My goal was simple: walk onto the plane with just a duffel and a purse for a seven-day trip that took me to two different regions of France (with a stop in Germany). I did it — and still had room to spare. Standing at the airport after John dropped me off, I carried only a purse and this duffel.
I’m a big believer in a minimal, intentional wardrobe. Packing light doesn’t mean limiting your options — it’s about choosing versatile pieces that mix and match so you don’t need to bring your entire closet. Here I’ll share how I got maximum flexibility from a small bag on my first trip to Europe.
Beyond avoiding checked luggage and the risk of lost bags, a compact duffel is less likely to be gate-checked on a full flight, saving time when you land. The approach I use focuses on planning outfits in advance, layering, and deciding which bulkier items to wear on the plane.
What I Did in France
I attended a painting retreat in Strasbourg hosted by artist Jessi Raulet (Ettavee) and organized with Liz Lidgett. The trip included studio painting sessions, a food-and-wine walking tour, cathedral sightseeing, a spa day in Germany with pools and a sauna, an African dance class, a riverboat cruise, casual and dressy meals, flea market hunting in Paris, and a few tiny tattoos. Because the itinerary mixed casual, active, and dressy activities, I needed a wardrobe that could cover many situations without excess.
What I Packed
My duffel held a strategic set of items: three pairs of shoes, three purses, three dresses, two pairs of jeans, three jackets, five tank tops, and a leopard sweater for layering. I planned combinations ahead of time so every piece worked with several others. Some items were worn on the plane (more on that below), which let the rest fit easily into the duffel.
Underwear, socks, and pajamas were, of course, included but not pictured.
Tip #1: Packing Cubes
I used four packing cubes to keep everything tidy and accessible inside the duffel. They make it simple to pull out what you need without unpacking everything. My cubes held the following:
- Bottom left: socks, underwear, bathing suit, workout clothes, and PJs
- Top left: jean jacket, green blazer, three dresses, and a pair of jeans
- Top right: stacked-heel sandals
- Bottom right: four tanks, a leopard sweater, and a pair of flats
Packing cubes might seem like a trend, but they truly simplify finding items and keeping categories together. I now pull out the exact cube I need instead of digging through a jumble.
Tip #2: Plan What Pairs Well
Before I packed, I tried on combinations and selected items that could be worn multiple ways. For example, a jean jacket and sneakers add bulk if packed, but worn with a long black dress they create complete, comfortable looks. Each jacket, dress, and tank was chosen so it could be combined with several other pieces, dramatically increasing outfit options without adding weight.
A quick arithmetic example: three dresses × three jackets already yields nine base outfit combinations. Add three shoe choices and three purses and the permutations grow quickly. Planning pieces that pair interchangeably is the key to getting many looks from a small set of items.
Tip #3: Optimize Your Plane Outfit
Wear bulky or heavy items on the plane so they don’t take up space in your bag. I traveled in jeans, sneakers, a black tank, a blazer, and a large purse, which meant those items weren’t packed and could be reused throughout the trip. This reduces packing bulk and makes arrival smoother.
Tip #4: Pieces Can Work Alone or Layered
Not every item needs to be layered, but having the option is useful. I might wear a leopard sweater with jeans and sneakers by day, then add a blazer for evening warmth. Or paint in a tank with an apron and later add a jacket and crossbody bag to head into town. Versatile pieces let you adapt to different activities without extra baggage.
Tip #5: Analyze Your Trip When You Unpack
After a trip, spend a few minutes noting what you actually wore and what you didn’t. For me, the small packable flats were MVPs and will travel with me again. I also confirmed that nesting smaller purses inside a larger one is an easy space-saving trick. Packing light isn’t about strict minimalism — it’s about choosing useful, versatile pieces that give you options and make you feel good.
P.S. If you’re curious about a minimal wardrobe and why I value one, see my earlier post on the topic for ideas on how to simplify your closet and save money.
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.