The Art of the Carry-On: My Essential Travel Tips for the Modern Nomad
By Camille — Style isn't about clothes. It's about knowing who you are and dressing like you mean it. ·
There is a specific kind of thrill that comes with closing your suitcase and knowing you’ve packed exactly what you need—no more, no less. As someone who splits their time between the chaotic energy of a West Village walk-up and the cobblestone streets of Paris, I’ve spent the better part of my thirties perfecting the science of travel.
We’ve all been there: staring at an overstuffed bag, wondering why we packed three pairs of heels for a trip involving nothing but walking and wine. I learned the hard way during my Vogue years that style isn’t about how much you bring; it’s about how intentionally you pack. If you’re planning a getaway this autumn, here is how I manage to travel with ease, grace, and, of course, a little bit of French-girl practicality.
The “Uniform” Approach to Packing
I’ve talked a lot about finding your uniform for the city, but it’s even more vital when you’re on the move. When I’m traveling, I follow the ‘Rule of Three’: for every bottom, I need three tops that match. If a shirt doesn’t go with at least two different skirts or trousers in my bag, it doesn’t get to come.
Stick to a cohesive color palette. My travel kit is almost always neutrals—creams, navies, and blacks—with one bold accessory or a silk scarf to add personality. This way, everything mixes and matches effortlessly. You aren’t just packing clothes; you’re packing a system. When you dress like you mean it, you don't need a massive wardrobe to feel put-together.
Rethink Your Footwear
If you take one piece of advice from me, let it be this: never pack a shoe you haven’t walked five miles in at home. I see so many people arrive in a new city, only to spend their first afternoon hunting for blister pads because they wanted to look ‘cute’ in a brand-new pair of boots.
Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. One pair of high-quality, broken-in loafers or chic sneakers for the day, and one elegant kitten heel or structured flat for the evening. If you can’t walk to a nice dinner in them, leave them behind. Style is confidence, and you can’t be confident if you’re wincing with every step.
The Magic of Fabric Selection
I’m a stickler for textiles. When you’re living out of a suitcase, wrinkles are the enemy. I avoid linen unless I’m headed somewhere extremely humid and don’t mind the crumpled look. Instead, I lean into high-quality wool blends, cashmere, and heavy cottons.
Pro tip: If you’re worried about wrinkles, hang your clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam does 90% of the work. And please, for the love of everything, invest in a travel-sized steamer. It’s the difference between looking like a tourist and looking like you own the place.
Elevate Your In-Flight Experience
I refuse to subscribe to the idea that you have to look disheveled on a plane. My ‘travel uniform’ usually consists of a pair of slim-fit wool trousers, a soft cashmere sweater, and a tailored trench coat. It’s comfortable enough for a long-haul flight, but polished enough that I don’t feel like hiding when I step off the plane into a taxi.
I also carry a large leather tote that fits my laptop, a physical book, and a small pouch with my skincare essentials. Speaking of skincare, keep it simple. Your skin gets incredibly dehydrated at 30,000 feet. A simple hydrating mist and a heavy-duty lip balm are all you need to look refreshed when you land. No one needs a ten-step routine in a cramped airplane lavatory.
Don't Forget the 'Little Things'
Finally, leave a little space in your bag. I’ve never once regretted having extra room, but I’ve deeply regretted having to sit on my suitcase to get the zipper to close. Bringing back a bottle of wine from a boutique shop in Le Marais or a unique ceramic piece from a local market is half the fun of traveling. If your bag is at maximum capacity before you even leave Manhattan, you’re missing out on the joy of discovery.
Travel is a privilege, and the way we move through the world should reflect that. It should be intentional, refined, and above all, authentic to who you are. Whether you’re heading to the coast of Maine or back to the motherland in France, remember: the best accessory you can pack is your own self-assurance.
I’d love to hear about your upcoming travels! Are you heading somewhere chilly or chasing the last of the sunshine? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new recommendations for my next trip. Let’s chat.