I’ve never found packing in just a carry-on particularly easy. I like having the right clothes for everything I do, whether I’m going on an outdoor adventure or exploring a new city. That’s part of why I started writing a packing list newsletter. Because I travel so often (and enjoy shopping), I’ve worked hard to perfect the process of packing minimally yet effectively. But there always comes a trip that gives me an extra challenge — and it’s usually when I’m traveling in between seasons or to a destination where the weather varies significantly.

Recently, I encountered both scenarios when spending two weeks in late February in two different corners of the United Kingdom: the Scottish Highlands and a coastal town in Cornwall. Prior to crossing the Atlantic, I anticipated fluctuating temperatures, so I packed accordingly. My forethought paid off, and the transitional winter-to-spring pieces I brought in my carry-on worked perfectly for the below-freezing mornings in Scotland and the Cornish weather that alternated between rainstorms and spring-like sunshine.

Below, are my 11 tried-and-true tips for covering all your bases when packing for transitional spring weather trips. Perfect for European jaunts and cross-country adventures, each item works double duty, is easy to layer, and fits in a single carry-on. 

Tip: Pack a layerable sweater

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized V-neck Sweater

I usually allow myself exactly one sweater or sweatshirt when I’m only packing a carry-on. Otherwise, I’m just adding unnecessary bulk. Lately, my go-to style has been an oversized V-neck sweater like this one from Quince. It’s just as cozy as my favorite Anine Bing sweatshirt, but it’s more versatile. During the day, I can pair it with a tank or T-shirt and jeans (and add or remove it as necessary). At night, I can dress it up with a nice pair of slacks and a slingback. The boxier style is also breezier than a form-fitted sweater, so it doesn’t get overly warm or feel too wintery.

Tip: Bring a do-it-all pair of denim

Madewell The Darted Barrell-leg Jean

Denim is already a seasonless fabric; you just have to switch out your top to transition from winter to summer. But just like my aforementioned sweater rule, I only allow myself to pack one or two comfy pairs of denim. Without those guardrails, half of my suitcase could easily be taken up solely by jeans. This year, I’ve become a full barrel-leg jean convert — and this Madewell style has been on regular rotation thanks to its easy-to-wear silhouette and versatile wash. Psst: Madewell Insiders can snag an extra 25 percent off this weekend. 

Tip: Invest in a quality white or black tank or T-shirt 

Stateside Rib Classic Tank

Is $70 expensive for a tank top? Yes — but hear me out. I haven’t bought a single other tank since I purchased the white and black version of this Stateside style. The cost-per-wear is also extremely low; I bring one (or both) of them on nearly every trip. While they’re great for warm weather, they also work as layerable pieces. During this time of year, I’ll wear them under the above sweater or the below long-sleeve top. 

Tip: Opt for long-sleeve tops that breathe

Everlane The Boxy Oxford Button-up Shirt

The period between winter and spring doesn’t necessarily call for thick sweaters, but it also doesn’t mean it’s time to put all your long-sleeve tops in storage. Instead, meet in the middle by packing tops that offer the best of both worlds. The Boxy Oxford from Everlane, for example, has plenty of coverage in the arms, but it’s lightweight and roomy enough to remain comfortable on days that feel like full-blown spring. Plus, it makes a nice lightweight layer for long flights, train rides, and road trips without adding extra bulk or too much warmth. 

Tip: Go with lightweight outerwear that allows you to layer underneath

Everlane Cotton Twill Mac Coat

When I was deciding on the outerwear to bring on my U.K. trip, I was tempted to bring my warmest winter parka. Snow was in Scotland’s forecast, after all. But I was also conscious of the fact I could only bring one coat — and I’d have to wear it on the plane. I ended up bringing a long, slightly oversized barn jacket from Toteme that has a similar silhouette as Everlane’s Mac Coat. In the Highlands, I layered a sweater and the below Barbour vest underneath, and I was plenty warm. In Cornwall, I wore the jacket as is, and I’ll likely continue wearing it until the cold weather makes its official goodbye. 

Top: Consider a mid-layer like a vest 

Barbour Dulsie High Pile Fleece Quilted Vest 

The transitional period between winter and spring is the perfect time to break out your favorite vest. I wore my Barbour fleece quilted vest on the plane (to save space in my suitcase) and threw it over my tops on the days that had a bit of chill in the air but weren’t quite cold enough to allow for a jacket.

Tip: Find a pair of loose-fitting trousers

Quince 100 Percent European Linen Wide-leg Pant

Over the last couple of years, loose-fitting trousers, like this linen version, have become a suitcase staple for me. Linen is technically a warm-weather fabric, but the longer legs and wide legs ensure the style doesn’t immediately read as a vacation pant (or fail to deliver the coverage and warmth needed for in-between weather days). It’s also versatile enough to be worn with any of the above tops — from the sweater to the button-down, the choice is yours — and they roll up small in your suitcase. 

Tip: Wear a lightweight pair of sneakers

Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Running Shoes 

Deciding which shoes you bring on a carry-on-only trip is always difficult; you can probably fit one to two pairs, max, in your carry-on suitcase. It’s especially hard for in-between-season packing. While I wore my waterproof boots on the plane, I also snuck a lightweight pair of sneakers, the Adidas Ultraboost 1.0s, into my suitcase for days when the boots might be a little too warm or I needed a more appropriate walking shoe. 

Tip: Choose a dressier shoe that can work in any season

Everlane Studio Slingback Heel

If your trip, like mine, has some slightly dressier dinners, you might be ready to break out your open-toe heels and sandals. I’d recommend another alternative, though, because the weather this time of year might not cooperate. Instead, I always recommend a slingback. It’s appropriate for most seasons and instantly elevates a pair of trousers or jeans. Plus, it takes up significantly less room in your suitcase than a chunky block heel. 

Tip: Organize everything in compression packing cubes

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes

No matter the trip I’m on, I always use packing cubes to organize the contents of my suitcase. Compression packing cubes are particularly effective for this time of winter-to-spring trip because the compression features will help cut down on the bulk from the heavier layers, leaving you more room to add in at least a couple more transitional essentials. 

Tip: Use a spacious personal item bag

Calpak Terra 26L Backpack Duffel

For trips where I need a bit more room than my carry-on allows — but I don’t want to check a bag — I rely on my personal item bag. I don’t just use any old tote or backpack, though. I bring the Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack. With my suitcase filled with transitional clothing, I’ll lean on the backpack to carry my toiletries, sneakers, maybe an extra top or two, my laptop, and any other electronics. And I’ve never had any issues fitting it under the seat in front of me on the plane. 

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