We’ve all been there, when you’re scrambling through your T-shirt drawer, with a half-packed carry-on bag half an hour (or less) before you need to leave for a work trip or weekend away. Whatever the occasion, packing light effectively is a form of art, that can take years to perfect. With a fair few whistle-stop work trips under my belt, I like to think I’ve created some sort of order and process to packing, with a light-packing formula that sees me through a packed itinerary.
I recently put my method into practice for a trip to Berlin, for the RIMOWA Design Prize 2025. From the perfect lightweight cabin bag and travel essentials to a hard-working carry-on capsule wardrobe, scroll on to see and shop what I packed.
Invest in a lightweight cabin bag
As some airlines place strict limits on the size of hand luggage, invest in a carry-on suitcase that is itself lightweight – around the 2.5kg mark. Look for a small suitcase with a super light polycarbonate shell – those overhead lockers are always rather snug.
Organise your carry-on
Investing in a set of packing cubes is by far the best way to encourage impeccable suitcase organisation. My top tip? Optimise space by rolling, not folding. Roll your tees, favourite jeans and joggers into your packing cubes to optimise the space in your case more effectively.
The travel-ready trackies
By far the bulkiest travel essential on my list, I like to wear my trackies in-transit to ensure optimum comfort while travelling and free up a little extra room in my carry-on. Plus, a hoodie will make for the perfect head rest for snoozing when slung over your shoulders.
I practically live in at least one cashmere layer at all times, and travelling is no different. A go-with-anything light layer isn’t just a beautiful option for travelling, but it will also come in handy throughout your trip.
Handbag travel essentials
Packing light doesn’t necessarily rule out bringing along comforting luxuries – with that pesky clear bag out of action in many UK airports, you can feel a bit more relaxed when bringing along your favourite perfume (so long as it’s under 100ml, of course). Be sure to store these in your handbag for easy access at all times – there’s nothing worse than having to un-zip your perfectly packed carry-on to find your favourite lip mask mid-journey.
Editing your wardrobe into one tiny bag for a weekend away is no small feat, however I always recommend you rely on your trusted, simple favourites. Pack your favourite tank and well-worn jeans for easy day-to-day outfit styling, then throw in a white shirt and sleek suede slip-ons for more elevated evening looks.
