When thinking about wardrobe staples for travelers, comfortable, versatile, and timeless basics reign supreme. These essential pieces help us become more efficient packers and build a more sustainable capsule wardrobe. The beauty of these kinds of staples is that they’ll never go out of style and you’ll never run out of places to wear them. Whether you’re searching for the best slice of pizza in New York City or museum-hopping around Paris, every traveler needs reliable pieces they can count on to get through trips looking and feeling their best.
Read on for our list of wardrobe staples we never travel without—from crisp button-downs and soft white tees to packable jackets and durable boots. Instead of packing a suitcase full of clothes you might wear, consider investing in these simple items that can be layered on cold days, dressed up for a more elevated look, and styled for almost any occasion.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
The wardrobe essentials:
The white button-down
The next time you’re packing your suitcase, toss in a white button-down shirt. Whether you prefer linen, silk, oversized, or slightly fitted—pack it. It can be dressed up for a business dinner with a pair of slacks, worn casually with jeans while sightseeing during the day, or thrown over your bathing suit poolside (so there’s no need to pack an additional cover-up).
The perfect tee
It doesn’t get more essential than this—the perfect T-shirt is a must for every trip, no matter where you’re headed or what time of year. Soft, simple tees like these from Aritzia, Everlane, Uniqlo, and Buck Mason will last in your closet for years and have that cozy, worn-in feeling you love. If you have no idea what to wear or don’t exactly know what’s on your agenda for the day, throwing on a basic tee is a safe bet. Plus, no one will notice if you rewear a T-shirt once (or twice) on a trip.
The base layer
For chiller trips, always pack a few neutral-colored long-sleeves that can easily be layered with vests, cardigans, or thicker jackets. A turtleneck is perennially chic and such a great base for fall or winter outfits. Dress your favorite warm turtleneck up with slacks or a long skirt, or make it casual with a pair of high-waisted jeans. Lightweight cashmere or merino wool sweaters are another great option, especially if you’re traveling somewhere particularly cold. Whether you’re headed on a ski trip or staying in a cozy cabin upstate, a basic black or cream-colored turtleneck from brands like Quince or Banana Republic has you covered.
The packable jacket
Packing for cold-weather cities can be a bit of challenge—you want to stay warm, but don’t want one jacket to occupy all of the space in your carry-on. Wearing your heaviest coat on the plane is a great tip to avoid packing it, but you might want a more packable jacket you can take with you, too. These travel-friendly jackets are lightweight, layer well over sweaters, and can be folded up tightly to maximize suitcase space.
The trusted denim
No packing list is complete without a trusted pair of denim. Levi’s 501 original style are definite wardrobe staples—wear them with your favorite T-shirt, a turtleneck, or really anything that made its way into your suitcase and you’re ready to go. For even more versatility, we recommend a straight leg jean in a medium wash without any rips or raw hem. These pairs below offer enough stretch to keep you comfortable if some walking ends up on your itinerary.
The relaxed trouser
If you’re traveling for business, a relaxed pair of trousers will take you from meetings to lunch to the hotel bar. A polished, tailored pair can be worn with loafers, sneakers, or a kitten heel with ease. And the best part: They are so comfy! The relaxed, loose fit around the legs of a good trouser makes them easy to wear all day long. The Effortless Pant from Aritzia is one of our top picks for its smooth material, slimming silhouette, and well-made, expensive feel. I’ve been wearing them nonstop—they look great for the office but are versatile and comfortable enough to wear while running errands.
The white sneaker
The ultimate must-pack shoe: a pair of white sneakers. Shoes take up a lot of space in your luggage and add extra weight. To limit how many pairs you need, a go-to white sneaker is essential, whether you’re wearing jeans, activewear, or a casual dress. My favorite pairs of sneakers are ones I can wear to the airport, during a light workout, and through a whole day of walking. Brands like Adidas, Allbirds, and Reebok make classic pairs that are just as comfortable as they are versatile.
The elevated shoe
When I’m tight on packing room, I try to cut back on footwear as it tends to be some of the heaviest items in my suitcase and one of the easiest to rewear. I try to pick just one elevated shoe to rely on for outfits when a sneaker is too casual. A sleek black boot will usually do the trick to help dress up an outfit without sacrificing comfort. If I want something slightly more elegant that I can wear with different types of dresses, I’ll pack one pair of slingbacks or kitten heels. These styles are low to the ground (no blisters here), but still look stylish enough to pair with formalwear.
The slip dress
A silky slip dress, like these chic picks below, is lightweight and can be folded up and tucked into the corner of your carry-on, taking up virtually no space. I’ve worn this “simple” dress during the day with sneakers, to dinner with a pair of heels, and even underneath a sweater as a long skirt. Skim’s viral Soft Lounge long slip dress is another top pick—it’s flattering on every body type and can be worn to everything from brunch to baby showers. When in doubt, throw on that LBD. Pro tip: Hang your silk dresses up in your hotel or Airbnb bathroom while you take a hot shower to de-wrinkle them in a pinch.
The day-to-night bag
Purses and bags are another essential that can be tricky to pack. I try to pack one white, black, or beige bag that matches everything and can transition well from daytime to night. These timeless leather bags from Coach and Cuyana hold just enough of the essentials for a day in the city, but are still small enough to carry on your shoulder to dinner and dancing.
The black legging
You’ll likely find a beloved pair of black leggings in every traveler’s luggage. Some of our editors’ most-worn leggings come from brands like Lululemon, Athleta, and Aerie, and can be worn just about everywhere—on the plane, to a workout class, or on your next hiking trip. The best leggings move with your body, giving you just enough support without being too restrictive, and won’t slide down your waist while you walk or run.
