Preloading

Adam Glassman's 11 Must-Have Travel Essentials

O's creative director helps you set off in style.
By Adam Glassman
adam glassman
Photo: Greg Kessler
Q: I'm a chronic overpacker, yet I still feel as though I've forgotten something when I'm on vacation. How can I make sure I'm taking what I need?

A: As someone who travels often, I've got packing down to a science—and I'm a big believer in starting early so you're not frantically cramming random things into your suitcase at the last minute. Here are ten travel essentials I think would be great for you.
wrap
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
A Rain Wrap
Less bulky than an umbrella or a (shudder) slicker, these wraps stylishly shield you from downpours.

$48, rainraps.com
travel bag
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
The Perfect Bag
Superlight, virtually indestructible, and balls up into nothing if you want to pack it.

$29, plus $8 for monogram, llbean.com)
cardigan
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
A Multifunctional Cardigan
This supersoft, versatile piece will become your travel MVP—the extralong fabric allows you to tie it several ways.

$98, lillap.com
cargo pants
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Cargo Pants
You want to be comfy, but velour tracksuits are never the answer. J Brand cargos are a chicer choice.

$231, Nordstrom, 800-695-8000
earrings
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Luxe-for-Less Earrings
These earrings look high-end—at a fraction of the cost.

Fauxsie Jewels, originally $350, now $250, fauxsie.com
jacket
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
The Hold-Everything Jacket
Besides having pockets for your Kindle and cell phone, it's wired so that you can control your gadgets without taking them out.

$175, scottevest.com
dress
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
A Double-Duty Dress
Can be worn inside-out (two dresses in one!) and takes up hardly any room in your bag.

$450, jiacollection.com
scarf
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
A Scarf
For chilly airplane cabins and poolside cabanas (instant sarong!) alike.

Fluxus, $60, fluxusbrand.com
flats
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Scrunchy Flats
Ladies, please don't be the tourist in gym sneakers at the Louvre. Pack these collapsible ballet flats instead.

$66, yosisamra.com
shoe clips
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Shoe Clips
Transform pumps into something cocktail-party-worthy faster than you can say "mojito."

Shoes, $138. Clips, $18 for two, cwonder.com
watch
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
A Watch
Get where you need to go, on time—and in style—without breaking the bank.

Watch, $250, michaelkors.com

Next: 12 perfect summer dresser you can wear anywhere
Published 05/21/2012
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