One of the best packing hacks for traveling light isn’t about rolling vs. folding, compression cubes, or even a capsule wardrobe: it’s about choosing foundational pieces you can style in multiple ways.
When you can take one item and wear it for completely different situations — from sightseeing to dinner to the beach — you instantly expand your outfit options without adding bulk or weight to your bag.
This simple strategy can cut your clothing count in half, making carry-on travel a breeze.
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Why Foundational Pieces Are Game-Changers
Foundational pieces are the core items in your travel wardrobe that are:
- Versatile enough to dress up or down
- Comfortable enough for long travel days
- Neutral enough to mix and match with other items
- Adaptable to different climates and activities
When each piece can work for three or more outfits, you need fewer overall items.
That means more space in your bag and less time deciding what to wear.
This is called the 3-Ways Rule: every item you pack should be wearable in at least three different ways.
My Favorite Example: The Merino Wool Travel Dress
My go-to example is my merino wool travel dress from Unbound Merino.
It’s soft, breathable, odor-resistant, and temperature regulating, so I can wear it multiple times without washing.
It also packs down small and doesn’t wrinkle easily — perfect for carry-on travel.
And when I do need to wash it, it’s easy to clean in the sink and then hang to dry in my hotel room (always dries overnight).
Here’s how I can style it seven different ways, proving it far exceeds the 3-Ways Rule.
And remember, you don’t have to copy my exact pieces, these are just examples of how you can use this dress on a trip for multiple different occasions.
Add some jewelry, change up the footwear, use different colors and patterns and adjust to your personal style.
How to Style a Merino Wool Travel Dress: 7 Versatile Outfits
Beach or Pool Cover-Up
Worn over a swimsuit, it’s lightweight, quick-drying, and easy to slip on and off.
Outfit Links: Dress | Hat | Bag | Sandals
Dressed Up for Dinner
Add heels, statement jewelry, and a clutch for an elegant, minimal evening look.
Outfit Links: Dress | Shoes | Bag | Pashmina scarf
Casual Sightseeing
Pair with sneakers, a crossbody bag, and a jean or light jacket for an all-day walking tour.
Outfit Links: Dress | Jean jacket | Bag | Sneakers
Second Dressy Dinner
Change accessories — maybe bold earrings and a sleek up-do — for a completely different evening outfit.
Outfit Links: Dress | Long-sleeve shirt | Bag | Shoes
Shopping Day or Casual Afternoon
Throw on a oversized button down shirt and comfortable shoes or sandals for a relaxed but stylish vibe.
Outfit Links: Dress | Long-sleeve shirt | Bag | Sandals | Sunglasses
Elegant Evening or Business Look
Wear a light colored cardigan or add a blazer, low heels, and a black bag or structured tote for a professional appearance.
Outfit Links: Dress | Cardigan | Bag | Shoes
Comfy Casual
Pair with sneakers or slides, a cozy sweater, and minimal makeup for travel days or hotel lounging.
Outfit Links: Dress | Bag | Sneakers | Black Sweater
How to Style a Plain White T-Shirt: 6 Outfits
The plain white tee is the ultimate travel basic.
It’s comfortable, timeless, and can be dressed up or down depending on what you pair it with.
Here are a few easy ways to style it:
- Casual sightseeing – White tee with denim shorts or jeans and sneakers.
- Polished but relaxed – Tucked into tailored trousers with loafers.
- Layered for warmth – Under a cardigan, blazer, or denim jacket.
- Evening upgrade – Knot at the waist and pair with a midi skirt and statement jewelry.
- Beach day – Worn over a swimsuit as a quick cover-up with linen shorts.
- Airport outfit – Tee with joggers and a lightweight jacket for comfort.
How to Style Black Leggings: From Plane Comfort to Dinner Ready
Leggings are another lightweight, versatile piece that can serve multiple roles in your travel wardrobe.
- In transit – Paired with an oversized hoodie or long cardigan for comfort on the plane.
- Casual day – Leggings with a tunic top and sneakers for sightseeing.
- Layering piece – Under dresses or skirts for warmth in cooler destinations.
- Workout ready – Double as activewear if you plan to hike or hit the gym.
- Dressed up – Black leggings with a longer blouse, ankle boots, and a belt for a sleek evening look.
- Lounging – Perfect for downtime at your hotel or Airbnb.
Why This Works for Packing Light
With just one dress, I’ve got seven completely different outfits.
Which means I can pack fewer items overall without feeling like I’m repeating the same look every day.
When you apply this mindset to all your clothing — tops, bottoms, outer layers — you’ll quickly see your packing list shrink without sacrificing style or comfort.
So next time you pack, ask yourself:
Can I wear this at least three different ways?
If the answer is no, leave it at home and choose something that works harder for you!
More Travel Outfit Posts:
The 3x3x3 Packing Method for Travel: How I Made 30 Outfits from 9 Pieces
How to Pack for a 2-Week Trip in a Carry-On: The 54321 Method
10 Easy Ways to Build a Travel Capsule Wardrobe (for any type of trip)
How to Choose the Best Shoes for Travel: 6 Combinations for Every Trip