27 Versatile Pieces That’ll Help You Travel Carry-On Only

27 Versatile Pieces That’ll Help You Travel Carry-On Only

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-06-05 05:04

Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.

1. An essential cropped tank that has a chic high-neck silhouette designed with nice, thick fabric for plenty of support. Who knows? You may even be able to skip your bra while you're out and about!

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Don’t hesitate, just buy it. I bought it in one color and as soon as I tried it on I purchased three more. The material is like butter. It doesn’t have a built-in bra, but it’s lined. You could put on a bra with this if you’d like but there’s no need. It’s cropped but still long enough that it doesn’t roll up weirdly at the bottom. Can dress this up or down! I’ll probably end up buying every color by the end of the year, it’s just that incredible." —Danijtate

"Great material, feels strong and good quality. Will be getting this in every color." —Becca

Get it from Amazon for $22.97+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 29 colors).

2. A pair of high-rise dad shorts because everyone needs some tried-and-true denim shorts they can throw on whenever they're struggling to put together an outfit on vacay.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Promising review: "A must-buy. These are my absolute favorite shorts! They are very comfortable for being jean shorts. I feel confident wearing these!" —Kate

Get it from Abercrombie & Fitch for $70 (available in sizes 23–37 and seven washes/patterns).

3. A very cool-girl flared denim jumpsuit because who has the time to coordinate a top and a bottom?? With this beauty, you just throw it on, and you're good to go!

Nordstrom Rack

Promising review: "I wore this while traveling. It fits so well, has enough stretch to be comfortable, and keeps everything nice and snug. I got so many compliments on it, it was ALMOST annoying (but I get it; it's cute)! Comfy, cool, cute! I think I may get it in black, too. I wore it with platform sneakers, and the length was just right. Could do it with a small wedge too." —Hamoney 

Get it from Nordstrom Rack for $69.97 (originally $199.99, available in sizes XS–4XL and in black).

4. A breathable workout bodysuit with adjustable straps ideal for a yoga class at your hotel — but if you throw on a crop top afterward, you can go for a stroll around the park. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This fits SO WELL and is extremely comfortable — I use it for active times (skateboarding, roller blading) and dress it up for a cute comfy chic look. The color options are so fun. I have them in green and white. The quality is SUPER impressive for the price — it's such a reminder to look to Amazon before buying from pricier stores like Artizia!" —JJ

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and seven colors).

5. A super chic satin A-line maxi skirt you can dress up for a night out on the town in your destination, or wear with sneakers for walking around and exploring.

Nordstrom Rack

Promising review: "Can't get over how awesome this skirt is in person. This skirt fit me perfectly in Medium. It sits high-waisted, which I love. Looks like it costs $100 at least, very happy with this purchase." —CherylBraun

Get it from Nordstrom Rack for $29.97+ (available in sizes XS–XL and nine colors).

6. An effortlessly cool button-down tank that's super lightweight, so you don't have to worry about sweating through your top when you're just trying to enjoy your vacation.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this top! I live in sunny and hot Northern California and need cool tops that are stylish and comfortable, too. Also, I'm in my '60s and don't care to look too sexy with a low-cut top. This is adjustable in the straps, and I was able to adjust the front to a place that feels appropriate. I'm going to buy more colors as this will be one of my summer staples!" —kelbrew1

Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 18 colors).

7. Some colorful boho-inspired harem pants — they basically feel like you're not wearing pants at all. I wore these pretty much exclusively in 2017, and I have to admit that was my comfiest year to date. And they're super lightweight, so they will barely take up any space in your suitcase! 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising reviews: "The most comfortable pants I've ever worn. I don't even know why I would bother wearing anything else. Fits great, silky soft, lightweight, and breathable. Perfect summer pants when it's a tiny bit cool for shorts but too warm for yoga pants or jeans. Purple is just as vibrant as the pictures." —tatianna

"Looooove these pants, I cannot wait to wear them! 😍 They're so cute and so comfy, I need them in every color. I am definitely going to wear these to my next yoga class." —B

Get them from Amazon for $19.55+ (available in sizes 16–24 and 30 colors).

8. A pair of overalls comfy enough to wear on the plane but then keep on for when you're seeing the city you're in. These are basically like wearing an adult onesie...what's NOT to like?! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "If you've been hesitant about whether or not to buy these, then this is your official sign to just do it!! I kept these in my 'Saved for later' cart for nearly a year before finally deciding to take the leap. Oh my GOSH, I am so glad I did! These are officially my favorite pair of overalls and absolutely perfect for fall. They're so comfortable, and I most certainly will be ordering more in other colors. So if you're looking to unleash your inner painter/gardener, then this is the perfect outfit for you. :D" —Nathan R Ford

Get them from Amazon for $27.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and 12 styles).

9. A ribbed tank-top dress with a leg slit and a stylish little cutout so you can look like a trendy fashion influencer while you're jet-setting.

amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This dress made me feel super comfortable and confident. The slit is [the] perfect length. I wore this in Hawaii. Was worried I would get too hot because of the material, but it worked out perfectly because of the slit. I love this dress and highly recommend." —Tarakaye

"Very comfy! One of my favorite dresses I need it in every color! You can dress up or down! We love a good versatile dress." —Alyssa Scoggins

Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 31 colors).

10. A tunic with pockets perfect for wearing as you're going about your day or for throwing on top of your bathing suit if you have plans to hit up the pool at the hotel later.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "The linen is so soft and it looks and feels so cute and comfortable. It's also really nice to have pockets. I like that's it's seasonally transitional. Winter? Fleece leggings or jeans underneath and a sweater over. Spring or fall? Leggings and a lighter cardigan. Summer? On it's own with some bike shorts. Perfect for the office or a casual day out." —Gigi Macabre

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and nine colors).

11. A pair of stretch moisture-wicking T-shirts to layer with pretty much anything you pack with you. The lightweight material will keep you from getting overheated and the simple design will go with pretty much any bottoms you brought along.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I bought these for wearing more in the summer as I get overheated easily and therefore sweat a lot (hormones!). These work great, and I can wear them several days at a time without any smell! They also are comfortable and fit well. They wash and dry well so far too." —Kate Fox

"I wanted something to transition into fall to wear under cardigans and flannels. They look super cute front-tucked and are very soft." —Barbara

Get it from Amazon for $22.40 (available in sizes XS–6X and 18 color combos).

12. A button-down baby doll dress in denim that is super versatile so you're gonna wanna bring it along for dressing up or down on your trip.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "This dress fits perfect. It is just the right length also. It is very versatile. I can accessorize it with any color of jewelry and shoes. I will be wearing it a lot this summer." —M. Behnke

Get it from Amazon for $41.98 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 25 colors).

13. A downright glamorous pleated button-down set which looks like it'd be super expensive but is less than $30! You can also totally mix and match the top and bottom with other items you bring in your bag, so it's like three outfits in one! I have one and have gotten endless compliments and I looooove how lightweight it is, so it never makes me sweaty! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

One reviewer even said they looked like they "walked out of a Gucci magazine" while wearing it!

Promising reviews: "I got so many compliments when I wore this on vacation at a resort! The fabric has good weight and doesn’t wrinkle. I really love it, I’m going to buy other colors for sure!" —Maya

"This is my favorite plisse set!!! I want every color and will be my next summer stable." —Jo

Get it from Amazon for $28.58 (available in sizes S–XL, in two styles, and 19 colors/prints).

14. A seriously stylish tank touting a trendy crisscross V-neck because just a plain ole' tank top is kinda boring for summer of 2025, right? This puts a fun new spin on the classic staple!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This is the second tank I purchased because the first one was so soft and light, very comfortable. This was even prettier than the picture. The fit is true to size and stretchy to allow movement. These are now my two favorite summer tops!" —Jessica

"I absolutely love this top! The fit is perfect. It is very cute! I want one in every color!" —Amazon Customer 

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 32 colors).

15. A wrap-style tunic so you can wear something just as comfy as your fave T-shirt but that looks a little more put together (no shade to T-shirts, though, for real).

amazon.com

Promising reviews: "The shirt is perfect! It's lightweight but not flimsy. It's soft to the touch. It's great for wearing to work without being too dressy. Works really well with dress slacks; can't wait to try it with skirts this summer!" —Keisha Page

"Love this top! Size is as expected. I have purchased four of these. The only suggestion is handwashing, as the material will become knobby after a few washings. Lesson learned from first order. Comfortable and a great fit! Want two in every color." —Patricia Zahn

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in sizes 16–24 and five colors).

16. A padded sports bra and yoga tank to wear on an outdoor run before you get started on your daytime adventure, but then you're going to want to keep it on after because it is the perfect length to pair with anything high-waisted. 

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Yes, I bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and yes, this is as great as I thought it would be!! Suuuper comfortable, and now my go-to bra! I bought three right off the bat after reading other great reviews. I have worn all of them alone while working out and as a bra for every day." —Sarah S

"Absolutely love! I truly want every color." —Paulena Franks

Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 26 colors).

17. A workout dress with a built-in bra and shorts made with moisture-wicking fabric so you don't have to worry about chafing while you're trying to get to know the new place you're in.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This dress is so so comfortable! The fabric quality is great — built- in bra is a game-changer, the dress is comfortable and supportive enough to go braless!" —Bijou Williams

"Soooo comfy and looks good. It was so hard to find a dress like this that wasn’t too long. It’s perfect length. Built in bra. Just throw it on a go. Love it, buying it in every color." —Kit

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL, two styles, and in eight colors).

18. A jersey asymmetric-seam midi skirt if you plan on hitting up any cute restaurants on your trip and want to be photo-ready (after taking a pic of the food, of course).

Madewell

Promising review: "Cute skirt. I love how you can style this skirt in so many ways. Love the way it stretches, too!! Perfect!!!" —Becky

Get it from Madewell for $29.99 (originally $88, available in sizes XXS–XL and in cabernet).

19. A classic crewneck tee that will go with any bottoms you packed. Jeans? A skirt? Shorts? Yeah, this top will complete whatever you're wearing for the day.

Madewell

Promising review: "Just picked this up before my spring break trip and have worn it five times already. Perfect tee length for me. Not too cropped [and] not too boxy. Quality cotton material. I will be purchasing more." —Madewell Customer

Get it from Madewell for $19.99+ (originally $42, available in sizes XXS–3X and 14 colors).

20. Some budget-friendly high-waisted leggings because everyone knows that the leggings are the ultimate do-it-all wardrobe piece, especially when it comes to traveling! 

Amazon

Promising review: "If you’re on the fence about buying these leggings, DO IT. I bought a black pair to see how they’d fit and let me tell you! I have wide hips, big thighs, and a large behind, and these leggings fit perfectly! Even better, THEY ARE NOT SEE-THROUGH when I bend over!! I’ve *never* found leggings that weren’t sheer when I bent over before! I bought eight more in different colors and they all are the same quality! I love them so much that over a year later I bought two more black pairs!! I recommend these leggings to everyone. I swear I wear these to work three times a week, at least. I love them!!" —Hali Howard

Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in standard and plus size, three lengths, and 23 colors/patterns).

21. A seriously *stunning* slip dress that looks expensive enough to be from Reformation but only costs $35!!! This is great because it can be your designated fancy dinner dress for all the restaurants you'll try out on vacay. Just wear it with different accessories each time.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Love this dress so much. It’s like wearing a satin nightgown but out in public. I pair a tank top over it and sneakers for a casual look. The slits are sexy without being overtly sexy and the material just hugs my curves with enough room to still move about." —Jordan

"I bought this for a summer trip to Italy. It paired beautifully with a cotton blouse I mentioned in another review. It's perfect for the evening." —theof

Get it from Amazon for $27.45 (available in sizes XXS–5X and 23 colors/patterns).

22. A flowy high-low slip dress to wear with your favorite pair of shorts in case you can't decide between wearing a dress or a top. This is both in one!

Target

Get it from Target for $25 (available in sizes XXS–XXL, 1X, and 4X).

23. A pair of uber-cozy shorts because, for some reason, wearing pajama shorts in public is frowned upon, and these are the next best thing. Now you don't have to change when you have to peel yourself out of bed at the hotel to go run and get Gatorade and Tylenol after a big night of partying.

Old Navy

Promising review: "I had knee surgery and bought shorts at several places; these were by far the best! Best fit, best weight, best pockets!" —Judy

Get them from Old Navy for $15.99+ (originally $24.99; available in sizes XS–3X and 13 colors).

24. A pair of stretchy wide-leg trousers you're going to want to treat as your travel day pants paired with a hoodie and then wear with a blouse when you go to a museum or a fancy bar. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "These are the best pants I’ve ever bought online. They’re so comfortable, stretchy, breathable, and not see-through. I get so many compliments on them, too! Definitely buying more." —erica taylor gonzales

"I love these pants and seriously want to buy them in every color." —cmlee

Get them from amazon for $26.19+ (available in sizes S–3XL and 17 colors/patterns).

25. A stretchy off-the-shoulder jumpsuit because you have a top and a pair of pants in one, so it'll save space while also being super duper comfy while you wear it!

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This romper is so cute and comfortable. It was easy to wear and take off for bathroom breaks. The material is stretchy but holds its shape very well and is lightweight to keep you cool for spring and summer. I didn’t have any issue with snagging, and after washing and drying, wrinkles were minimal. I packed it for a trip, and it looked great in my suitcase without needing to be ironed or hung. I am definitely going to buy more in other colors." —Kimberly

"I purchased this jumpsuit to wear out as an easy plus-sized outfit for summer. I loved it so much that I purchased two more in different colors, and I transitioned them to fall weather with a long duster sweater."—Keisha W.

Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and 32 colors).

26. A chill colorblock tunic top so you can have a dependable top that will perfect with any casual pair of shorts you might have brought or even a denim skirt or a slightly dressier look.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I LOVE this top. It is of great quality. It is super soft and thick. Many of the tops I have gotten from Amazon are super thin, but this one is perfect! I will be buying more!" —Lisa A. Johnson

"This shirt is very comfortable! Think pajamas/jersey knit is soft but made of a thicker material. Perfect for transitioning between summer and fall." —Journey Joyfully

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 35 color combos and styles).

27. And finally, a loose-fitting floral jumpsuit one reviewer called "the comfiest outfit ever!" Not having to match a top and bottom, AND you're comfy AF? YES.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this romper. It's a great fit. It's so lovely and cool on a hot day and really comfortable. I feel like I am wearing pajamas! The look is really adorable, and the print is cute." —Kristina Kury 

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and 37 colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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