As someone who thinks something is travel-ready before buying everything I do, I’ve built up a bunch of basics that I tend to pack for each trip. While I prefer not to think about losing my luggage, I was inspired by Who What Wear Senior Beauty Editor Jamie Schneider’s story to think about what to wear instead. She named the essential beauty products she would repurchase if she lost her entire makeup bag, and my mind went wild wardrobe staples I will repurchase.
Among the things I repurchase most quickly are polished, comfortable jeans that I wear even on long flights, socks that I collect, and a cardigan that I carry in no less than five colors. I’d be lost without them (and I do), which is a good indication that they’re worth buying. Scroll on to buy one for yourself, and let’s make a promise to just hang on to the luggage you carry, right?
Polo Ralph Lauren Crewneck Sweatshirt
Despite the fact that that little Polo Ralph Lauren logo is the definition of cool these days, these sweatshirts are the softest I’ve come across. I also like the fit—totally comfortable without looking sloppy. It’s my favorite thing to wear on a plane.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Arctic Fleece Knit Long Sleeve Crew Neck Sweatshirt in Cruise Navy
Polo Ralph Lauren
Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt in Collegiate Yellow
Polo Ralph Lauren
Fleece Crewneck in Dark Vintage Heather
Agolde Valen Jeans
If I’m going to wear jeans on travel days, more often than not, Agolde’s Valen jeans are what I reach for. They’re comfortable yet polished, and I’m a perfect 5’4″ tall. I’ve had them through three washes and counting.
Agolde
Valen Jean in the environment
Agolde
Valen Jeans on Hitch
AGOLDE
Valen Jeans on the device
Come Si The Yves Socks
These socks have a cult following for a reason. High quality, great colors, and they don’t bunch up at the ankles. They are also the most suitable thickness for wearing sneakers and non-sneakers.
Come Si
Yves socks are white
Come Si
Yves Socks in Khaki
Come Si
Yves Cotton Socks in Grey
A variation of the Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
I’ve tried on and owned many cardigans, but the Clara Transition cardigan is the best, hands down. It’s not too heavy and not too thick, and it’s the perfect length that isn’t frumpy. I pack at least one (but usually two) for every trip.
A revolution
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan in Rosewood
A revolution
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan in Dark Pine Multi Stripe
A revolution
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan in Cocoa
Posse Alice Mini Dress
For warm weather trips, I highly recommend adding the Posse Alice Mini Dress to your wardrobe. It’s classic and chic and can be worn all day and up at night, meaning you can get repeat wear over the course of your stay.
Pose
Alice Mini Dress in Black
Pose
Alice Linen Mini Dress in Dusty Citron
Pose
Alice Mini Dress in Ivory
Nando Slim Fit Tee Set
If you’re dealing with limited luggage space, you want t-shirts that can be layered or worn on their own. The Nando tee by Leset checks all the boxes for me. I own it in both the short-sleeve and long-sleeve versions in multiple colors, so I always have what I need when I pack.
THIS SET
Nando Slim Fit Tee in white
THIS SET
Nando Slim Fit Tee in Beige Melange
This set
Nando Slim Fit Long Sleeve Tee Black
Artless Forever Kit Mini Skirt
If you’re on the petite side like me, this is the mini skirt for you. It’s nice and short without being too short, and I like that the fabric is structured and the shape is a subtle A-line as opposed to fitted.
Artless Forever
Kit Mini in Black
ARTLES FOR FOREVER
Kit Built I-Line Miniskirt in Dove Grey
IJ.Crew Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater
J.Crew just released this cashmere sweater in the second half of last year, but it has become my favorite knit from the company. The baby IV-neck gives it a modern look, and it’s incredibly soft and cozy in the way that only high-quality cashmere can do. I suggest going down a size as it is not what I would like to be a large size. And, as you know, cashmere is perfect for traveling because it’s warm but doesn’t take up a ton of suitcase space.
J.Crew
Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater in Heather Charcoal
J.Crew
Cashmere high V-neck sweater by August Peridot
J.Crew
Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater at Heather Stone
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28″
Like a swimsuit, I always make sure to pack leggings just in case. Almost always, it’s Lululemon Aligns that I throw in my bag. I don’t even have to think about it—leggings are perfect in every way.
Lululemon
Match High Rise Pants 28″ in Black
Lululemon
Match High Rise Pants 28″ Match In Charcoal
Lululemon
Match High-Rise Pant 28″ in Walnut Crunch
