9 Bazaar Editors Share Their Carry-On Essentials

MurphyTravel2025-07-014790

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Bazaar editors are well-versed in choosing travel essentials that are both stylish and versatile, so good, in fact, we each have our own methods for getting the most out of our limited-size carry-ons. With summer travel in full swing, there’s no better time than now to perfect your own packing formula.

Whether you’re looking to travel light this year to embrace a more minimalist wardrobe approach or you are simply making it your mission to skip the baggage claim purgatory for good, we spill everything on our go-to carry-on fashion and beauty essentials below. These pieces will make sure you look polished from head to toe without ever having to worry about paying a baggage fee again.

Michella Oré, fashion commerce editor

Over the past year, I’ve taken a lot of short road trips along the east coast, typically five days or less, and seldom check a bag when flying. When I land, I want to go! So I’ve been packing basics with unique design details, which hit the sweet spot between fashion and function while taking the stress out of the already stressful activity of travel prep. Right now, my go-tos are Leset’s Margo T-shirt, a bubble-hem maxi skirt, and Hunza G’s Lisa swimsuit (the coverage is perfection and the ruffle trim is extremely cute).

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For footwear and accessories, I prefer a one-and-done shoe like Teva’s slim version of its bestselling universal sandal, Jenny Bird’s ultra-lightweight and easy-to-pack bangle set, and Marc Jacobs’ Claw Clip Bag. The latter is compact yet surprisingly spacious and features a sleek hair clip for quick up-dos on the go—genius!

Margo T-Shirt

$78.00 at leset.com

Aubrey Skirt

$300.00 at bymalenebirger.com

Lisa Swimsuit

$251.00 at ssense.com

Universal Slim Sandal

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$60.00 at teva.com

Dane Bangle Set

$258.00 at jenny-bird.com

Glam Claw Clip Shoulder Bag

$395.00 at marcjacobs.com

Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead

I have my airport travel routine down to a science by now. When packing my carry-on, efficiency and organization are key. My favorite new toiletry kit was one I received at my friend’s bachelorette party. It was monogrammed with my name, and it features a myriad of compartments that keep everything neatly in tow and zips close with ease. It’s made my life ten times easier, and I can never go back to my flimsy pouch. When it comes to pragmatic tools, I don’t travel anywhere without my Conair travel steamer. Let me tell you that I’ve owned this gadget for years. While it’s not the most beautiful, it holds just enough water to be able to steam a few items of clothing without needing a refill, the handle snaps closed for a flush and smooth packable size, and the best part is that it has dual voltage, so I can use it abroad—win-win.

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Finally, my DeMellier tote has been a sturdy carryall I use to store my laptop and other personal items I want to bring on board (it also fits underneath my seat). When it comes to travel attire, my Frame x Ritz cashmere sweater is the absolute softest knit I own, and I love to pair it with my favorite trousers from Maria McManus that make me feel polished and put-together. And lastly, I don’t go anywhere without my Jenny Bird gold drop earrings—they’re an essential part of my uniform.

x Ritz Paris Sweater

$790.00 at net-a-porter.com

Crop Trousers

$690.00 at neimanmarcus.com

New York Bag

$735.00 at demellierlondon.com

Celeste Earrings

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$138.00 at jenny-bird.com

Travel Makeup

$24.00 at amazon.com

Travel Steamer

$40.00 at amazon.com

Camille Freestone, senior digital fashion writer

I almost always pack in a carry-on. I think knowing your closet really well (i.e., spending way too much time thinking about what you wear) helps to streamline packing—it’s like you create a little capsule wardrobe for each trip. I still use my Longchamp travel bag I bought for my study abroad semester. It can’t be hurt and folds up into a little square.

I like clothing that doesn’t show wrinkles (or looks better with them), like a light pink men’s shirt from J.Crew and a striped tee from Agnes B, ballet flats that fold down to nothing, which add a feminine touch to my boyish staples. Plus, little dresses to throw on with fun jewelry at night. And for my final trick, since everything else is so simple and tidy, I’ll leave room for a wacky concho belt which I’ve been tossing over everything.

Le Pliage Travel bag

$190.00 at longchamp.com

Oxford Shirt

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$98.00 at jcrew.com

Striped T-Shirt

$195.00 at agnesb.com

Dream Ballerina

$395.00 at mansurgavriel.com

Sasha Minidress

$625.00 at goop.com

Metal-Accent Leather Belt

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$598.00 at ralphlauren.com

Tiffany Dodson Davis, beauty commerce editor

When it comes to my travel staples, I’m usually a carry-on-only type of packer. Of course, I also keep a roomy tote bag on hand to stow my laptop, Kindle, and cosmetics, but as far as what’s inside my suitcase, I tend to prioritize pieces that are equal parts versatile and stylish. From a trusty cashmere zip-up from Aritzia and a T-shirt from Uniqlo paired with sturdy Paige jeans, to a breezy little black dress by Khaite, and some Steve Madden jelly flats, I’m basically ready for any adventure. And Jennifer Behr’s vibrant Roma necklace is the cherry on top of any look.

Cashmere Hooded Zip-up

$198.00 at aritzia.com

Crew Neck T-Shirt

$150.00 at uniqlo.com

Sawyer Jean

$129.00 at paige.com

Leesal Dress

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$340.00 at khaite.com

Grove Flats

$60.00 at stevemadden.com

Roma Necklace

$725.00 at jenniferbehr.com

Lynette Nylander, executive digital director

For summer 2025, I am determined to only take a carry-on on my travels. This will be particularly hard as my bags are notoriously overweight. I plan to do this by packing lightweight clothes that are easily foldable and good for all occasions. The Dosa wide-leg pants are the perfect example; they are so soft on the skin and are the perfect beach and drinks after companion. I am loyal to Ancient Greek Sandals, which make durable and chic footwear for the summer months. I love the idea of this fresh poplin top from Loretta Caponi, a brand from Florence that is synonymous with quality, and to snooze away reading my beach book, this hat from SCHA, and my optical glasses from Chanel.

Kimono Dress

$85.00 at fwrd.com

Wide Leg Pants

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$350.00 at amarees.com

Iro Flats

$140.00 at ancient-greek-sandals.com

Giannina Top

€424.00 at lorettacaponi.it

Straw Traveller Hat

$375.00 at lagarconne.com

Blue Light Glasses

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$505.00 at chanel.com

Miguel Enamorado, accessories director

My new Prada belted tote is always packed and ready with all my flight essentials. That way, I don’t have to think about it or happen to forget anything; it’s all there just waiting for me to go. I do have some extras that I add and or switch out depending on the weather and location. I can’t go anywhere without my Weleda Skin Food, which is amazing to ward off dry skin on flights. I live for Anya Hindmarch’s clear pouches that help me organize everything from beauty products to all my electronics with full transparency of what's inside. I’ve been obsessed with Extreme Cashmere’s cotton cashmere oversize tee in Navy, it’s the best travel top for keeping me warm, cool, and cozy all at the same time, especially when paired with my essential Hermès cashmere shawl that doubles as both a scarf and a blanket.

Buckle Leather Bag

$6900.00 at prada.com

Rik T-Shirt

$375.00 at extreme-cashmere.com

Skin Food Oil-to-Milk Cleanser

$17.00 at Amazon

Festival Des Amazones Bandana Shawl

$1450.00 at Hermès

Katie Intner, beauty market and commerce editor

I try to wear my bulkiest shoes on the plane when carrying on, and I love opting for New Balance sneakers because they are both fashionable and functional, especially when traveling for hours on end. I can wear these while walking the streets of Paris, or if I want to sneak in a gym session. It’s a running joke amongst my friends that I can’t leave the house without a minimum of two hair clips, and that number just increases when I travel. I swear by Emi Jay’s clips because they don’t break after one use and hold even the thickest of strands together.

A ballet flat is a must when traveling—they are so versatile and look more put together than a sneaker. I love these ones from Freda Salvador because the woven material gives a classic silhouette a little oomph. You never know when you’ll need a great black dress. I love this one from Meshki, because it’s the perfect mix of classic and trendy, and it’s so easy to dress up or down with a pump or strappy sandal. Lastly, everyone needs a pair of jeans in their carry-on, and this style from Madewell can be worn casually during the day or with an elegant top at night.

Cynthia Maxi Dress

$116.00 at meshki.us

Alexa Dream Jean

$50.00 at madewell.com

Triomphe Sunglasses

$510.00 at net-a-porter.com

Jada Ballet Flat

$350.00 at fredasalvador.com

327 Sneakers

$100.00 at anthropologie.com

Big Effing Clip

$36.00 at emijay.com

Olivia Alchek, senior designer

Packing a carry-on is an elegant art, and my main goal is to create as many possible outfit combos with the few essentials I pack. My number one rule is that every item I take has to be able to be worn more than once. I opt for classic pieces like my go-to pair of Frame jeans, which never seem to wrinkle, or my favorite Ciao Lucia cotton dress, which can be dressed down for the beach or dressed up for a festive dinner. I love pieces that can be worn multiple ways, like this reversible trench coat from Damson Madder or the Simona Cylinder bag from Reformation. Pops of red and raffia elevate any vacation outfit, and you can never go wrong with a chic pair of black sunglasses.

Mercedes Reversible Trench

$164.00 at saksfifthavenue.com

Le Slim Palazzo Jeans

$278.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com

Simona Cylinder Bag

$268.00 at thereformation.com

Nicoise Pumps

$340.00 at rouje.com

Kristina Ang, social video coordinator and writer

The Sack bag has become my new go-to travel bag because of its size, shape, and chicness. It comes in so many colors and patterns, so you can really have fun with it. I always like to have a dressier shoe option on me at all times. These mesh flats from Steve Madden are so lightweight, and they sit flat in whatever bag you put them in. My staple dress is this one from Marcella. It’s a great transition piece from day to night, and the silhouette is just so flattering. For skincare, I bring this rosewater spray everywhere I go. It leaves me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. You can spray it over your makeup or over bare skin, and you’ll immediately glow.