If there’s one thing I’ve mastered, it’s the art of packing. My boyfriend travels for work months at a time, so I’ve been doing some serious air travel. That flight means I can now pack a suitcase with surgical precision. I’m currently splitting time between Los Angeles and Dallas, and since I can’t bring my entire wardrobe to Texas every time, I’ve been forced to be strategic with my apparel choices. I’ve created a little capsule wardrobe that I start with for every trip, and it has saved me hours of packing stress.
I’ve focused on a handful of advanced spring basics that have earned a permanent spot in my suitcase. Everything is sophisticated, simple, and—most importantly—versatile. They can take me from day to night and can be worn multiple ways, which is key to smart packing, especially in the unpredictable Texas weather. Using these as a starting point has made my life immensely easier, so I thought I’d share my list here today. The best part of this packing list is that it’s not Texas-specific. These items are a great base for any destination. If you have a trip coming up, this is for you. Below are six of the best spring basics for travel.
easy tops
Cute, effortless tops are a staple of my suitcase and usually the first things I’m packing. Whether it’s a perfectly fitted T-shirt, a boatneck tank, or a pretty pointelle top, it’s the starting point for almost every spring outfit.
just a little
Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt
deer mason
Coastal Linen Pointel Polo
Improvement
dusk knit top
straight leg jeans
Jeans are the hallmark of both Texas and Los Angeles, so it’s no easy task. I find the straight leg silhouette to be the most versatile, as it can be paired with any shoe style and can easily be dressed up or down. I’ve been exclusively into white and ecru denim this season, so I usually pack a pair of those and a classic blue wash.
favorite daughter
Shorty Mikaela Low Slung Long Slim Straight
Madewell
long line straight jean
Improvement
Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans
citizens of humanity
palma jeans
flat shoes
Since versatility is the name of the game when it comes to packing, I usually choose flat shoes that are polished yet comfortable. For spring, that means cute slides Sandals, high ballet flats, and suede loafers.
Mango
pointed-toe leather flat shoe
margaux
celine flat sandals
just a little
Low Heel Split Leather Loafers
little white dress
My favorite spring item is undoubtedly the little white dress. Eyelet details, delicate embroidery, and lace trims look perfect this time of year. Plus, with a simple change of accessories, the little white dress can really take you a long way.
more to come
Julie Babydoll Mini Dress
Loyal
Fiora Lace-Trimmed Cotton Midi Dress
camila coelho
Lino Midi Dress
DOEN
Lelia Embroidered Lace-Trimmed Organic Cotton-Voil Nightdress
neutral colored bags
I try not to travel with a lot of bags, so I stick to neutral colored options to make sure they match well with everything else in my suitcase. Rich brown raffia totes, woven bucket bags, and classic black shoulder bags are hanging heavy in my spring suitcase.
Naghedi
Mallorca Medium Bucket Bag
Improvement
elena shoulder bag
Khaite
Simona Leather Shoulder Bag
light weight knitting
Like LA, the weather in Dallas is usually up and down this time of year, so a light sweater is a must. I love wearing a classic V-neck or cashmere cardigan, which can be tucked in or worn over my shoulders for added interest. Plus, it doubles up as a great travel outfit when the AC is on full blast in airports.
Improvement
elliot boucle crew
Madewell
Linen Drop-Shoulder Sweater
naked cashmere
Farah Cashmere V-Neck
massimo datti
Long Knit V-Neck Cardigan
