Whether you promised to bring all the pies to your in-laws’ Thanksgiving and suddenly have zero space left for your suitcase, or you’re jetting off on a holiday getaway and can’t seem to squeeze in all the shoes for your vacation looks, we get it.
A fashionista’s worst nightmare? Trying to fit all their fabulous outfits into one tiny carry-on. But don’t worry. We’ve been there too.
After plenty of research and firsthand experience as seasoned travelers, we’ve curated the ultimate travel-hack guide to packing light, so you never have to choose between your favorite looks and precious suitcase space again.
Interchangable Looks Are Your Friend
The best way to pack light is to bring pieces that can pull double duty. Alterre’s interchangeable straps are the perfect example. Our Gold Lo Platform might be your go-to for a breezy beach hotel afternoon, but clip on the Elsie Strap and suddenly it’s your elegant, wear-to-every-dinner heel. One base, endless reinventions.
And this mindset isn’t just for shoes. A sarong becomes a shawl, a top, or a head scarf depending on the moment. A long necklace transforms into a waist-cinching belt or the perfect chain detail on a purse. Even a classic button-down earns its keep: poolside cover-up, effortless layer, or tied-at-the-waist statement piece all in one.
This mindset goes way beyond outfits. Let’s be honest,your toiletry bag is usually the real culprit when it comes to an overstuffed carry-on. That’s why multipurpose products are a game-changer. A good lip-and-cheek tint or an SPF-tinted moisturizer can replace two or three products at once, keeping your beauty routine tight while still giving you that effortless, put-together look.
When you pack items that shapeshift and take on the job of twenty, that’s when you officially unlock the art of the maximalist traveler.
Statement Accessories, not Outfits
For some of us, this is a no-brainer. But for others, it might just change your life. That chic jumpsuit you swear you’ll finally wear to Thanksgiving dinner, the one that’s been sitting in a drawer collecting dust for three years, is not your moment of fashion resurrection. It’s just another space-stealing piece you’ll wear once and lug around for no reason.
Instead of packing single-purpose outfits, build your bag around great basics and a handful of versatile accessories. You don’t have to commit to an all-neutral wardrobe, but rewearing the same dress, from the holiday party to Christmas dinner, styled with statement shoes, earrings, or a scarf? That’s not a fashion crime; that’s strategy. And let’s be real: a scarf takes up a lot less space than another dress.
A "Super Shoe"
If we’re being honest, as fashion lovers, especially those of us who worship a great shoe, our overpacked suitcases usually start at the bottom… with the boots, heels, and “just in case” pairs we can’t bear to leave behind. That’s exactly why the concept of the "Super Shoe" matters.
A super shoe does it all: day-to-night, dinner-to-city-wandering, dressy or casual. It’s the pair you can rely on no matter what the itinerary throws at you. And the non-negotiable? Comfort without sacrificing style. Nothing kills holiday cheer faster than trying to pretend a blister isn’t ruining your whole vibe while you’re running around prepping festivities with family.
The best super shoe is the one that goes with everything. Look for tones that complement the color palette you’re packing, and choose a timeless silhouette, clean lines, minimal details, so it complements bolder outfits rather than competing with them.
We’ve pulled together some Alterre Super Shoe options that check every box: comfortable, versatile, and effortlessly chic. The kind of pair that truly earns its spot in your holiday carry-on.
Black Point Sandal + Twiggy Strap
Black Suede Loafer + Marilyn Strap
Brown Snake Point Slide + Amal Strap
When it comes to toiletries, switch to solids
These days, with the eco-beauty market booming, it’s easier than ever to swap your liquid essentials for solid alternatives. Shampoo and conditioner bars, cleanser sticks, and solid perfumes are just a few of the space-saving options that also help you breeze through airport security without stressing about liquid limits. Even better, the current market is incredibly specialized, you can find conditioner bars formulated for curly hair, cleanser sticks designed for acne-prone or oily/combination skin, and solid perfumes in every scent under the sun.
After years of testing these products ourselves, here’s the one tip we swear by: always pack a small jar, tin, or container for storing your solid products. Once those bars get wet, their cardboard packaging turns soggy fast. Save both your bag and your beauty bar by giving it a proper home. We promise, your little storage container will still take up far less space than that giant conditioner you’re trying to coax into a travel-size bottle.
Carry-on Cheat Sheet
The last thing we want to leave you with this holiday travel season is a quick list of our favorite packing hacks as seasoned nomads. These little tricks have saved us space, time, and plenty of sweat while navigating the headache-inducing chaos of holiday transportation. Whether you’re road-tripping back to your childhood home or flying across the country to celebrate with friends, the last thing you should be stressing about is what you forgot to toss into your carry-on. So here’s some advice we swear by…
Bring a Kindle instead of books (One device replaces three bulky paperbacks)
Use a flat travel wallet(Keeps your passport, tickets, and documents together without adding bulk)
Pack a refillable water bottle (Extra savvy if you tuck gloves or small items inside it while you travel)
Bring a tote bag (Holiday shopping will happen, having extra space for gifts is a lifesaver)
Carry a mini wellness kit (A pain reliever, granola bar, gum, and hand sanitizer will save you more times than you expect, keep it easily accessible)
Slip dryer sheets between outfits (They keep clothes smelling fresh and can even help rub out deodorant marks)
Pack a tiny roll of fashion tape and a few safety pins (Trust us, you’ll find a use for them long before your trip is over)
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