How to Pack a 2-Week Wardrobe in a Carry-On Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. Close
2-Week Wardrobe in a Carry-On
It s doable with these easy packing tips
Packing for a trip doesn't have to be chaotic. There are ways to simplify your routine — and reduce the stress. Cultura RM Exclusive/Sofie Delauw/Getty Images Are you bugged by airline restrictions, baggage claim chaos and always packing the wrong clothes? As a beauty and fashion editor traveling around the country for photo shoots, I learned to pack lean and mean from models who never haul more than a carry-on. The same basic rules apply no matter where you’re going or why. Here’s how to wing it with maximum style — and minimum stuff — for 14 days. 1 Buy a tech-smart carry-on
Totally de-stress by getting a sleeker, lighter-weight (easy to lift or drag) but super-durable four-wheel spinner. No more swerving as you race to the gate, or suitcase fall-overs while waiting in line. Look for ergonomic handles, external USB ports to charge your devices (great during delays, but the case ), an app-controlled GPS tracker system (if you accidentally leave your bag in the restroom), TSA approved locks and even built-in weight sensors that make overpacking impossible. FYI: If the plane is full or the aircraft is small, your carry-on bag might get checked at the gate — so add a luggage tag inside and out. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. 2 Turn your body into an extra suitcase
Always wear your heaviest, bulkiest, stiffest items on the plane to save space. The best travel outfit is a neutral power ensemble of a tailored blazer, long-sleeved top and slim ankle pants (or neat jeans), a trench coat, and booties or loafers. Looking classy and authoritative can help you snag a seat upgrade or a better room or table at hotels and restaurants. Add a big style-making scarf to finish. It rolls to a neck pillow, protects you from seatmates with colds and coughs, and doubles as an evening wrap. Getty Images 3 Take a polished handbag that s big enough
Make your allowed “personal item” a shoulder bag, cross-body or zip-top hobo that leaves your hands free but safely keeps valuables and essentials close. It will save you from reaching for your carry-on during the flight, too. Stash your wallet, passport, eyeglasses or contacts, sunglasses, hearing aids and extra batteries, earbuds, mobile, Kindle, tablet, meds, snacks and that 1-quart TSA-approved plastic baggie for toiletries in your handbag. Your smartphone has a flashlight, GPS and camera, so keep it with you at all times. Entertainment $3 off popcorn and soft drink combos See more Entertainment offers > Getty Images 5 Bring clothes that match pair and layer easily
Grab some inspiration from this sample packing list (it does not include your onboard clothes): two ankle-cropped pants (tailored or jeans), four T-shirts with three-quarter sleeves and two jersey knit tunics (asymmetrical or high-low hemmed or A-line), one jersey knit dress (wrap, fit-and-flare, A-line or shift style), one cardigan, one light pullover sweater, one pair of dress shoes (kitten-heel pumps), one pair of slip-on sneakers, one pair of ballet flats, two bras, 14 panties, a pair of leggings or yoga pants, two tank tops (to double as sleep/workout wear/under layer) and socks. Keep in mind that lots of workouts can be done without sneakers or a gym — such as walking or running on the beach, doing yoga or using resistance training with bands in your room. Getty Images 6 Remember the don t-forgets
Do a run-through pack a week before, not the day before. Lay everything out on the floor and check off your list as you pack. Depending on your travel destination and trip purpose (business, sightseeing in Europe, a lazy beach vacay?), you’ll need to make some swaps and additions. For a business trip, take fewer T-shirts and more dressy tops, such as a crisp white wrap shirt and silk blouses. For a beach resort, add flip-flops, two swimsuits, a crushable brimmed sun hat and a string sack for the pool that can be tucked in a shoe. For an urban trip abroad, take extra cardigans, a full midi skirt and gel insoles for days spent walking. And no matter where you go, add lightweight scarves — in prints, metallic, sequins and colors — as bold neckline and look changers, instead of stacks of bangles and necklaces. Scarves are zero weight and take up almost no space. 7 Simplify your routine with new solutions
AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe More on entertainment AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS