How to Pack for a 5-Day Autumn Trip in a Carry-On

I travelled to Hungary for 5 days last week, working on a little project. The weather was going to be changing during the day and over the few days we were there so I needed versatile, light pieces that would be easy to travel in.

I packed a carry on I love from Kipling, which is sturdy and soft, making it easy to pack, I have had mine for four years, it has been used a lot and still looks new. I brought my Sessun bucket back which can be work crossbody and packed a tote bag for the plane travel.

The idea was to pack pieces that would mix well together and were light without taking too much space in the case. We all know a carry on can be tricky. I think the key is to lose any shoes taking too much space. I only packed a little pair of flats that took next to no space. I like bringing my own hair products and I use Muji bottles I transfer them into. I like them as they are quite small compared to some other brands that offer you 100ml bottles which you don’t always need and take up space in your precious liquids bag. I bring a stick of SPF which is easy to use during the day and light. My deodorant is alum stone so it also does not count towards my liquids. For make up, I fill out a contacts case of foundation which is enough for me for a few days.

Day 1

I left my apartment early in the morning so I wore my warmest clothes : a grey vintage Fruit of the Loom, super soft hoodie. Under it was a nice shirt as we were meeting family soon after landing and would not have time to change. I paired it with comfortable barrel jeans and New Balance runners. I packed my trusty leather jacket, it’s a perfect shape, not the most trendy right now but I find it flattering, and layered a gilet from Apaches over it. The idea was to lose the gilet as soon as the weather would get warmer when we landed.

Day 2

Our second day was also quite cold and we were travelling by car from one end of Hungary to Budapest. I wanted to be cosy and warm, so I wore my barrel jeans, a light LDB T shirt and a thin cashmere jumper from Eric Bompard, it comes from the mens section. I think these old school dad’s trainers which are perfect in a simple white. When I saw them, I was immediately drawn to them and it all made sense when I read the description : “We are bringing this classic style 20 years later”. I love everything 2000s so this all made sense. The fun gilet over the leather jacket worked really well to stay warm and have a lot of options.

Day 3

Day 3 was more relaxed, with a walking tour of Budapest. I wore the trainers during the day and swapped out of them into my Hermosilla flats for dinner. They are thin and perfect to travel with in a small suitcase situation.

The frilly shirt worked well with a gilet over it that allowed to see the shirt detailing. I paired it with the barrel jeans and as the weather was warmer, I was fine with the leather jacket only.

Day 4

On our last day, the weather went from cold to hot and I had packed a super light LDB dress, with a beautiful fit. I find it very flattering on and it instantly looks elegant and dressy. In the morning I threw on a light cashmere jumper and added the leather jacket. The flats are comfortable enough to do a full day or visiting in them.

Day 5

Finally, to fly home I just wanted to wear all my bulkier pieces and be cosy on the plane. I wore my second LDB T-shirt, very soft and light with my cosy hoodie and my wide leg jeans. I always get cold on flights so I think it’s best to have all your potential layers on you for it.

I love packing a suitcase that reuses pieces throughout and have pieces that can mix and match easily. It takes a little thinking ahead of time to plan but it means you can maximise your little cabin size suitcase.

Do you have any other tips I have missed? - I would love to know!

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