Carry-On_Couture on LTK

$What’s the perfect travel purse? There are lots of options out there, but for me, it comes down to two criteria: ➡️ Size: Just big enough for my essentials ➡️ Crossbody Style: So I can wear it close to my body for protection from pickpockets Did I find the perfect one? I think I may have! 📍 100% Italian leather 📍 Two zipper compartments and one center compartment with three internal pockets, a key ring, and snap closure 📍 Converts from crossbody → wristlet → clutch 📍 Fits a 7” tablet or guidebook, cell phone, power bank, sunglasses, lip balm, snacks, a slim wallet, and a passport! ‼️ Comparable styles run nearly 3x the price - this one gives you luxe leather + travel-smart design at a fraction of the cost.$

What’s the perfect travel purse? There are lots of options out there, but for me, it comes down to two criteria: ➡️ Size: Just big enough for my essentials ➡️ Crossbody Style: So I can wear it close to my body for protection from pickpockets Did I find the perfect one? I think I may have! 📍 100% Italian leather 📍 Two zipper compartments and one center compartment with three internal pockets, a key ring, and snap closure 📍 Converts from crossbody → wristlet → clutch 📍 Fits a 7” tablet or guidebook, cell phone, power bank, sunglasses, lip balm, snacks, a slim wallet, and a passport! ‼️ Comparable styles run nearly 3x the price - this one gives you luxe leather + travel-smart design at a fraction of the cost.

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Italian Leather Triple Compartment Crossbody | Quince

The cardigan might be one of the most versatile pieces in a travel capsule wardrobe.

It’s more than just an extra layer. I’ll wear one over a T for sightseeing, throw it over my shoulders when it’s warm, dress it up for dinner, wear it on the plane—and button it up and wear it as a top.

That kind of versatility is exactly what I’m looking for when I’m packing a carry-on.

Wear it as a layer. Wear it as a top. Dress it down. Dress it up.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite cardigans for travel.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

A September girls’ trip to Nantucket!

September on Nantucket is classic shoulder-season weather: expect daytime temperatures generally in the mid-60s to low 70s, with cooler mornings and evenings, coastal wind, and a chance of rain.

The style here leans classic coastal and polished casual - easy layers, comfortable shoes, and pieces that feel appropriate for everything from biking and sightseeing to lunch and dinner.

The outfit formulas cover downtown exploring, biking and lighthouse stops, sightseeing and lunch, casual dinners, and one nicer night out — without packing a separate outfit for every occasion.

Your Nantucket packing list:

4 tops — tee, Breton stripe, printed button-down + lightweight sweater
2 bottoms — jeans + navy trousers
1 midi dress
3 layers — cardigan, quilted jacket + rain shell
2 shoes — sneakers + flats
Accessories — scarf, cap, belt, bags + simple jewelry

The key to packing for Nantucket in September? Bring pieces you can layer as the weather changes and rewear across more than one outfit formula.

Not headed to Nantucket? This same coastal fall capsule would work beautifully for Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Newport, coastal Maine, or a New England coastal weekend — just adjust your layers to the forecast.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week, when we celebrate our love for travel and cute outfits!

A good travel outfit needs to be comfortable, but it also needs to be practical.

My formula: an easy-to-layer base T + a cozy outer layer + comfortable pants + a packable scarf + my bulkiest shoes.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Two dresses that work now and keep going into fall travel. Style them with sandals while it’s warm, then swap in closed-toe shoes, sneakers, cardigans, denim jackets, or a blazer as the weather cools.

They’re perfect for travel because they’re soft, stretchy, very comfortable, and don’t wrinkle. They pack beautifully, and they’re so cute they add plenty of personality to your travel capsule wardrobe.

Easy transitional dresses, simple outfit changes, and more ways to wear what you pack.

Your travel-day pants don’t have to be just for the travel day.

I like packing pieces that can move through different parts of the trip, and these pants are a perfect example.

I’ll wear them with the matching 1/4 zip, a base tee, sneakers and a scarf for travel day.

Then once I arrive:

• swap in a cute sweater + flat sandal for a comfy day
• add a denim jacket + sneakers for sightseeing
• switch to a cardigan + closed-toe flat + scarf for dinner

Same pants. Four different outfit formulas.

That’s the kind of versatility I’m looking for when I’m packing a carry-on: pieces I already know I’ll wear more than once, in more than one way.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Packing light and traveling with only a carry-on has its challenges. Would it surprise you to hear me say that the clothes and shoes are the least of my worries? One of the biggest issues for me is dealing with toiletries.

Here are my tips for managing those darn toiletries and how I keep them organized without monopolizing all the space in my suitcase.

➡️ Pack my favorite, FLAT, hanging medicine cabinet for all of your non-liquid toiletries…Q-tips, nail files, razors, hair clips, contact lenses, dental floss, band-aids, etc. The real bonus here is when a hotel room has limited counter space. This hangs on a hook, keeping everything tidy and easy to find. I pack this last, lying flat on top of my other items, just before I close up my suitcase.

➡️ I use a clear TSA-approved quart-size zipper pouch or quart-size zip lock bag. Either works great. (Note: If you are flying from London Heathrow, they are sticklers and will make you put your things into their 8 x 8 zip lock. Do yourself a favor and grab some from Amazon ahead of time and beat them to the punch!)

➡️ I minimize EVERYTHING, taking only the exact amount needed for the length of my trip. Remember, 3.4 oz OR LESS! And oftentimes, you do need less. There is no limit to how many containers you can have in your TSA-approved quart-size zip bag, so be smart…you can bring a lot of different items if you strategically minimize. I use plastic screw-top jars, reusable liquid pouches, and tiny squeeze bottles.

➡️ I use “bottle skins” to prevent leaks.

➡️ I pack my dual-voltage travel hair dryer because I’ve been let down too many times by Europe’s hotel dryers, and I pack my “way too important to leave home” ghd dual-voltage flat iron.

➡️ And if you prefer, I’ve found a dual-voltage hair dryer brush that works great, too.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

The best pieces in a travel capsule aren’t necessarily the ones you wear the most. They’re the ones you can wear the most ways.

These pants are a perfect example.

They’re comfortable and technical enough for an outdoorsy day, polished enough for sightseeing or dinner, comfortable enough for a travel day, and tailored enough that I’d even wear them for work.

One pair of pants. Five completely different outfit formulas.

That kind of versatility is exactly what I’m looking for when I build a carry-on capsule. I want pieces that cross over between the different kinds of days on my trip—not clothes that only work for one specific activity.

It gives me more outfit options, makes rewearing intentional, and helps make sure everything I pack actually gets worn.

That’s what makes a piece a Capsule Hero.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

A September trip to Yellowstone!

Expect big temperature swings. September averages are roughly upper 60s by day and upper 30s at night, with daytime temperatures reaching the 70s, especially earlier in the month. Freezing mornings, rain, and even snow are possible, so layers are the key to this capsule.

The outfit formulas make getting dressed simple. Whether you’re hiking, exploring geyser basins and boardwalks, wildlife watching, or heading to a casual lodge dinner, you’ll have what you need.

Here’s your packing list:

6 tops — 3 technical tops for active days, plus a short-sleeve sweater, plaid shirt, and sweater for casual exploring and dinners.

3 bottoms — 2 lightweight hiking pants that are polished enough to rewear for casual dinners, plus jeans.

4 layers — a hoodie, lightweight down jacket, waterproof shell, and denim jacket cover everything from cold mornings to rain and casual evenings.

3 shoes — trail shoes for hiking and park days, a casual flat to dress up the hiking pants, and ankle boots with jeans.

Cold-weather extras — a beanie, lightweight gloves, and scarf for chilly mornings and evenings.

Day pack + baseball cap — for layers, water, snacks, and sun protection.

Accessories — a crossbody bag and bandanna scarf add a little fun to all those practical pieces.

The real trick with Yellowstone in September? Don’t pack one heavy coat. Pack layers you can add and shed as the temperature changes throughout the day.

Not headed to Yellowstone? Use the same outfit formulas for Grand Teton, Glacier, or Rocky Mountain National Park with adjustments for the forecast. For warmer parks like Yosemite, Zion, or the Grand Canyon, lighten up the layers and add more warm-weather pieces.

Same formulas. Different layers. Always check your park’s forecast right before you pack.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

A button-down is one of my favorite pieces to pack because it can do so many jobs without taking up much space.

Wear it casually, button it up for dinner, throw it over a swimsuit, use it as a light layer, or tie it over a dress to change the look.

One shirt. Six very different outfits.

Save this for the next time you’re deciding whether a button-down belongs in your travel capsule.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Every travel capsule I create follows these 8 principles.

Whether I’m packing for Croatia, Paris, Scotland, or Italy, this is the framework I use.

It’s how just 12 clothing pieces can become 22 different outfits.

Use these principles when packing for your next trip. They haven’t let me down yet!

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

This travel capsule wardrobe was designed for a summer trip to Croatia—historic old towns, island hopping, waterfront strolls, winery visits, and long sightseeing days in the Mediterranean sun.

Expect warm, sunny weather with daytime temperatures around 78–90°F (26–32°C) along the coast and evenings cooling to 68–75°F (20–24°C). A light layer is helpful on breezy ferry rides or after sunset, but most days are comfortably warm.

The outfit formulas in this guide make getting dressed simple. Whether you’re exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town, wandering Split’s waterfront, heading to a winery, or spending the day on a boat, you’ll already know exactly what to wear.

Here’s your packing list:

5 tops — lightweight tanks and breezy blouses that stay cool in the summer heat while mixing effortlessly with every bottom.

4 bottoms — linen pants, shorts, a midi skirt, and denim shorts give you options for sightseeing, waterfront walks, and casual dinners without overpacking.

2 dresses — comfortable one-and-done outfits that easily transition from daytime exploring to dinner with a simple shoe change.

1 lightweight layer — a linen button-down that works as a light layer on cooler evenings, a beach cover-up, or a third piece for extra sun protection.

3 shoes — comfortable sneakers for long sightseeing days, supportive sandals for everyday wear, and water-friendly sandals for boat and beach days.

1-2 Bathing Suits

Crossbody bag for sightseeing.

Tote bag for boat excursions and beach days.

Accessories — sunglasses, a sun hat, scarf, and belt add personality while taking up very little suitcase space.

Just 12 clothing pieces mix and match into 22 outfit combinations, and it all fits in your carry-on suitcase.

Not headed to Croatia? This capsule also works beautifully for Montenegro, the Greek Islands, coastal Italy, Malta, southern Portugal, and the French Riviera, where warm Mediterranean weather, walkable towns, waterfront evenings, and boat days call for the same easy packing strategy.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

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July Travel Favorites: Your Most Clicked Items…

It’s so much fun for me to see the items you loved most each month.

Thank you for supporting my page and shopping my links. I love creating content for you to help make your travels a little easier!

⭐️ Comment “JULY” and I’ll DM you the links! ⚠️ If you don’t receive them, please DM me, and I’ll resend (tech can be glitchy).

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Before I pack any item I ask…how many ways can I style this piece? I think this dress definitely earns its spot in my suitcase!
*NOTE: My dress is is no longer available in black, but I’ve linked it in Navy. I’ve also linked some other tank dresses with a built in bra that are great alternatives.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

This travel capsule wardrobe was designed for a summer trip to Scotland—long sightseeing days, ever-changing weather, and evenings that almost always call for an extra layer.

Expect temperatures from 48–68°F, with frequent wind and passing showers.

Here’s your packing list:

5 tops — varying sleeve lengths and fabric weights let you adapt to changing temperatures. Wear them on their own on warmer days or under your cardigan and waterproof coat when the weather cools.

3 bottoms — every top works with every bottom, creating plenty of outfit combinations while keeping your suitcase light.

2 dresses — easy one-and-done outfits for milder days, sightseeing, or dinner.

2 layers — a cardigan for cool mornings and evenings, a waterproof coat for rain, and the ability to wear both together when temperatures drop.

3 shoes — a comfortable walking shoe, a waterproof boot, and a dressier flat to cover every occasion.

Crossbody bag

Accessories — a scarf, belt, jewelry, hat, and sunglasses add versatility without taking up much space.

12 clothing pieces mix and match into 15 outfit combinations—and it all fits in your carry-on.

Not headed to Scotland? This capsule also works beautifully for Ireland, Northern England, and coastal Norway in summer, where cool temperatures, changing weather, and long sightseeing days call for the same layering strategy.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week, when we celebrate our love for travel and cute outfits!⁣⁣

Pants:
- Everyone’s favorite travel set...yes, there are dupes that come close, but none are quite as soft or quite as well made. Pants come in regular, petite and tall. Sized from XXS - 3X

*Don’t like wide leg? Slim, straight and barrel leg also available

Jacket:
- Matching jacket is zip-front style and currently 50% off!

Base Top:
- Comfortable boat neck layering tank

Dress it up:
- The wide leg sweat pant looks great dressed up with a little heel or ballet flat and a blouse or cropped jacket. The perfect pants for day to night transitions.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Not sure where to start when building a travel capsule wardrobe?

The 4-3-2-1 framework is one of my favorite places to begin.

✔️ 4 tops
✔️ 3 bottoms
✔️ 2 pairs of shoes
✔️ 1 outer layer

When every top works with every bottom, a small number of pieces can create a surprising number of outfit combinations.

But remember—it’s a framework, not a rule.

If I’m traveling somewhere hot and don’t plan on doing laundry, I’ll almost always add a few extra lightweight tops and sometimes a lightweight summer dress. Those pieces take up very little room, but they make a big difference in comfort.

The goal isn’t to follow someone else’s formula perfectly.

It’s to start with a simple framework, then adjust it to fit your trip.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Most people think merino wool is only for winter.

It’s actually one of my favorite fabrics for summer travel.

Merino is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant, making it an excellent choice for long travel days and warm destinations. It helps regulate your body temperature, dries quickly, and can often be worn multiple times before it needs to be washed.

I especially love merino for travel t-shirts, lightweight sweaters, and layers when temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.

Fabric first. Style second.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Lyocell, another great fabric option for you hot weather trips!

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

If you’ve ever packed clothes that looked great…but felt miserable in the heat, the fabric was probably the problem.

Cotton is one of my favorite summer travel fabrics, but not all cotton is created equal.

For hot-weather travel, I usually reach for:
• Poplin for its crisp, lightweight feel.
• Seersucker because the puckered texture helps keep fabric off your skin.
• Cotton gauze for maximum airflow—and the wrinkles are built in.

The right fabric can make the difference between feeling sticky and uncomfortable…or actually enjoying a long day of sightseeing.

Fabric first. Style second.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

People love to point out that linen wrinkles. I love to point out everything else it does exceptionally well. Breathability, moisture management, odor resistance, and effortless style are why it remains one of my favorite travel fabrics.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

June Travel Favorites: Your Most Clicked Items…

It’s so much fun for me to see the items you loved most each month.

Thank you for supporting my page and shopping my links. I love creating content for you to help make your travels a little easier!

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Friday Fly Day Hot Weather Addition!

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week, when we celebrate our love for travel and cute outfits!⁣⁣

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Hot, humid destinations are some of the easiest places to overpack.

When temperatures climb, it’s tempting to pack extra “just in case” outfits, backup shoes, and far more clothing than you’ll actually wear.

Instead, I focus on a few simple principles:

• Pack a fresh top for each day
• Repeat bottoms
• Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics
• Bring shoes designed for walking in the heat
• Change into a fresh top for evenings
• Don’t overlook the importance of undergarments

Bottoms can often be worn multiple times before laundering. Plan on rewearing each bottom 2-3 times.

Tops sit closest to the body and tend to need more frequent washing.Bottoms can often be worn multiple times before laundering.

Don’t pack separate dinner tops.

Wear each top first in the evening, then save the rewear for daytime later in the trip.

That’s why I typically pack more tops than bottoms when traveling in hot weather.

The result is a travel wardrobe that stays comfortable, feels polished, and still fits in a carry-on.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Travel Capsule Wardrobe Rule: Pack items that can be styled multiple ways.

One of the easiest ways to make a travel capsule wardrobe work is choosing pieces that can be styled multiple ways.

This black skirt is a great example.

With a simple change of top, layer, shoe, or accessory, it can create completely different outfits while taking up the same amount of space in a suitcase.

When I’m deciding what makes the cut for a travel capsule, versatility matters. The more ways I can wear something, the more valuable it becomes.

That’s how a small wardrobe creates so many outfit possibilities.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Need more adventure gear for your Alaskan cruise? Add waterproof pants, packable down, merino tights, thermal base layers, and waterproof trail shoes for active excursions — helicopter glacier landings, kayaking, and rainforest hikes each have their own requirements.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

This travel capsule wardrobe was designed for an Alaska Inside Passage cruise in summer — wet port mornings, glacier decks, casual ship dinners, and long days exploring some of the most dramatic scenery on earth.

Expect daytime highs: high 50s–low 70s°F depending on port and month. June runs coolest and driest. July and August are slightly warmer but rainier. Evenings are cool even in summer — and glacier viewing from the ship deck can feel closer to 40°F with wind chill.

Layers aren't optional here. They're the whole strategy.
A few things that make Alaska packing different from any other cruise:
* Your rain jacket is the most important piece in this bag — not water-resistant, waterproof. Ketchikan averages 140+ inches of rain annually.
* Glacier Bay will be the coldest you'll be on this trip. Keep your beanie, gloves, and layers accessible — not packed away in your cabin.
* 18 hours of daylight in June is real. Pack an eye mask.
* Ankle-length bottoms only — wet boardwalks will ruin a dragging hem by day two.

Here's your packing list:
* 5 tops — lightweight knits in merino or cashmere that layer or stand alone
* 3 bottoms — black ponte straight ankle, gray denim, tan athleisure straight ankle
* 1 dress styled three ways for dressy nights
* 3 layers — waterproof rain jacket, Patagonia fleece, belted cardigan
* Accessories — beanie, baseball cap, scarves, gloves, merino socks
* 3 shoes — waterproof sneaker, black ballet flat, closed-toe block heel slingback
* Crossbody + packable backpack + structured evening bag
* Travel day sweat set that doubles as your ship lounge outfit

13 core pieces, multiple outfit combinations — and it all fits in a carry-on if you wear your bulkiest items on the plane.

Not headed to Alaska? This capsule also works for Canada's Inside Passage, Iceland in summer, Norway and the fjords, and the Pacific Northwest in shoulder season. With the active add-ons, it translates to a Canadian Rockies winter trip or a Lapland adventure.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

What to Pack for a Safari

Packing for safari isn’t about fashion, it’s about function. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it well. With strict luggage limits, varying temperatures, and remote locations, packing smart is essential.

‼️ Not going on a safari? No worries…these items would work great for any outdoor camping and hiking adventures on your summer trip list!

⚠️ Always check your safari company’s specific packing recommendations, but these tips are a great starting point:

➡️ Soft-sided luggage is a must—many bush planes have strict weight limits and limited space.
➡️ Bring a small daypack for game drives to stash your camera, water, and layers.
➡️ Fabrics: When it comes to clothes, choose breathable, quick-drying fabrics like cotton, linen, merino wool, or performance blends.
➡️ Layers: Temperatures swing wildly—mornings and evenings can be cold, midday can be scorching—so pack light layers you can easily add or remove.
➡️ Colors matter: Stick to earth tones like olive, brown, khaki, and dusty green. These colors blend in with the environment and attract fewer insects. Avoid bright colors, white (shows dirt), and black (attracts heat and tsetse flies).
➡️ Two Shoes: A trail shoe or sneaker is perfect for walking or bumpy rides, and a slip-on sandal is great for camp. (If your safari requires heavy walking, a hiking shoe might be a better option.)

Accessories:
➡️ A wide-brim hat and polarized sunglasses are non-negotiables for sun protection
➡️ A lightweight scarf (or two) shields you from dust on game drives, adds warmth in the mornings, and can double as a wrap in the lodge or a picnic blanket.

➡️ Pack a couple of breezy dresses or loose sets for downtime in camp.

⭐️ Keep it minimal! Many camps offer laundry service, and overpacking will just weigh you down.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

It’s Friday Fly-Day, my favorite day of the week, when we celebrate our love for travel and cute outfits!⁣⁣
_______________
Hi, I’m Haley. I created Carry-On Couture to help you curate functional AND beautiful travel capsule wardrobes specifically designed for carry-on travel. Thank you for being here!

Travel Capsule Wardrobe Rule:

Don’t pack outfits. Build a wardrobe.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely think about outfits when I’m building a travel capsule wardrobe. But I’m not packing a separate outfit for every day or every occasion.

Instead, I focus on pieces that work together in as many combinations as possible.

In this capsule:

• 4 tops
• 3 bottoms

That’s 12 outfit combinations!

When every top works with every bottom, a small wardrobe suddenly becomes much more versatile.

When every piece works together, you need fewer pieces overall.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

This travel capsule wardrobe was designed for a summer trip to Spain - long sightseeing days in serious heat, cobblestone evenings, and evenings that call for something a little more polished.

Expect daytime highs: mid 80s to over 100°F depending on where you're headed. A lightweight layer isn't just for evenings; you'll need it to cover up at churches and historic sites throughout the country.

Here's your packing list:
4 tops
3 bottoms
3 dresses
1 layer
2 shoes
Crossbody bag
Accessories

11 clothing pieces mix and match into 15 outfit combinations — and it all fits in your carry-on.

Not headed to Spain? This capsule also works well for Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Southern France, where the summer heat should be taken seriously, the sightseeing days are long, and the evenings suggest a bit of polish.

⭐️ My travel capsules are created using research, personal travel experience, and my own style preferences. I do my best to account for weather and real-life travel needs, but every trip is different. Use these as a fun starting point, not rigid rules. Take what works, leave what doesn’t, and make it your own.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel