If you’re getting ready to go on a trip this time of the year, but you’re starting to feel anxious about packing light because you just don’t know how you’re going to dress for both spring and summer OR summer and fall, I’ve got you covered with today’s article.

As a full-time traveler who’s been living out of a carry-on for the past 3+ years, I’ve learned a lot about packing light—especially when it comes to dealing with different climates. Whether I’m hopping between tropical beaches, brisk European cities, or unpredictable shoulder seasons, packing for multiple climates has become second nature.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed about what to bring for your next trip, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are my best tips for packing light while staying stylish and prepared, no matter the weather.

How To Pack Light For Different Climates - By Ways Of Style — all these outfits are from the same trip!

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I know these tips are going to sound basic, but they’re not. They actually work! So take note of the pieces I’m recommending below.

These are the 3 things to think about when packing for a vacation where you’ll have different climates:

1️⃣ Master layering!

No brainer right, but here’s the deal. Layering is an art.

Ok, not really 😅 but here’s a good way to layer during the colder days of your trip:

✅ Base layer: a plain long sleeve top (like these ones) that you will wear underneath your sweaters when needed – Don’t forget you can also wear this layering piece without a sweater! You can style it with a denim jacket or whatever jacket you choose to bring. Treat it like a normal top, so make sure it’s in good shape.

In this photo 👇🏼 I’m wearing my black long sleeve top with a printed midi skirt and white sneakers.

✅ Middle layer: your actual sweater. I’m a huge fan of cashmere because it keeps me warm. (QUINCE has dreamy Mongolian cashmere sweaters for $50!). Stay away from bulky sweaters. If you are traveling with one of those (because they’re so cute!), stick to just one and try to wear it on travel days so you don’t have to pack it.

But in general, I recommend traveling with simple (but cute!) V-necks & crewnecks.

For cute and affordable sweaters, I shop here. The quality is a hit or miss, but this sweater pictured below was $8 and I wore it non-stop for 3 months!

✅ Top layer: a jacket (this jacket will rarely be inside your suitcase, you’ll wear it on most of your travel days). The one you pick depends on how cold it will be at your destination. And you might need 2.

Last year I traveled with a packable lightweight puffer jacket and a black denim jacket. I used both. Sometimes at the same time LOL. That’s why I prefer a lightweight puffer instead of a bigger one. They’re easy to layer and take little space.

⬇️ This screenshot is the best visual I have of my puffer jacket! 😆

You won’t have to dress with 3 layers every day. But it’s important that you can wear all these layers separately too and be able to combine them with other pieces inside your suitcase.

This means that you have to able to wear your base layer items on its own. Same for your middle and top layer.

2️⃣ Versatility is more important than ever!

Versatile items are highly adaptable. They work well in a variety of settings or contexts and can complement different outfits or situations.

Some examples:

A neutral button-down shirt that can be dressed up with a necklace for dinner or dressed down with shorts and a cami for sightseeing.
A black dress that works for casual daytime outings with white leather sneakers, or for more formal evenings with sandals and accessories.

How To Pack Light For Different Climates - Advice From A Full Time Carry-on Traveler!

Too many sweaters and pants can fill up your suitcase quickly, so you really have to think about versatility here and be super strict about what you decide to pack. Forget about anything that you can only wear once!

Be careful about the colors you pack. Stick to mostly neutrals. You can always add one printed piece (just make sure it goes with most of your neutrals), and don’t forget you can add pops of color and have fun with your accessories.

Pack a button down shirt! Ha! You probably saw this one coming :) But seriously, these are so good! If you’re traveling during early fall you can still get away with bringing your linen one, but also consider chambray or another fall-ish color. I traveled with a light green one last year and it was a great layering piece for both hot-ish and colder days.

Consider a sweater vest – A sweater vest was one of the best pieces I packed last year for fall in Italy. I wore it as a normal top for hotter days, and layered it with either the button down shirt or the black denim jacket and a pashmina for colder days.

In general, stick to thicker (but not heavy) fabrics when it comes to your short sleeve tops and dresses. My black dress kept me warm on colder days too, and wearing sleeveless sweater tops with the black denim jacket was warm enough for certain days.

🌸 Spring/Summer Tip: For Spring, choose fabrics like linen blends and light cotton, but keep a lightweight jacket or cardigan handy for cooler evenings.

🍁 Summer/Fall Tip: For Fall, stick to slightly thicker fabrics like chambray, knit tops, or wool blends to stay cozy.

How About Your Own Customized Packing List? 🧳

Answer these 2 questions about your trip and I’ll send you a packing list! Seriously. You can basically forget about thinking what to pack.

3️⃣ Multi purpose EVERYTHING!

Multi-purpose items are designed to serve more than one function. They perform multiple specific tasks or can be used in completely different ways.

Some examples are:

A pashmina that acts as a scarf, blanket, or swimsuit cover-up.
Leggings that can double as workout gear and a base layer for colder weather. (these can be faux leather leggings or regular workout leggings)

Not everything in your suitcase will be multi-purpose but again, you do have to be more strict when packing for this kind of trip, and every little thing adds up. Here are some ways to succeed at this:

Make sure the skirts and dresses you pack can be styled with tights and a sweater if needed.

This one depends on how cold it will be, but you don’t always need booties. I’ve never traveled with booties. Consider slip on shoes instead! These go well with tights and pretty much any bottom piece. They are more comfortable and take less space than booties. I’ve had mine for years and they’re from a brand called GREATS, but they don’t have them any more. Here are some similar options from Rothy’s.

Your pashmina will be your best friend! You know how much I love to travel with one of these for many reasons, but when it comes to packing for different climates, you will use it as a scarf and as an extra layer when needed.

If you won’t be wearing tights or booties, white sneakers will be your go-to every day shoes. I wore mine almost every day last year! (slip-ons also work. Just don’t bring both)
Spanx leggings can double as workout leggings (if you’re someone who works out on vacation of course). Think about this for all of your workout clothes too.

Can you bring workout tops and bottoms that you can also style as an ‘everyday’ look? A good way of doing this is by adding a button down shirt! This is how I’m doing that right now ⬇️ (in all 3 photos I’m wearing this gym crop-top but styled to go out or for everyday exploring)

Last but not least… downsize your toiletries girl! You need to save space for those bulkier pieces. I switched to this brand nine months ago, and I don’t think I’ll ever switch beauty products again. I’m dead serious! My routine right now looks like this:

Step 1: plumping serum (doubles as an eye serum)

Step 2: plumping cream (doubles up as eye cream)

At night: antioxidant balm (doubles up as eye cream)

🤑 If you shop for anything at Primally Pure, use code WAYSOFSTYLE10 for 10% off your entire order!

This is my current toiletry bag situation:

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How to survive long travel days ✈️

Good things about colder climate:

Less sweat = more days of outfits before doing laundry.

This means that you will need less quantities! Estimate 1 top for every 2 days. Meaning that if your trip is 10 days long, you will only need 5 tops! Seriously. Remember you also have dresses and layering pieces! As for bottoms, one piece every 3 days. This depends on the length of your trip of course.

And important to remember, you have to be able to create your travel day looks with pieces that are already in your suitcase!

👉🏻 Also read: How to actually pack less!

Seasonal Packing Tips: Spring vs. Fall

Packing for spring and fall can feel like solving a puzzle. Both seasons are transitional, meaning you’re likely to encounter a mix of warm, cool, and possibly rainy weather. But while they share similarities, their differences can guide your packing choices.

🌷Spring Packing Tips: (if you’re traveling with spring & summer weather)

Spring is all about renewal, so your wardrobe should reflect that with lighter fabrics and colors. The mornings might be brisk, but by afternoon, you could be basking in sunshine. Here’s how to pack smart for spring:

Breathable Fabrics Are Key: Pack a mix of cotton and lightweight knits to handle fluctuating temperatures. A breathable button-down shirt can double as a light jacket on warm afternoons or a layering piece when it cools down.
Water-Resistant Layers: Spring showers are no joke! A compact rain jacket or a water-resistant trench coat is a lifesaver. Opt for one that packs down small to save suitcase space.

Layer-Friendly Dresses: Flowy midi dresses or shirt dresses are versatile for spring travel. Wear them with sneakers during the day and layer with a cardigan or a denim jacket for cooler evenings.
Pops of Color: Spring is a great time to pack lighter and brighter colors. Neutrals like white, beige, and light gray pair beautifully with pastel accents or floral scarves.
Shoes That Handle Mud: Bring waterproof or easy-to-clean footwear, such as slip-on sneakers or leather sneakers.

🍁 Fall Packing Tips: (if you’re traveling with summer & fall weather)

Fall’s crisp air and shorter days call for cozy layers and darker, richer tones. While spring says “light and airy,” fall is all about warmth and texture. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Midweight Knits and Sweaters: Sweaters are the MVPs of fall travel. Choose versatile options like crewnecks or cardigans in neutral tones to pair with everything in your suitcase.
Tights and Leggings: These are lifesavers for layering under dresses or skirts. They’re also great for adding warmth without extra bulk.

Packable Outerwear: A lightweight puffer jacket is ideal for fall. It’s warm enough for chilly evenings, yet compact enough to fit in your carry-on.
Layer with Scarves: A pashmina or oversized scarf adds instant warmth and can double as a blanket during travel days.
Dark Neutrals and Earth Tones: Fall fashion leans towards rich colors like burgundy, forest green, and mustard yellow. These pair beautifully with black or gray staples.

Last but not least…

👉🏻 Check the weather one week in advance. These things change all the time. This is important!

👉🏻 Consider your own tolerance with temperatures. I am a wimp. I was born in Venezuela and spent most of my life with the Caribbean as my backyard. My ideal temperature is 85 degrees. I’m cold any time it’s below 78.

What I’m trying to say is that I wear too many layers 😅 This probably looks very different for you, but that’s a good thing! You’ll need less things ;)

Final thoughts about packing for different climates:

I’ve traveled for up to six months at a time with just this 20-inch carry-on, so trust me when I say: you don’t need to overpack to feel prepared. It’s all about strategy—choosing the right pieces, layering like a pro, and embracing versatility.

Packing for multiple climates doesn’t have to be stressful! With versatile pieces, strategic layering, and a little planning, you can pack light, stay stylish, and feel confident no matter the season.

Have any questions or need advice for your next trip?

Ask in the comments below. I’m happy to chat with you ♥️

Thanks for reading – hope you have a great weekend!

XO,

Aimara

PS: want a customized packing list? You just need to answer 2 questions and I’ll send you one! (only for spring & summer trips)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.

I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.

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How To Pack Light For Different Climates - Advice From A Full Time Carry-on Traveler! Ways of Style

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