I used to be that traveler, you know the one. Dragging a massive suitcase through cobblestone streets, paying for overweight baggage, and wearing maybe a third of what I packed. It was exhausting. Then I discovered the power of the carry-on. Not just for the convenience, but for the style. Packing light forces you to be intentional, and that intentionality can actually make you look better.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need a different outfit for every single day. You need a system. Think of your wardrobe as a capsule, a small collection of pieces that all work together. Start with a neutral base. I’m talking about things like a great pair of dark wash jeans, a black or navy trouser, and maybe a simple wool or cotton dress. These are your anchors.

From there, add two to three tops that play well with those bottoms. A crisp white button-down is a must. A soft, plain knit in a color like charcoal or cream is another. And one piece that has a bit more personality, maybe a striped boatneck or a bold silk blouse. Now comes the secret weapon: layering. A lightweight trench coat, a classic denim jacket, or a cashmere cardigan can transform an outfit from day to night, from sightseeing to a nice dinner.

Shoes are the real space-hog. Limit yourself to three pairs. Wear your heaviest pair on the plane, like a simple sneaker or a comfortable leather boot. Pack a pair of flats or low-heeled sandals that go with everything. And one pair for dressier moments, maybe a sleek loafer or an ankle bootie. If you’re doing beach and city, a good sandal can sometimes do double duty.

Accessories are where your personality shines without taking up suitcase real estate. A silk scarf can be a hair tie, a belt, or a bag accent. One good mineral sunscreen is all you need for skincare. A single crossbody bag in a neutral leather works for day trips and evenings. Pick one statement necklace or a few delicate rings, and you are set.

The real trick is in the mixer. Every top you pack should go with every bottom you pack. Lay those clothes out on your bed before you even touch your bag. Mix and match them. If a top only works with one specific pair of pants, leave it at home. You want a wardrobe that is a choir, not a collection of soloists. This takes a bit of upfront thinking, but it saves you from agonizing over what to wear in a hotel room with bad lighting.

I learned this the hard way during a two-week trip to Italy. I had a carry-on with a tan linen blazer, a white T-shirt, a gray silk skirt, black jeans, and a single pair of comfortable mules. I wore that blazer over the skirt for a nice dinner, with the jeans for a vineyard tour, and tossed it over my shoulders for a last-minute museum visit. People thought I had a new outfit every day. I just had the same five pieces that played nice together.

So, next time you pack, think small. Think flexible. Think about how one good jacket can do the work of three. You will move faster, stress less, and walk off that plane looking like you already belong wherever you’re going.