29 Versatile Travel Pieces That Are Perfect For When You’ve Committed To Packing Light

29 Versatile Travel Pieces That Are Perfect For When You’ve Committed To Packing Light

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-07-06 15:03

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

1. A pair of high-waisted palazzo pants you'll be tempted to wear every.  single. day. of your trip as they're just that freaking comfy. Reviewers also say they're super breathable and surprisingly wrinkle-resistant.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love these!!! Super flowy, lightweight, and surprisingly well fit. They wash and dry incredibly well, no wrinkles after drying. I’m planning on buying more." —PBMC

Get them from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 18 colors/prints). 

2. A two-piece tank top and shorts set so you don't have to put any thought into putting a matching outfit together — the work has been done for you!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I got so many compliments when wearing this set on vacation in Hawaii! The top is very comfortable and cropped at just the right length. The shorts were a little see-through, but for the price, they were very comfortable." —Courtney Smith

Get it from Amazon for $38.99(available in sizes XS–XL and in 13 colors/patterns). 

3. A padded tank that 1) looks incredibly cute, and 2) eliminates the need for a bra.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was so skeptical of buying these, as I’m not a crop top kind of gal and don’t trust built-in bras! These shirts are magic. I bought two colors. I wore one to a theme park, and it held me in and kept me comfy ALL DAY. I can’t recommend these enough for traveling, lounging, and everyday wear." —Nikki

Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 22 colors).

4. An off-the-shoulder jumpsuit with over 36,000 5-star ratings and rave reviews from flight attendants!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This is perfect for travel. I've worn it as PJs, on a plane with a blazer, and for a nine-hour car trip. Super comfortable and goes anywhere. I'll definitely be getting more!" —My Cat Steve Judges My Purchases.

"I bought the navy blue to take on vacation after reading an article about how easy care these jumpsuits are. I loved it so much I bought the green. I take them out of my suitcase, hang them up, and they are ready to go in a few hours, no ironing needed. I get compliments every time I wear one of them." —AKSunshine

Get it from Amazon for $37.97+ (available in women's sizes S–3X and 31 colors/patterns). 

5. A cropped quarter-zip sweatshirt if you LOVE blasting the AC in your hotel, so you need an extra layer to keep you cozy. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Bought it for travel so I could have a cute comfy outfit. I love the thumb holes, it’s a great length and the way it hangs was perfect too. Not too cropped. Inside is the softest fleece and I like how long the zipper is. If you don’t wear a shirt under it, the zipper stays perfectly in place and is very durable. Also loved the thickness because I was warm without being too hot." —Jessica J.

Get it from Amazon for $32.99(available in sizes XXS–XXL and in 32 colors).

6. A silky satin midi skirt with a silhouette that says "chic" and an elastic waistband that says "I'll give your most comfortable sweats a run for their money."

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This skirt is absolutely stunning! The quality is amazing for the price. I’ve bought similar skirts at other stores that are $60+ but this one is the best I’ve owned. You won’t regret it!" —Abby

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in sizes S–XL and in 20 colors). 

7. A plain white Madewell tee you can wear again and again and again because there's really no wrong way to pair it. Like seriously, I'd like to see an outfit it doesn't make sense with??

Amazon

Promising review: "The perfect white T-shirt. Comfortable. Good quality. Not too expensive. I’ve worn it time and time again. Relaxed fit." —Bartow

Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in 22 colors). 

8. Or a geometric tee that works just like any regular ol' tee but with ✨a little extra spice ✨in the form of a cutout.

Marcella

Marcella is a New York-based small business that describes its ethically and sustainably made designs as "minimalism with an edge." 

Promising review: "Purchased in white, and I love the cutout detailing. Simple yet makes me feel put together and like I put in effort without really trying." —Antoinette M.

Get it from Marcella for $68 (available in sizes XS–XXXL and in two colors).

9. A Pashmina scarf ready to be fashioned into a blanket or pillow when flying; a wrap when you're cold or need something modest for visiting cultural sites like temples; or even a shield from the sun as it offers UPF 50+ protection!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love this wrap!! It is the perfect weight and size for travel. It didn't leave my side on an 11-day backpack trip through Europe and was used as a scarf, blanket, towel, and wrap all throughout the trip. Fashionable enough to dress up a basic travel day outfit, warm enough to keep away a chill on a cooler night, and light enough to pack away small into a bag or tie around a purse strap. I can't say enough great things! I am buying these as gifts for everyone I know that travels." —Jenn

Get it from Amazon for $46+ (available in eight colors).

10. Some budget-friendly high-waisted leggings if you've sworn off jeans and any other bottoms without at least 5% spandex. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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 $11.99+ (available in women's standard and plus size, three lengths, and 25 colors/patterns).

11. A Levi's denim jacket that I won't even waste your time explaining. You and I both KNOW there's nothing more versatile.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love this jacket!!! It goes with just about everything and is comfortable. I went up a size after reading some of the reviews, and that worked out well for me. The length of the jacket is also a nice feature; it hits right about the hip and is not a midriff. I'm really glad I ordered this jacket. It's so cute, and I know it will last a lifetime. Levi's makes the best denim wear as far as I'm concerned." —Jo Packer

Get it from Amazon for $37.60+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 1X–4X and in nine washes).

12. A two-piece lounge set you're certain to feel comfy and pulled together in because getting up at the crack of dawn for a 5 a.m. flight is *not* your forte, but it did save you a pretty penny. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I highly recommend this wonderful outfit. I ordered two sets, but now that I've received them, I'm gonna have to order more colors. I can't get over how super cozy and warm they are." —Betibu

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 13 colors and patterns).

13. A pair of handmade huaraches with all the airflow of a sandal, but also the benefit of a closed-toe design if you have any vacation activities in mind that are more intense than suntanning on the beach. (Zip lining, anyone?)

Macarena Collection / Etsy

Macarena Collection is a Buena Park, California–based small biz with all sorts of Mexican-made leather sandals, embroidered Huipil shirts, and home goods.

BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly has a very similar pair from the same small biz, and here's what she has to say: 

"I swear, these are the comfiest shoes I've ever worn straight out of the box. On my first day of wearing them, I walked about 40 city blocks with no pain, blistering, or rubbing. Zilch! I basically live in them now, and it turns out they match basically everything I wear. I most recently wore them on a day trip to Malacca, Malaysia. I walked all over Jonker Street in search of rice balls and baba cendol and up a grueling hill to see the ruins of St. Paul's Church. Despite it feeling about 1000% humidity, these sandals kept my feet cool and comfy for hours and hours...like they always do!"

Promising review: "I am loving these shoes! They are high quality, super comfortable, and go with anything. I bought them in both black and brown and have been wearing them daily!!!! I would recommend them to anyone. I read the reviews before I bought them and bought a half-size smaller than I normally wear. They fit perfectly." —Sarah Niegocki

Get them from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $46.49 (originally $54.99; available in sizes 5–10).

14. A classic London Fog trench you can throw on over anything and immediately look like you belong in whatever European city you're visiting. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "This trench coat is well constructed and very high quality. It looks great over formal attire but can also elevate a casual look. It has a slightly loose fit, as expected with this style, but can be cinched with the belt. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for spring or fall. Just enough to cut the chill and keep you dry in the rain but not overly warm. This is my second LF trench; the first had a plaid flannel lining, which — while very soft and pretty — always made me sweat. This one is perfect!!" —Ash

Get it from Amazon for $76.49+ (available in two colors and sizes XS–3X).

15. A classic crewneck sweaterthat is just the lightweight layer everyone needs when traveling. And best of all, when people ask about it, you get to say, "It's cashmere!!!" but also, "And it only cost $50!!!"

Quince

Promising review: "Can’t believe the price for such soft high quality cashmere. Will buy many more!" —Deborah G.

Get it from Quince for$50 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 17 colors). 

16. An oversized hoodie with a built-in sleep mask that ensures some quality shut-eye whether you're traveling by plane, train, or automobile (most likely Lyft or Uber...). 

Pond Los Angeles

BTW, Pond Los Angeles is a woman- and Asian American-owned brand based in sunny California. 

Promising review: "I fly a lot and am constantly trying to find a hoodie with a big hood to cover my eyes so I can catch up on some beauty sleep on the plane. I saw this product on Instagram and knew it would be a game-changer. I was able to use it recently for the first time on an early morning flight and let me tell you; it is EVERYTHING I was looking for and more. It’s comfy, cozy, and oversized, and the eye covers make you feel like you’re in a whole other world and not packed like a sardine on a plane. My over-ear headphones fit perfectly under it, and I got the best sleep I’ve had on a plane — EVER! Like other reviews have said, it is big, so size down if you want something a little more snug. It’s a little big, but I love my stuff oversized, so I am fine. I have been wearing it every day at home and can’t wait to get the black and blush one!" —Heather G.

Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $105 (originally $145; available in women's sizes XS–XL and in five colors).

17. A seriously *stunning* slip dress you can gussy up or tone down. Wear it with heels and you've got yourself an evening dress, or pair it with a leather jacket and ankle boots for an impossibly cool city slicker look.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "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." —Lewis Fam

Get it from Amazon for $26.42+ (available in sizes XXS–5X and 25 colors). 

18. A pair of Levi's Ribcage jeans that go where no low-rise jeans have ever gone before — up, up, up past your belly button.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Bought these for both my daughter and me, and they look great on both of us!!! They’re extremely comfortable, and they stretch just enough. The quality is exactly what you expect from Levi’s. We purchased three pairs in total and plan on purchasing more in other colors." —Lulu herrera

Get them from Amazon for $40+ (available in sizes 22–32 Standard and 35–39 Plus and in 15 washes).

19. Or a pair of pull-on skinny jeans if you're someone who doesn't like leaving the house in something that could be considered loungewear but you do want to *feel* like you're wearing loungewear nonetheless. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "OK, I'm not going to lie. I was skeptical about these pants. I hate buying clothes online without trying them on first, but the reviews here said that they run true to size, so I trusted them. I am SO GLAD that I did. These pants are everything I ever wanted. Make my butt look cute? Check. No nasty zipper to dig into my gut? Check. Perfect length for any season? Check. I can wear these with a cute blouse as a teacher and still look professional while still being comfortable. I feel comfortable wearing these basically any time, and I think that if you're lacking a pair of them and thinking about it, you should go get a pair. They're AMAZING." —AlySedai

Get them from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in sizes 2–28, in three lengths, and 22 washes). 

20. Thesus Weekend Boots — the ideal choice for adventure travelers everywhere thanks to their seam-sealed water-resistant upper, anti-slip rubber lug sole, and temperature-control lining. While they're perf for hikes and other demanding activities, the versatile design lends itself just as well to brunch, window shopping, and putzing around town. 

www.instagram.com, www.instagram.com

These boots generally fit true to size, but if you plan on wearing thicker socks or if you're between sizes, it's recommended to size up. 

Thesus is a mission-driven, Ontario, Canada-based small biz creating outdoor footwear that's easy on the planet, the eyes, and your feet! Their materials are 90% sustainable and traceable — and they're working toward 100%. This brand is all about the details, taking years to develop each collection, and traveling the globe to seek out the best materials for the health of both people and the planet.

Promising review: "I took these hiking in the Rockies and they held up very well. The thicker sole also helped cushion my feet from rocky terrain. They look good too!" —Alice

Get it from Thesus for $198 (available in EU sizes 36–46 and 14 colors).

21. A simple flat that's easy to slip on and off at the airport and takes up next to no room in your bag, so you can go ahead and pack that sweater that you def won't need on your Caribbean trip but...like...what if you do and then you regret not bringing it??

www.amazon.com

Those 49,000+ 5-star ratings don't lie!

Promising review: "I normally cannot wear flats because they give me terrible blisters on the back of my feet. These didn't! Bought these in nude for a city vacation with a lot of walking, but where sandals aren't necessarily worn, and these were perfect! They obviously don't have the support of sneakers, but I am so happy to finally have a cheap pair of flats that don't give me blisters. I did break them in with thin socks on around my house before wearing them out, and when possible, I wear them with little sock liners. Also — I was able to fold these in half like Tieks and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!" —Kate

Get it from Amazon for $20.90+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 21 colors). 

22. A pair of 100% European linen pants you *will* reach for day in and day out — and I say this from experience. (If you're my friend and you've seen me wear these two days in a row... no you didn't.)

Quince

I have these pants in driftwood, black, and martini olive because I just can't get enough. They're extremely comfy, wash beautifully, and deliver a low-fuss look that's still super pulled together. I find they run large, so size down if you're between sizes!

Promising review: "I loved these linen pants so much I ordered them in two colors. My go-to summer pants; they're great high-quality linen and so comfortable. Easy to dress down at the beach or wear with a tailored top or sweater out to dinner. Already thinking of how I'll style them for fall! A must-buy. Runs slightly large, so size down!" —Ashley C.

Get them from Quince for $39.90 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 12 colors). 

23. A trusty pair of Reebok Club C Doubles — the only shoes I'd save from a burning building if given the opportunity. They're comfy straight out of the box, and they pair with literally every outfit!

www.amazon.com

You know that TikTok sound "If I like it…I'll just grab it in a different color"? These shoes are my kryptonite. I have them in four different colors and wear them with EVERYTHING, whether I'm on vacation or at home. They go with skirts and dresses just as well as with jeans, and they've never given me a blister!!! According to the health app on my iPhone, my most recent trip included 57 miles of walking, and my feet were in tip-top shape despite walking all day, every day, through four different countries. Pro tip: If you're a women's size 8 or smaller, you can get them in big kid's sizes (I'm an 8 women's, so I get a 6 in kids), and they're like half the price!!

Promising review: "They are soooo comfortable and soft on the inside. I wish I’d bought them sooner. They were comfortable from the moment I put them on… didn’t even have to break them in.” —Sarahsmile

Get them from Amazon for $58.04+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 22 colors).

24. Croc platforms that *may* just be cute enough to convert the Never Croc-er™ amongst us. They're ultra-comfortable, waterproof, and can take a serious beating, too, if you need to shove them in the exterior water bottle pouch of your backpack because you bought more souvenirs than anticipated. 

www.instagram.com, Amazon

I have these in all black (as pictured above) and I am OBSESSED with them. They are my go-to travel/all-day walking shoes. They have gone around the world with me and walked 20,000-step days in NYC without so much as a hint of a hint of a blister. They're super easy to get on and off, v cushy, and are impossible to stain. I had my last pair for two years, and they didn't even scuff at all — I had just completely worn off the soles, so it was time to replace them. 

Promising review: "These sandals are a game-changer. One of my friends got a pair and I thought they were the cutest shoes ever, I did a double-take when she told me they were Crocs. Really? That ugly clog-making company? Well, call me a Crocs convert because I want a pair in every color. I’ll die in these shoes because I’m never going to take them off. It feels like you’re walking on clouds; they’re so comfortable and supportive. The gradual platform looks edgy but is super easy to walk in — I can still run after my toddler all day. These elevated sandals have changed my life. They go with everything — jeans, shorts, dresses. Buy the shoes, guys." —OS

Get them from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in sizes 4–11 and in 20 colors/patterns).

25. A ruched bodycon dress with a simple silhouette made more exciting by adjustable ties. Slip on some color-coordinated sandals or chunky sneakers and you're all done, bb!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This thing fits like a dream! I am a pretty 'chesty' person so dresses can sometimes be hit or miss. But this is perfect. I did size down, and it fit me perfectly. 10/10. I’m buying more color,s too." —Ashley Patterson

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 27 colors).

26. Some bike shorts you can wear on hikes, to the gym, or under dresses and skirts as an anti-chafing measure because your vacation average of 20,000 steps a day is no joke!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are perfect! Exactly how I want my gym shorts to fit right now. This fabric is amazing and the rise is perfect for my pregnant growing belly. Inseam is perfect. Love that there’s no logos. The green is sooooooo luxurious. Love it." —Nick

Get them from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL, in three lengths and 44 colors). 

27. A pair of flexible Birkenstock Essentials sandals that can be shoved in the last few inches of carry-on space you have without worrying about irreversibly damaging their form. 

Birkenstock

Get them from Birkenstock for $49.95 (available in sizes 5/5.5 –12/12.5 and in 12 colors).

28. A smart button-down maxi if your usual go-to is an oversized men's shirt and lived-in jeans. Look, when it's freakin' humid out, reaching for denim just isn't an option. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Amazing! Simple, yet beautiful. The pockets are a wee bit high, but I am pretty tall. I have the blue and plan to order a couple more. This dress will be beautiful dry-cleaned. It looks very expensive, but it's less than 30 bucks! This dress is going to have a lot of fun with me!" —Zippy

Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 21 colors).

29. And a Hackwith Design House shirtthat can be worn ~six~ different ways so you can pack a capsule wardrobe and not have to lug around a large checked bag. 

Hackwith Design House

Hackwith Design House is a small, woman-owned business. Their sustainable designs are made to order and sewn in their Minnesota studio. Their sizes run from XS–4X. On Mondays, they also release limited-edition designs so you can be one of only 25 people to own a piece! 

I have this shirt and I *love* it. All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca who I happened to stumble across on my FYP. It checks all my boxes: black, comfortable, versatile, and durable. My initial worry was that I wouldn't feel secure in it (I have a 34G chest and most wrap tops/dresses I've tried haven't stayed where they're supposed to), but I haven't had an issue with this! I've worn it tied in the front giving me a square neck (like the middle picture) and tied in the back giving me a V-neck up front (just like the photo on the right) — both were super comfortable and I didn't have to adjust myself at all. As someone whose weight fluctuates, I also appreciate that this piece can handle pounds gained and lost. The fabric is medium weight so I'll be wearing it season to season and there's just enough elasticity in the arms that if you roll up your sleeves, they won't fall back down. All that is to say trust that I will be buying additional colors!

Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in three colors). 

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

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