Wardrobe Staples for Traveling Light

stylish casual white jeans outfit ideas extra petite

BP sweater xs, J.Brand jeans 24 (no hem needed), Chicwish trench xs (sleeves shortened),
Gucci bag, Joie pumps 5.5, BR wool hat (runs small), David Yurman pearl cable bracelet

I’ve had this Longchamp tote for years, and it still holds its place as one of my most used bags. The current version is called “Le Pliage Neo,” which has a thicker, more structured nylon material than their standard tote, but is still wonderfully lightweight and folds flat. I’d recommend it for school, work, and everything in between when you need a durable bag that’s fairly water-resistant and easy to clean. For travel, it’s also good for protecting other designer bags while going through security and getting crammed under the seat. It fits my larger Prada tote in addition to my big makeup organizer!

gray trench coat white skinny jeans petite outfit

When on the road, I have no problem with wearing an item on repeat, especially if it means traveling lighter. I usually pick a versatile piece or two to be the “workhorse,” then plan a few outfits around it by tweaking something as simple as different shoes or denim color for different occasions. I originally gotย this sweaterย just as a basic, but surprised myself with how much I reach for it!

longchamp le pliage neo school work travel tote bag

Longchamp large Neo toteย (mine’s the older version),ย Bric’s 21″ suitcase

Here’s a few outfit variations I’ve worn featuring this sweater, just in the past few weeks…

Comfy travel (shown below): with stretchy leggingsย + block-heeled booties
Skirted: tucked into an A-line skirt, with weatherproof flat boots
Preppy casual: worn under a puffer vest, with gray jeansย (not pictured) + cozy gear
Layered up: Under a puffer coatย + shrunken fit moto jacket with skinny jeans

boston airport comfortable travel outfit ideas

Zella live-in leggingsย xxs, Sam Edelman boots (sold out; similar which I also own & love)

Fit-wise, an XS regular in this sweater is a slouchy casual fit on me. For someone my size I’d recommend xxs which looks like it just came back in stock! Also, note it’s 100% cotton so shrinks down a little bit after a machine wash & dry. You might need to re-shape the mock neck a bit with an iron after drying.

gucci soho disco bag rose beige tan tassel

I also wanted to mention thisย wool hatย (comes in classic black, too),ย which runs very small in the inner circumference area! The negative reviews are mostly all about the smaller fit. If you can never find hats that fit narrow enough, definitely give this one a try in size S/M. It has a beautiful shape and flops at just the right places without being overwhelming.

chicwish trench coat joie culver city hotel

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40 Comments

  1. Minnie wrote:

    The br wool hat link is no longer valid is there a similar one that runs small?

    Posted 3.18.22 Reply
  2. Miriam Ernst wrote:

    Your coat is GORGEOUS! Love your look ๐Ÿ™‚

    http://www.be-sparkling.com

    Posted 2.7.17 Reply
  3. Kate Amar wrote:

    Great advice! I so agree that choosing one staple piece to remix while traveling is the way to go. I have overpacked so many times, only to wear less than half of what I brought. Looking great as always!!

    http://www.kategetsdressed.com

    Posted 2.5.17 Reply
  4. Rachael O'Neill wrote:

    Love this! I always end up packing a bunch of things I just don't need. Thanks Jean xx

    http://rachaelwithlove.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/the-makeup-diaries-no1-you-dont-need-it.html

    Posted 2.4.17 Reply
  5. Deborah Kim wrote:

    Hi Jean!
    I have been silently following your blog for some time now. I am inspired by how you put outfits together and like the color coordinations. All so pretty!

    I noticed you like J.Brand jeans and that white one is so cute but it's way too pricey for me. Do you have any cheaper brand recommendations? I like my jeans fitted with little stretch. Its hard to find jeans that fit. Thank you!

    Posted 2.3.17 Reply
  6. Drvh wrote:

    Does the Longchamp get battered around in travel, or are you careful with it? Lots of 2nd hand shopping put me off their original bags as they seemed to scuff at the corners (& I've had at least one where the zip has broken!) – but if the Neo really is more robust perhaps that's the answer! I love the idea of the foldability but could never commit to the original bag as I seem to be clumsy with them ๐Ÿ™

    Posted 2.3.17 Reply
  7. Raya wrote:

    I absolutely love your style and is what I would call 'effortless chic'. The grey coat and white wash jeans is an especially gorgeous combo!

    Posted 2.3.17 Reply
  8. Rachel wrote:

    Beautiful look! Great tips!

    http://chicglamstyle.com

    Posted 2.2.17 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    Hi Megan – general tips are to start by pairing the same color booties with your bottoms (ie. black boots with black leggings or skinny pants) and also to try slightly more pointed toe shapes instead of round. The toe shape can help elongate your look, and also keeping your bottoms slim fit at the ankle opening will help too.

    Posted 2.2.17 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    My current one is from Target – it's their Contents brand weekender cosmetics bag which has lots of compartments and holds everything I need : )

    Posted 2.2.17 Reply
  11. Jean wrote:

    Hi! I've been working on a closet organization post for ages but my home is still a bit of a mess! I hope to post it in the coming weeks.

    Posted 2.2.17 Reply
  12. Jean wrote:

    Hah I wouldn't wear these heels for travel, either! This was just one of the variations of the outfit which I wore out for dinner. I posted the travel look above with black jeans and boots.

    Posted 2.2.17 Reply
  13. orange blossom wrote:

    I have to say..white jeans and high heels would not be my 'go to' for any type of travel. Looks cute though!

    Posted 2.2.17 Reply
  14. Jessica H wrote:

    So cute!! As always of course. That trench grey color looks gorgeous with the beige hat! Totally something I wouldnt think of but I LOVE!

    xo, jess

    alljessedup.com

    Posted 2.2.17 Reply
  15. Daneisha Smith wrote:

    I am running to Banana Republic's website to find this sweater! I love it! Can't wait to style it!

    https://officiallychic.com/

    Posted 2.2.17 Reply
  16. Con wrote:

    Hi Jean, love your blog! Could you do a closet tour some time? Would love to see how you organize all these beautiful clothes

    Posted 2.2.17 Reply
  17. Melanie Pangilinan wrote:

    Love this look! So adorable.

    Melanie
    The Mel Division

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  18. Jen wrote:

    Love the white jeans and that sweater looks so cosy!

    Jen | affecionada

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  19. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi extra petite! Great post!! I always struggle with my make up when I'm traveling. I just can't find a bag that is not bulky yet holds all my makeup. What do you use? Thanks!

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  20. mybeautrip wrote:

    Grey and camel are just amazing together. Such a great combo!
    xx

    http://www.mybeautrip.com

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  21. Kaitlin Schubert wrote:

    SO cute! That sweater and jacket go perfectly together!

    Katie | Willow and White

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  22. Amy M wrote:

    I love the white jeans and grey sweater combo โ™ฅ

    Amy // Snippets of Amy

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  23. Katharina Modrow wrote:

    love your coat and turtleneck!! Your style is absolutely stunning!

    https://www.katharinamodrow.blogspot.com

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  24. Ewa Macherowska wrote:
    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  25. JustUnderPetite wrote:

    So wonderful! Love all of these outfits! Wish I can wear heels.

    http://www.justunderpetite.com

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  26. Jessi wrote:

    I love that coat! The light gray color is beautiful. So chic!

    xoxo
    Jessi
    http://www.thedarlingdetail.com/

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  27. Julie Hiller wrote:

    I love that trench on you! Gorgeous!

    I'm a fan of my Longchamp as well, even if it's not as much of an "it" bag as it used to be. I still wear mine all the time. I like the look of the new one too.

    Style by Joules

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  28. Megan McCune wrote:

    Hi! Just started following you and really enjoying your posts! Do you have any recommendations for wearing booties as a short (and sassy!) lady? Every time I try to style myself wearing booties, I end up looking extra short and stumpy! I don't know how literally everyone else pulls it off! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I'd love to learn more about your bootie advice for petite girls. Thanks!

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  29. samantha sheinson wrote:

    So cute! Such a chic look for travel too!
    xoxo
    Samantha
    http://www.thenewyorkblonde.com

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  30. Tynka. wrote:

    love this! gucci soho is my dream<3

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  31. Rachelle Pinksole wrote:

    Love this classic look and that hat is amazing.

    xo
    Pinksole

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  32. fabi Aguilar wrote:

    Beautiful!!!!

    Amazing look, colors and pictures!!!

    http://www.lacaleya.com

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  33. Sophie Spiegelberger wrote:

    Draped trenches are my favorite too!
    http://www.ofsilkandsatin.com

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  34. MizEats wrote:

    Such a great post! Love your helpful tips!

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  35. Julia wrote:

    I was traveling to Europe for 2.5 weeks recently. I packed everything inside my 19in roller luggage. My secret? Pack as many as Uniqlo heattech shirts and leggings possible! They are extremely thin and warm…and can be handwashed easily in the hotel!

    Julia || Closet de Jules || Recent Post – The Perfect Winter Quilt Coat

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  36. Herrendezvous wrote:

    The outfit is too pretty! X

    http://herrendezvous.com/

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  37. Beckie Porritt wrote:

    You just always look amazing. Impeccable style and I love your Gucci bag!

    Beckie xo // The Pale Tails

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  38. Charmaine Ng | Architecture and Lifestyle Blog wrote:

    So pretty! I love how your hat, bag and shoes coordinate.

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  39. Neeltje | Thoughts in Style wrote:

    This is such a cute look! X
    http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/

    Posted 2.1.17 Reply
  40. Yana Kasekamp wrote:

    Such a cute look! I really like that coat! ๐Ÿ™‚

    http://www.lifeofardor.com/

    Posted 1.31.17 Reply

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