25 Items I Purchased for Travel This Summer That I'll Wear and Use Forever

As someone who tends to panic-shop right before a trip, I can confirm that it isn't wise and typically leads to a lot of unsuccessful purchases. For my summer 2024 travel, I opted to plan a bit more than I usually do and have made more successful, smarter purchases as a result. So far this season, I've traveled to Paris; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; and Asheville, and next, I'll be heading to the beach and Seattle. As you can see, my destinations have all been quite different and have required different wardrobes, but I've managed to invest in some items that work for almost any destination.
Because sharing is caring, I'm divulging the travel-friendly items I'm referring to, which I may have purchased for a moment in time but, in many cases, will wear and use for years to come. Scroll on to shop the items that I already vetted for you.
This compact blush is perfect for a travel bag. My go-to shade is Piggy.
I purchased this hoodie for the long flight to Paris and found it to be the perfect weight and fit.
Another smart pre-Paris purchase that I now want in every color.
Given how comfortable and perfect these are, I'm not surprised Madewell can't keep them in stock.
I think I've worn these more than any other shoes this summer.
I've tried so many portable chargers—this one's the best, and comes in a bunch of colors.
These versatile sunglasses are the only pair you need to pack.
I'm such a fan of these shorts that I now own them in three different washes, and the black ones are my latest acquisition.
These are the shoes that convinced me to start wearing flip-flops again.
The only hairstyling product I'm packing for the foreseeable future.
I've tried so many full skirts lately—this investment-worthy one is the best.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
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