15 Fashion Basics I Won't Travel Without
I'm a fashion editor, but next to all things style, travel is my true passion, and I make sure I squeeze in trips as often as possible. I used to dread pulling out my suitcase to figure out what exactly I was going to add inside, but over the years, I’ve tweaked and refined my packing process. Now, I have some travel fashion basics I make sure to include every time I leave home, no matter where I’m headed. It might be a quick road trip or a flight overseas, but regardless, there are some staples that always make it in my bag.
Ahead, I’m breaking down the pieces that you’ll find in my suitcase no matter what. From my go-to outfit formula of straight-leg jeans and a crew-neck T-shirt to a versatile dress that will take me from day to night to the everyday essentials like bras and underwear I’ve narrowed in on, these are the perfect travel fashion basics. Go on to see the exact pieces I pack for every vacation.
A GREAT TRENCH
I've owned this Burberry trench for years, and it's always one of the first pieces to go into my suitcase.
Nothing pulls an outfit together like a trench coat.
CREW-NECK T-SHIRTS
STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS
These Pinch jeans are the staple you'll find in nearly every Who What Wear editor's closet.
A VERSATILE DRESS
Dresses from Réalisation Par are a travel must on my list.
A DAY-TO-NIGHT BAG
HEELS
ANKLE BOOTS
Great ankle boots always go in my suitcase. They're both comfortable for walking around and a great way to tie an outfit together.
I picked these up last fall, and they have proven to be one of the most-worn pieces in my wardrobe.
SNEAKERS
Sneakers that double as everyday shoes and workout shoes are a must.
A WORKOUT SET
I always squeeze in workouts on vacation, so I love a great matching set.
These color-block leggings are a great new addition to my workout wardrobe.
SWIMSUIT
Just in case there's a pool at the hotel.
A T-SHIRT BRA
Chantelle is the French lingerie brand I swear by.
UNDERWEAR
A PAJAMA SET
SUNGLASSES
I'm currently very into '90s-inspired sunglass silhouettes.
I always pack sunglasses, and these ones from Krewe are the latest pair I'm loving.
Next, see the 13 fashion brands I wear on repeat.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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