I'm an Expert Packer, and These Are the 25 Things I Always Put in My Carry-On Suitcase

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A little over a decade ago, I took my very first Summer trip to Europe and I made one major mistake: I brought a giant suitcase. As I traveled from city to city and hotel to hotel, I found myself dragging around all these things I didn't need and wish I'd never packed. After that trip, I promised myself I would never overpack again, and I stuck to that goal. Almost every year, I go back to visit friends, sometimes for three to four weeks at a time, and I only take a carry-on suitcase. Whenever I tell people that, they always ask me how, and I say it's all about packing the right things.

The biggest rule I follow is: take one good choice of everything. I take one pair of sneakers, one pair of jeans, one good dress, and so on. Aside from fashion pieces, I've also narrowed in on the right cosmetic bag, shoe bags, jewelry cases, and more. So if you're looking for some packing inspiration, keep reading to see all the things I can't leave without and which ones you should add to your suitcase this year.

W&P Glass Porter Seal Tight Bowl
anthropologie.com

W&P Glass Porter Seal Tight Bowl

I love taking masks, face creams, and more on my trips, but I need them to be travel size. I decided to invest in a few of these W&P Glass Porter Seal Tight Bowls ($32) and I love them. They're good for the environment, because they're plastic-free and you can easily clean and reuse them. They are even dishwasher safe!

Drunk Elephant The Littles Set
sephora.com

Drunk Elephant The Littles Set

Traveling to Europe with a carry-on suitcase has one downside: the airports allow less liquids through TSA. I can't survive without this Drunk Elephant The Littles Set ($90). It comes with so many of the products I use on a daily basis, and the cute small sizes are perfect to take on the plane.

Leith High Waist Slim Pants
shop.nordstrom.com

Leith High Waist Slim Pants

For the days I feel like skipping my jeans, I opt for these cool and comfy Leith High Waist Slim Pants ($29, originally $49).

H&M Trenchcoat
www2.hm.com

H&M Trenchcoat

I usually opt for a versatile coat, which varies depending on the season. During the end of Winter or for Spring months, this H&M Trenchcoat ($50) is a great layering option.

Vgeby Travel Foldable Slippers
amazon.com

Vgeby Travel Foldable Slippers

Whether I'm staying in someone's house or at a hotel, I never like being barefoot. These Vgeby Travel Foldable Slippers ($13) always come in handy.

Vlando Viaggio Small Jewelry Case
amazon.com

Vlando Viaggio Small Jewelry Case

I only travel with a couple of my favorite jewelry pieces, but I make sure to keep them safe in this tiny Vlando Viaggio Small Jewelry Case ($15).

Oasis Midi Dress
freepeople.com

Oasis Midi Dress

A lightweight dress is always a must and right now my favorite is this Oasis Midi Dress ($118). It easy to wear with sneakers and sandals. Plus, in comes in several different color cgoices.

Collapsible Water Bottles
amazon.com

Collapsible Water Bottles

In an effort to give up plastic bottles this year, I invested in these Collapsible Water Bottles ($15). They're easy to fold up and store away without taking up too much room.

Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
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Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers

The shoes I wear the most on a trip are these Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers ($80). The classic look matches with every outfit I bring. Plus, they're beyond comfortable for all-day excursions.

Topshop Micro Crossbody Bag
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Topshop Micro Crossbody Bag

A low-key, yet useful bag is always a must. This Topshop Micro Crossbody Bag ($30) is great for all day excursions and is so lightweight to carry.

Paravel Packing Cube Trio
tourparavel.com

Paravel Packing Cube Trio

Packing suddenly became so much easier for me after I invested in this Paravel Packing Cube Trio ($55). I can organize all my stuff without overpacking and this set can even be customized with your initials.

Levi’s Wedgie High-Waisted Jeans
urbanoutfitters.com

Levi’s Wedgie High-Waisted Jeans

I never go anywhere without my classic Levi's Wedgie High-Waisted Jeans ($98). They're easy to mix and match with pretty much anything.

Baggu Duck Bag
shopbop.com

Baggu Duck Bag

I mostly use a small crossbody bag when traveling, but I also pack away this Baggu Duck Bag ($34) just in case. It's ideal for longer days and features two convenient straps for easy carrying.

Hanes Nano T-Shirt
amazon.com

Hanes Nano T-Shirt

I never leave for a trip without a white t-shirt. This Hanes Nano T-Shirt ($6) is perfect for pairing with jeans, skirts, and more.

MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote
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MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote

This MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote ($235) is a total lifesaver. I usually take this and my suitcase, the amount of useful pockets is what sold me.

VanFn Disposable Towel
amazon.com

VanFn Disposable Towel

Sometimes I just really want to wash my face and I'm not around a wash cloth or towel. These VanFn Disposable Towels ($11) come in a tiny pack, and you toss them away when you're done. I normally add two or three to my bag, just in case. They're great for refreshing on the plane, too.

Foldable Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags
amazon.com

Foldable Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags

As a total clean freak, I can't stand the thought of mixing my dirty shoes with my clean clothes. These Foldable Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags ($16) are what I always use, and I love that they have two pockets. One is smaller and great for flat sandals.

Schutz Anabien Sandals
shopbop.com

Schutz Anabien Sandals

I only take two shoes on my trip: white sneakers and these Schutz Anabien Sandals ($150). They are comfy, keep my feet cool, and instantly dress up any look.

Samsonite Carry-On
amazon.com

Samsonite Carry-On

The key to packing perfectly is all about having the right suitcase. This Samsonite Carry-On ($120) is my favorite. It's lightweight, but it has all the right pockets and compartments to maximize space.

Mini Travel Umbrella
amazon.com

Mini Travel Umbrella

Traveling to a new climate can be surprising, so I always pack this Mini Travel Umbrella ($11), just in case. The tiny design takes up almost no room in my bag, and every time I've needed to use it, I was so happy I didn't have to run into a store to buy an expensive last-minute option.

Béis The In-Flight Organizer Pouch
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Béis The In-Flight Organizer Pouch

Put this Béis The In-Flight Organizer Pouch ($34) in your purse to keep it all your important items together.

Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag Small
shopbop.com

Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag Small

This Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag Small ($35) has so many useful pockets that help me keep my products more organized.

Reformation Vienna Two Piece
thereformation.com

Reformation Vienna Two Piece

This versatile Reformation Vienna Two Piece ($128) is a great investment. The skirt is easy to wear on its own with other tops, or you can rock the top with jeans, skirts, and more. Plus, the comfy material is so soft and cozy.