How to Pack for 25 Cities in One Easy Bag

Your travel questions answered, sort of

I’m proud of having written a book, but I’m even prouder of doing my twenty-five city book tour with a carry-on. That’s right: no checked bag, no sherpas, no steamer trunk. A CARRY-ON. It’s like I’ve performed some amazing magic trick. Several people have asked me to give details, so here goes.

I’ll start with shoes, because they are often the straw that breaks the carry-on’s back. I needed at a minimum a pair of boots (high, to the knee) to wear with skirts for my book events, and a pair of shoes for normal use. My boots are a beloved pair of Tibi Bronson boots that have the virtue of being made of satin fabric, so packing them is fairly easy (I used to travel with a pair of leather boots, and they were a challenge.)

My other shoes are a pair of RM Williams ankle boots, which are very comfortable; I can walk long distances in them even though they look kind of slender and chic. They look good with jeans or dressier pants.

I was going to pack sneakers because I always do, but I had a heart to heart discussion with myself and realized I really didn’t need them. I knew I wasn’t going to work out, and the ankle boots would do for taking walks. I just didn’t need them. Everything I could eliminate was a win.

I threw in a pair of Birkenstocks to wear as quick slip-ons/hotel slippers and because I never go anywhere without Birkenstocks, but I ended up shipping them home: I didn’t need them enough and they took up too much space. However, I allowed myself one indulgence, a pair of soft-as-butter Rick Owens ballet flats. I haven’t worn them much but I just like having them.

Now, clothing:

For my book events, I brought two black Issey Miyake tops — different shapes but essentially cool sculptural nylon tops—and two groovy skirts. This one’s a red and pink wool Comme des Garcons skirt I got about twenty years ago.

The other is a silky Sacai skirt with an alphabet print from two or three years ago. With my satin boots, it’s a good look, something between “I’m a pro” and “I’m an interesting person”.

Now, pants. I decided to be bold and bring only two pairs. I also decided that they had to be comfortable enough that I could wear them on the plane, so that I could skip bringing my usual plane outfit of sweatpants, which are bulky and not useful except on the plane. I decided on a pair of Levi’s that are medium wash and medium cut. I have jeans that are super cool and interesting (one recent pair by Acne Studios, for instance) but I wanted the most versatile possible, therefore: Levi Middy Straight Leg. They are very broken in and probably a little bit dirty since I almost never wash my jeans (!!!) and completely comfortable on a long haul flight. The other pair are black cropped kick flares from High Sport, which are magical pants that feel like leggings but look chic and classy in a way I can’t explain. This is why people have gone gaga over them despite their high price. They’re really that good. I was a little terrified to go for so long with only two pairs of pants! But so far, seven cities in, I’m perfectly happy with the decision.

Ok, I lied. I just realized I put in one more pair of pants. I wanted one dress-up option because friends were having a party for me in DC, and I plan to go out with friends in Portland, and I wanted one thing with me that was just for fun. Also, these fold up into the tiniest size. They’re Rachel Comey, a very fluid velvet, and I can wear them with any of the black tops I packed, and they look spiffy. I was standing on the street in DC waiting for an Uber and a man walking by stopped and said, “I love your skirt or pants or whatever those are!” They’re that kind of pants.

I wasn’t quite sure whether to add this next item but I am SO glad I did: a very jazzy cropped blazer from Comme des Garcons Noir Kei Ninomiya. I’ve used it with the black pants for one event when I didn’t feel like wearing a skirt, and for some TV interviews. Also I just love it so I’m happy to have it with me.

I packed two cardigans. The black and white is from a fabulous Japanese brand called Antipast; the blue is from an British knitwear company called Hades.

Two tops: one is a lovely tee shirt from a British brand called Sunspel, which is the softest cotton and the right size stripes. The other is a shirt from Libertine, a brand I love but is very pricey—overpriced, in my opinion—so I only buy it on The RealReal.

Except for a few other odds and ends, that’s it. The unifying factor is black (always the best way to pack). Otherwise, I went against the notion of packing all solid colors because it’s just too boring. I brought too much jewelry; not enough socks; I wish I had one heavier sweater because it’s colder than I expected, but I do have a Uniqlo down vest (thin and easy to pack, but adds a huge amount of warmth, and frankly I will never travel September through June without it). I can wear the vest over or under any of the other pieces. If I had room I would have a big sloppy sweatshirt to wear around my hotel room, but that’s just not practical when traveling light. I only packed things I love, which I think is essential. I’ve always had the habit of packing clothes I never wear and feel like I’ll finally use them while traveling, but it doesn’t work. You should only pack things you wear often and know are your best friends.

Ask me anything.

Your Packing Guru,

Susan