Lauren Di Bartolo is a fashion stylist and human behaviour expert based in Melbourne. An industry innovator and founder of Australian Style Institute, she has spent decades observing the relationship between people and their clothes. She’s a regular contributor to Fashion Journal, answering our burning style questions in her fortnightly column.
Years ago, my team flew in to meet me for events we were hosting in Sydney, and everyone turned up squeezing every last shoe into their 25kg allowance, except for Tara.
Tara, who was there for two days of events, floated into our morning meeting straight off her flight with only a tote bag. I was floored. We couldn’t understand where in the Mary Poppins she’d fit everything, yet somehow she had managed to pack a second outfit, a pair of slingback shoes and her skincare.
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I knew at this point there had to be a better way. For some, travelling with carry-on only is the ultimate flex, and let’s be honest, lugging around a giant suitcase is nobody’s idea of a good time.
Whether you’re looking to skip the baggage carousel, avoid the stress of check-in, or only heading away for the night, carry-on only provides a freedom that I’m here for. But what makes the cut? Here are my essentials:
The right luggage
For me, the luggage is almost as important as what I’m carrying – it needs to be lightweight but durable enough to protect precious cargo. A case with wheels that can also carry a tote or garment bag is my go-to. July’s Everyday Garment Tote does just that.
I also travel with a set of minis or decanted skincare and makeup, there’s no room or need for full size.
If I’m working, then there’s going to be a portable steamer… you can’t change my mind. It’s too stressful trying to navigate hotel irons with unreliable settings, a steamer is temperature consistent and worth its weight.
Fashion essentials
Fabric selection is key. Think silks or satins, lightweight cotton and anything heavy must be an outer garment you can wear on the plane or hang up. Here’s six items I always travel with:
An oversized blazer. The perfect outerwear choice to elevate any outfit instantly. A blazer works for business meetings, content shoots, or for layering on during chilly flights.
A white or pale blue shirt. Great for day to night, to wear opened or buttoned up.
High-waisted trousers. I opt for tailored trousers over jeans as they offer more flexibility and are often more comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time.
A silk slip dress. Easy to throw on and wearing casually or to dress up for evening events.
Statement sunglasses. A must for adding instant polish to an outfit and for hiding after long days and nights.
Minimalist jewellery. A curated set of gold or silver pieces to add polish without overpacking.
Tech essentials
Gadgets can take up a lot of precious cargo, so I’ve got mine down to a tight edit of essentials: A multi-port adapter (one with an SD card reader is a game-changer) and portable charger. A tripod for iPhone with an adjustable attachment to add a light. My laptop (obviously) and a camera, either a DSLR or vlogging camera depending on the event.
The bottom line? Carry-on isn’t just about convenience, it’s about travelling smarter and lighter. The challenge is the self-talk while packing: ‘Do I really need that third pair of shoes?’ (Spoiler: probably not.)
To learn more about the Australian Style Institute, head here.
This article Six items a stylist always packs in her carry-on appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-03-18 08:44:00
#items #stylist #packs #carryon
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