The 15 Suitcase Essentials You Need for Your Next Trip

I have always known how to to pack well for trips, from my backpacking days in college to espresso-fueled work jaunts for Town & Country, my talent for throwing just the right things into the smallest possible suitcase was legendary (ok, legendary is an overstatement, but trust me, I was good). But that was pre-pandemic. For my first international travel in 18 months I fretted over my wardrobe up until the moment I was dragging my overstuffed carry-on through the airport, only to find, when I arrived, that it was all wrong. All wrong! I was trapped in Milan with a bursting suitcase and nothing to wear, a fashion writer's hell if there ever was one. I had to ignore 90 percent of what I had packed and solely rely on a few simple basics. These suitcase saviors, as I came to call them, were the pieces I kept in heavy rotation because they either made other items in my closet look better (see the pleated mini skirt, hoop earrings, and ankle boots) or because they were a perfect outfit all on their own (see my favorite black COS jumpsuit and a kaleidoscopic maxi dress). If you find yourself with similar feeling of having nothing to wear on your travels, make sure to pack these suitcase essentials, below.