, and it would have been silly to bring shoes I would have only worn on the flight.

Packing for winter trips, when you will be wearing your coat every day, takes the pressure off of travel capsule outfit planning.

I could have worn the EXACT SAME THING EVERY DAY, and no one would have even noticed because all they ever saw was my coat.

Do yourself a favor and pack your warmest most comfortable clothes for this type of trip.

You don’t need a lot of outfits...

just a really CUTE COAT!

04/12/2023

It's 5 nights in Vegas where everything glitters and shines!This travel capsule wardrobe is the ultimate example of various "Day-to-Night" transitions:

Same top all day, swap out bottoms, shoes and outer layers.

The "usual" Carry-On Couture "Day-to-Night" strategy - same thing all day, swap shoes and accessories for an elevated evening look.

And the simplest...just a simple shoe swap.

Disguise re-wears by spacing them out on your itinerary and changing up how you wear them, in different outfit combinations and by changing up shoes, accessories, and outer layers.

This travel capsule wardrobe features 8 items, 2 pairs of shoes, and 1 crossbody bag that combine to create more than. 11 outfit combinations, and the best part...it all fits in your carry-on suitcase!

Thanks to for the destination inspiration.

Capsule wardrobe items can be found at: https://liketk.it/4oYAN

01/12/2023

It's Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!Today's airplane outfit features two of Carry-On Couture's favorite brands for comfy cozy...Varley (again!) and Frank and Eileen.

The Golden Goose sneakers are so fun with the sparkly star and just a hint of dark brown leopard print o the heel!

The tote is by Radley London and at the time of this post is more than 50% off!!!

The carry-on luggage is gorgeous and it's from the Monos brand.

30/11/2023

Packing for a cold-weather trip isn't really that difficult!

Here are my basic strategies for planning this travel capsule wardrobe for an 8-day winter trip to Germany: I chose smart fabrics like merino wool and cashmere. Both are warm. lightweight, do not hold odors and are wrinkle resistant which makes them easy to pack and perfect for cold weather travel.

Re-wearing is "doable" in cold weather because I chose Merino wool items that don't hold odors.

It's true that winter travel capsule wardrobes can be boring, especially when you wear the same coat every day. I like to find cute hats and scarves to add interest and change up the look a little bit.

And since I will be wearing my coat every day, you will not even really notice the outfits I've put together, so I kept things pretty basic and really focused on packing smart and packing light.

The bottom line is that I want to be warm and comfortable so I tried to make smart choices based on function, not fashion.

My 8-day (+ a travel day on each end) travel capsule wardrobe consists of 1 waterproof insulated coat, 4 cashmere sweaters, 2 Merino wool long-sleeve Ts for layering, 1 pair of blue denim, 1 pair of black pants, 3 scarves, 1 pair of waterproof bo**ies, wool socks, and wool mittens which all combine to create 8 outfit combinations. And the best part...it all fits in my carry-on suitcase!

27/11/2023

Traveling in the winter to cold destinations takes some serious thought and strategic planning!

Re-wearing is possible when you choose smart fabrics like merino wool and cashmere. These materials wick away moisture and do not hold odors. They are also lightweight and wrinkle-resistant...win, win!

Two pairs of pants are sufficient for a winter trip as you won't notice the re-wears at all! Your winter coat will be the star of the show, so choose one that you love and won't mind wearing EVERY DAY!

Make your travel capsule more interesting by choosing fun details like ribbing, coated fabrics and fun accessories.

This travel capsule, with 7 items of clothing, 1 pair of bo**ies, 1 crossbody bag, 2 scarves and 2 hats combines to create more than 8 outfit combinations and the best part...it all fits in your carry-on suitcase.

(Just remember towear your coat and bulkiest items on the plane!)

24/11/2023

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!⁣⁣⁣⁣This week’s airplane travel outfit will keep you nice and toasty!
The sherpa pullover is the perfect "throw-on-and-go" layer. The denim is by Paige, a Carry-On Couture favorite and frequent flyer!

Both bags are gorgeous and by the Monos luggage brand.

The take-away tip for this airplane outfit...WEAR YOUR HEAVIEST BULKIEST ITEMS ON THE PLANE!

Tap .couture for link in my bio for clothing items.

Friday travel airplane outfit inspiration for the carry-on traveler.

22/11/2023

Wondering what to look for in a travel coat?It all depends...on the temperature, the precipitation, your activities, and last but not least...your personal style.

Be sure to look for:

1. A waterproof outer layer. (NOT water resistant!)

2. A hood for protection from rain, wind, cold.

3. An insulating layer: some coats come with removable alternatives and some are completely built-in. You can add in any insulating base layer yourself.

4. If the weather is very cold or very wet, look for a longer-length coat.

Speaking of style...function over fashion should be the rule, but hopefully you can find both!

Lastly, DON'T FORGET TO WEAR THAT BULKY COAT ON THE PLANE!

recommendations

20/11/2023

Many will be traveling for Thanksgiving...some to warm weather destinations, others to cold weather destinations.

This week's travel capsule wardrobe features "A Tale of Two Cities"...Ft. Lauderdale and Boston, and the best part is...no matter which city you will be visiting, each travel capsule wardrobe fits in your carry-on suitcase!

(But remember to wear your bulkiest items on the plane!)

*Notice...I kept my color palette and a few key pieces the same and just swapped warm weather items for cold weather choices.

This was to make the point that you do not need to "recreate the wheel" every time you pack for a trip!

You might have some staple items that come on every trip...your favorite denim, your most comfortable shoes, that perfect pair of black pants, or that versatile black cardigan that goes with everything.

Once you have those "staple" pieces, you can add items that are appropriate for the weather and activities, to create a unique travel capsule wardrobe for every trip.

A big thank you to Carry-On Couture followers and for the travel capsule wardrobe destination inspiration!

All capsule items can be found here: https://liketk.it/4ofBd

16/11/2023

It is absolutely possible to pack carry-on-only in the winter!Yes, clothing items are bulkier!

Yes, shoes are, too!

Yes, you will need to bring a coat...or two!

But stick to these principles of cold weather packing and you'll be carrying-on like a pro!

1. Wear heaviest, bulkiest items on the plane.

2. Choose smart fabrics like merino wool or cashmere that are warm, but not bulky.

3. Choose items that can be easily layered.

4. Choose versatile pieces that can maximize mix-and-match options.

5. Use packing cubes for compression, BUT BE CAREFUL as this will add weight if you pack too much!

13/11/2023

Traveling during the winter months can be a packing challenge, especially in France where fashion is at the forefront!

This travel capsule wardrobe was specially curated for Carry-On Couture follower who is heading to Nice!

Keeping our travel capsule wardrobe guidelines in mind, the focus is LAYERS...waterproof and packable down, VERSATILE items that allow you to maximize your mix-and-match options and a little "fancy" because, well...France!

Take special note...this capsule relies on only one pair of shoes, a waterproof bo**ie! (Now that's discipline!)

This 12-item travel capsule wardrobe combines to create more than 11 different outfit combinations and the best part...it all fits in your carry-on suitcase! (But don't forget...wear your bulkiest items on the plane!)

Direct.me/carryoncouture

10/11/2023

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!⁣⁣⁣This week’s airplane travel outfit is perfect as we move into cold-weather travel with its bum covering feather-down vest.

The long sleeve T and black leggings are basics everyone should have in their travel capsule wardrobe.

The Hoff Sneakers are from Spain and offer both a fun style and great quality.

The tote is by Calpak and is a beautiful option for both business and casual travelers.

The carry-on suitcase is also from Calpak, The color is beautiful and the construction is solid...however, it does weigh in at 7.5 lbs, a little more than what Carry-On Couture typically recommends.

06/11/2023

As cooler weather arrives, our travel capsule wardrobes need to be strategic!Think about choosing fabrics that will keep you warm and toasty without adding bulk...like cashmere, merino wool, and mid-weight denim.

Layering will also be essential so choose clothing items that can be worn together if necessary.

Find waterproof outer layers and packable down.

And as with every travel capsule, try to find layers that serve dual purposes. For example, a button-down shirt can be worn alone or layered under a sweater for added warmth.

Mixing and matching in different combinations and using accessories will disguise your re-wears.

This travel capsule wardrobe uses 8 clothing items, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 crossbody bag, 1 purse plus accessoes to employ all of these strategies,

And the best part....it all fits in your carry-on suitcase!

03/11/2023

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!⁣⁣This week’s airplane travel outfit is anchored by the "throw-on-and-go" sherpa sweatshirt by Varley, a Carry-On Couture favorite! It's perfectly warm and cozy for this upcoming winter season and your next flight.

The navy pant is by Zella and the high waist and flared ankle are both so flattering. Not only do they work as your travel pants, but can also be used as a workout pant on your trip! (Extra points for a dual-purpose item!)

The sneakers are by Gola and have a throwback vintage feel.

The tote, by Calpak, has 9 pockets, including a separate shoe compartment. It's a great +1 carry-on item option and when you're not traveling, it makes a great gym bag.

The carry-on suitcase is by Samsonite and was Carry-On Couture’s first ever carry-on suitcase (lots of nostalgia for this bag!). This spinner model weighs in at 6.7 lbs…not too bad and that orange color is tough to beat!

02/11/2023

"I did a carry-on for a 12-day trip to Italy thanks to Carry-On Couture. I had a wardrobe capsule that Haley designed. I loved that on each day of the trip my outfit was planned so I didn't need to stress about what to wear. I even had EXTRA room in my carry-on that I filled with things I purchased in Italy! It was so fulfilling! I will never check a bag for a trip again, no matter how long the vacation might be.

[Travel Capsule Wardrobes. Packing techniques. Pack light. Pack smart. Carry-on only traveler.]

30/10/2023

Dressing up for Halloween has a whole new meaning with this "eerie-sistible" travel capsule wardrobe!
We've kept our travel capsule wardrobe strategies in mind: 2 pairs of shoes, day-to-night transitions, mix-and-match tops and bottoms, adding in some "fun"!

Eight clothing items, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 crossbody bag, and 1 clutch all combine to create more than 9 outfit combinations, and the best part...it all fits in your carry-on suitcase!

27/10/2023

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!⁣This week’s airplane travel outfit is inspired by Carry-On Couture follower . She says these joggers are a “DON’T MISS PANT”! They look great with sneakers and with heels for an elevated look. You can find them in the link in my Instagram bio. and at boutique.

The white button-down blouse is the perfect “bum-covering” length that looks great under the cozy cashmere wrap which happens to be ON SALE at the time of this post!

The cheetah sneakers run large…FYI, so order a half size down.

The carry-on suitcase is by Samsonite, one of Carry-On Couture’s favorite brands. This spinner model weighs in at 7.2 lbs…not the best weight for a carry-on bag, but the color sure is fantastic!

-ROSSI

24/10/2023

Am I a perfect packer? NO! But I certainly try, and the best way to improve my packing skills is to analyze after each trip.⁣⁣On my most recent packing adventure, I made the classic packing mistake and brought too many pairs of shoes instead of the “three max” allowed by my capsule rules.

Did I like having the variety of brown AND black shoes...yes.

Did I need the brown shoes...really? No, I did not. I would have been perfectly fine wearing black shoes the entire trip.

Lessons Learned:
First, start planning my travel capsule wardrobe with my shoes and NOT with my outfits! This will keep me on track with only 2 pairs of shoes (3 max).

Second, avoid the temptation of thinking I will “need” that extra color of shoes when in reality, one color is really sufficient. It seems like a big deal when planning my capsule wardrobe, but when I’m on my trip, it really doesn’t matter. Stay focused on packing light and packing smart, not packing more!

-onluggagestrategies

23/10/2023

From wine tasting to world-class hiking and mountain biking, the incredibly scenic city of Sedona has something for everyone and there isn't a better time to visit than the fall!This thoughtfully curated travel capsule wardrobe focuses on the outdoors and the leisure activities Sedona has to offer. This 11-piece travel capsule wardrobe takes you from the hiking trail to wine tasting with more than 11 different outfit combinations and the best part...it all fits in your carry-on suitcase.

Capsule items are linked in my Instagram bio.

20/10/2023

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!⁣The highlight of this airplane outfit is the camel cardigan which is quickly becoming a traveler's favorite for its cozy knit and its perfect "bum covering" length.

The Longchamp Tote is always a classy choice for your +1 carry-on item and the Delsey brand carry-on suitcase weighs 6.4lbs...not too bad!

Outfit items linked in my Instagram bio.

17/10/2023

Ahhh...the dreaded "Only Two Pairs of Shoes" Rule...(okay, three!).SHOES...I know ladies! We love them! But SHOES are the culprits undermining many well-meaning light packers!

To be a carry-on-only traveler requires some discipline and it starts in the shoe department!

Pro-Tip: Start your travel capsule wardrobe planning with your shoes and work from the ground up!

Once you choose a "workhorse" shoe and a second "dressier" shoe, you are ready to pick the rest of your capsule items!

16/10/2023

With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and captivating history, Andalusia is what dreams are made of!This 10-item travel capsule wardrobe (+ 1 bathing suit, 3 pairs of shoes, a tote, and 1 crossbody bag) has you covered!

We are implementing our travel capsule rules:
Only 2 pairs of shoes....3 max!

Every shoe works with every bottom.

Every bottom works with every top.

If it doesn't get worn in at least 2 outfit combinations, it doesn't come on the trip!

One outfit all day. Transition from day to night with shoes and accessories.

Not only do these items combine to create more than 13 different outfits, but everything fits in your carry-on suitcase!

Clothing items are linked in my Instagram bio.

13/10/2023

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!This week’s edition is the ultimate in comfy-cozy as we approach our cold-weather travel season.

The brand Varley is quickly becoming a “go-to” luxury athleisure brand. This beautiful brown sweatshirt with bellowed sleeves and side zip detailing is the ultimate when it comes to comfort and style.

These ultra high-rise active flare leggings come from Abercrombie, of all places, and they’re upping their activewear game with this SculptLUX fabric which is compressive and supportive without being restrictive, as well as smoothing and sculpting without pinching.

This black and gold belt bag has an elevated look from most of the other brands out there and is bigger in size with 2 pockets instead of one.

The backpack has an interior padded tech sleeve. It can be carried in 5 unique ways: Backpack mode, Crossbody Mode, Shoulder Mode, Handheld Mode, and Oversized Clutch Mode. The retractable smart sleeve is located in the exterior back zippered pocket and fits over most upright luggage handles for easy mobility.

The carry-on suitcase is by the brand Traveler’s Choice and weighs 9 lbs…WAY TOO HEAVY to be used for more than a quick weekend trip, but the golden color was too irresistible not to give it a feature this week.

Clothing links in my Instagram bio.

11/10/2023

My basic strategies for planning this capsule wardrobe for a 9-day trip:Every bottom works with every top (almost....with the exception of the print skirt, but I am classifying this as a "dress" since I will only wear it with the black top. The bonus: unlike a dress, the black top can be worn with my other bottom pieces.)

I chose 3 outer layers, each in varying degrees of weight: A denim jacket, a cardigan sweater, and a white button-down shirt.

Every outer layer works with every outfit.

All 3 outer layers can be worn together in the event it gets really chilly, a situation I don't expect to happen, but am prepared for.

The white shirt serves dual purposes as a shirt, but also as a lightweight outer layer.

The sneakers I'm bringing work with my dresses.

Every item is worn at least twice on the trip, strategically spaced out so as not to re-wear back to back. I will also camouflage the re-wears by switching up outer layers and shoes.

The black dress serves dual purposes as a dress, but also as a swimsuit cover-up.

The denim is for a casual look, and the cardigan can be for dressier occasions, a strategy for day-to-night transitions. Wear the same outfit all day and transform it into an evening outfit by changing the outer layer, shoes, and by adding accessories like jewelry or a scarf.

Packing light doesn't mean sacrificing style or comfort, but it requires discipline and being intentional and methodical about the items you bring.

Most clothing items are linked in my bio. (Some are older pieces and no longer available.)

09/10/2023

It's that time of year...Parent's Weekend!Now let's be honest...this weekend is really for us parents, but we'll take it...any chance to see our kids and get a glimpse of their college lives!

This 9-item travel capsule wardrobe can represent any school...just swap out your colors and you're ready to go! The best part...all of these items fit in your carry-on suitcase...even the puffy coat (with the help of a Spacesaver bag!).

Disclaimer: No offense intended to any Ohio State fans (or UCLA fans), but...Go Blue and Fight On!

Direct.me/carryoncouture

06/10/2023

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week!Again, because you asked for it , today the focus is on “Business Comfy”!

Business travel shouldn’t mean stiff suits and uncomfortable shoes.

Instead, try stretch pant in a plaid fabric for ultimate comfort.

This sweater blazer is dressy enough to mean business, but it is cozy for those chilly offices and airplanes.

Keep your business shoes stashed in your carry-on tote for an easy shoe swap when you arrive at the office. And bonus…the tote is on sale!

This burgundy red carry-on suitcase weighs just under 6.55 lbs, not too bad!

Direct.me/carryoncouture

Carry-On Couture