I don’t know when I started becoming obsessed with traveling carry-on only, but I do think it’s related to anxiety. For a while, when traveling, all I could think about was…

What if my bags don’t make it, and I’m stuck in Italy with nothing but my comfy “travel suit“?

What if my luggage is left on the tarmac during a rain storm and soaks through?! (This happened to a friend.)

What if something somehow goes missing from my checked luggage?

One way to neutralize all of these worries is to pack a carry-on.

I feel best traveling light and having all the things I need right on, or near, my person. Candidly, I’m also influenced by those chic, always-traveling European people. You know, you see them strolling through airports with nothing but an international-sized carry-on, wearing a tee, jeans, and a classic pair of loafers. I always think, Let that be me! Someday, but for now, my current formula has sufficed!)

All of that being said, I thought it would be helpful to put together a sample carry-on only packing list for anyone traveling this fall or early winter—one that prioritizes simplicity with classic pieces that will fit into your carry-on.

Like most good things, there’s a formula to packing well when it comes to a carry-on.

I typically follow the 5-4-3-2-1 rule, which I was doing before I realized it was an actual Thing. (Note: I fudged the 5-4-3-2-1 rule a little for this list, as I only included 3 bottoms instead of 4.)

As for the luggage I use, it’s this piece from Away that I find myself reaching for the most. I’ve had it for four years, and it’s still in amazing shape!

Before we get into my exact picks, let’s talk about some general rules I follow.

Here are four things that I prioritize when traveling with only a carry-on.

1. Non-wrinkle fabrics

Sure, you can technically bring along a travel-size steamer for finicky fabrics like linen (and I have!). Still, for the most part, I try to prioritize fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant. Modal and cotton are great, and so is jersey.

2. Washable fabrics

See above—it’s all about simplicity! If you get the chance to run to a local laundromat—we’ve done this in both Italy and Norway and had great luck with it—it’s great to be able to pop in some pieces and re-wear them clean.

3. Travel-sized beauty products

Looking for ways to pack your beauty products? This has been my go-to makeup/toiletries bag for recent carry-on trips. It’s the one I brought to Norway and packed with all my travel-sized goodies. It easily fits a week’s worth of products! I put some of my go-to travel-size beauty and self-care products here too.

4. Compression bags

When you’re packing, rolling your items or using compression bags saves even more space. I swear by these ones from Amazon.

Now here’s my ultimate fall carry-on only packing list!

5 shirts:

• Merino wool sweater
• Black bodysuit
• Stretch Silk Tie Neck Blouse
• Classic oxford shirt
• Dressy black top

3 bottoms:

• Jeans
• Black vegan leather leggings
• Black or dark olive trousers

3 pairs of shoes:

• Mules
• Loafers
• Sneakers (worn for travel)

2 dresses or layers:

• Halter dress (on sale for $27!)
• Red alpaca cardigan

1 Accessory of each type:

• Bucket bag purse
• Polished pebble stud earrings in gold

Travel set:

• Cream cowl-neck sweater
• Chic sweats

Coat:

• Cream wool trench

I hope this post was helpful! Feel free to bookmark it and come back for future trips.

In the meantime, if you want more packing lists and tips, check out the posts below:

• How I Packed for 3 Weeks in Italy in a Carry-On
• How to Pack for Italy in a Carry-On
• Exactly What to Pack for Your Summer Getaway