The 5-4-3-2-1 method is essentially packing separates that can mix and match well. If you know what a capsule wardrobe is, it’s the travel sized version. This method is intended to be a guide, not a strict rule, so feel free to play with it a bit. For example, you can swap categories. Having more tops than shoe options is important to me, but you might want a third shoe.

My wardrobe has a lot of black and neutrals in it which allows me to not worry about colors complimenting each other. If you have a more colorful wardrobe, make sure you are considering how the colors go with each other. Here’s a chart I like to use for the rare outfits that aren’t neutrals on black:

The best part about packing with this method in mind is that it all fits in a carryon with room to spare. The essential part of traveling this way is doing laundry during the trip. If you aren’t doing this already, I encourage you to try it on your next adventure. It is the key to packing light. More on this later!

Good to know before you go: what is the weather going to be like? What activities am I going to be doing? How long will I be on my feet each day? What is the feel or vibe of my destination?

The answers to the questions above will inform what you choose to pack. On this trip, I’ll be hanging out with friends, going out for dinner, attending a birthday party, exploring the city, and visiting a museum.

Here’s an example of the method being used for my cooler weather autumn trip:

5 Tops

I chose a mix of natural fibers for my tops. I have one merino tee, one cotton tee, one merino long sleeve, a linen button up, and a merino wool cardigan. These are very breathable fabrics that help regulate my temperature when layering.

The fit of each top is intentionally different. Instead of two tees that are exactly the same, I picked a fitted white tee and a more relaxed blue merino tee. The two long sleeve black tops, although both are fitted, differ because one has buttons. The linen top has a flowy but structured feel to it, and makes for a great layering piece. This may be a bold opinion, but I think linen can be worn most of the year. In deep winter I might not pack it, but from spring to autumn it’s a go-to.

4 Bottoms

I chose different cuts/hems/fits for variety in my outfits. Option one is a wide leg slightly cropped thick cotton trouser, option two is a straight leg boiled wool cargo pant, option three is a skort, and option four is a pair of baggy straight leg medium-dark jeans. Although three out of my four options are black, they each have a different “feel” to them. Obviously the skort is different, but the pants also differ when it comes to structure. The wool pant is relaxed and pliable (hard to tell in the picture), while the cotton pants have a thick rigidity. I am not a denim enthusiast, but most of my jeans are a dark wash. I think a dark wash is easier to dress up or down and also compliments everything else I am bringing on this trip. If this were a warmer trip, I would swap the jeans out for a dress.

3 Layering Pieces

It is key that these tops are made with natural fibers like wool, cashmere, and alpaca. These will act as an insulation layer from the elements. As you can see, each sweater is different. Not just in color, but in weight and cut. The blue wool sweater is a chunky boyfriend fit, the brown cashmere sweater is more slim fitted, and then theres the turtleneck. On really cold days I can also layer the two other sweaters over my turtleneck.

2 Shoes

Depending on the weather I will pack a snow boot instead of a sneaker. I make sure to always pack wool socks. I’m bringing one pair of quarter crew wool socks, and one pair of crew length socks. Darn Tough has a great warranty policy, check them out!

1 Jacket (plus cold weather accessories)

Broken record alert: natural fibers, like wool, are great insulators. On this trip I am packing my navy blue wool peacoat, cashmere lined leather gloves, navy blue wool beanie, and a cashmere plaid scarf for a pop of color.

Adding your other single items from other categories:

1 Dress/Formal Option

I know I’ll have a specific occasion to wear something formal on this trip, but I still want it to be wearable on other days. In this case, I picked a maxi dress with an interesting neckline or hem. I could also wear this over one of my tops with my wool tights and a sweater and feel toasty. Being able to rewear a special event piece on other days expands your travel wardrobe.

1 Belt

1 Pair of sunglasses

Sunglasses are a spice of life. If I want more variety with my looks, I would bring a second pair. They don’t take up much space and can change the entire vibe of an outfit.

1 Swimsuit

I always pack a swimsuit. Always. It’s my one “just in case” item.

1 Set of Pjs

For the longest time I would forget to pack my pajamas and not realize it until I was at my destination getting ready to sleep (so annoying!). I would make it work with whatever I brought, like a tee and bike shorts that were intended for wearing under dresses during the day. I realized that I didn’t seem to care–or remember–to pack them because I didn’t like the pjs I had. As an experiment I bought a nice summer set and a winter set to see if it would make a difference. I thought I already knew myself well, but it turns out that when I have something nice to change into for bedtime, I look forward to wearing it. I have since not forgotten to pack them.

1 Bag/purse

For this trip I am picking a bag that can do it all. I want to be able to carry everything I need, including a mini umbrella, and also look sleek for going out to dinner. I am bringing this black leather purse that has 3 compartments. I love this bag! It’s a good size, great for organizing your things, and also can be converted to a clutch with the included wrist strap. Gotta love the versatility.

Colder weather packing tip:

When traveling in colder temperatures I make sure to pack the following items for smart layering without the bulk:

1 Set of merino wool thermals

Merino wool is naturally temperature regulating and breathable. I like having a natural fiber as the layer closest to my skin. There are so many wool brands out there and the fiber technology has improved so much that I no longer encounter itchy wool.

1 Down vest

Look for a vest that has good baffling and a higher fill count. This one from Uniqlo has been a long time staple for colder weather and it packs super small into its pouch. I made sure that my vest didn’t fit too tightly. You want a little bit of space between your layers so the warm air can get trapped and stay close to the body. If you need to fluff up your vest so it works to its full potential, toss it in a dryer with some clean tennis/wool balls, and only pack it in the stuff sack when you need to.

Laundry

I have been hand washing my clothes when traveling since my first solo trip. At this point it just comes with the territory for me and is part of my daily routine. If its something new for you, here’s a guideline to getting the funk out of your fabrics:

Here is my “laundry kit:”

Downy wrinkle release, Tide to Go mini pen, detergent sheets in a ziplock (for machine washes), mini sewing kit (or a needle with a long thread attached to it in a baggie), 9′ of paracord (DIY laundry line).

Most of the time I use a Dr. Bronners bar when I do my sink laundry. If I don’t have that with me, I use the shampoo or soap provided. Is this glamorous? Not at all, but it works for me. If the sinks are too small I will bring my clothes into the shower with me and wash them in there with my Dr Bronners bar. This means they don’t soak and it’s more of a “scrub where necessary” (ie: armpits), rubbing the shirt or whatever on itself with soap, then rinsing the soap out. I do the smell test to make sure I did a good enough job, and honestly sometimes I don’t and I have to do it all over again. Sigh.

Other Items

• 2x Merino wool unders (wash one, wear one)
• 2x Bras (1x merino bralette, 1x regular)
• 2x Tights (one thick/opaque pair and one thin pair with a no-rips-prayer)
• Toiletry bag (decant because you de-can! << toiletry tips)
• MIni travel umbrella
• 1x Medium Lingerie bag (I use this as my dirty laundry bag and to isolate delicates if I have access to a machine)

Other optionals:

• Jewelry (I allow myself to bring a mix of necklaces, rings, and charms. As long as it fits in the little pouch, I don’t limit myself. To avoid tangles I put each necklace in little 2″x 2″ baggies)
• Make up: (I don’t use much to begin with, but I here is my pared down kit) SPF lip balm/blush, mascara, tinted brow gel, liquid eyeliner, makeup remover wipes folded in a ziplock baggie
• Baseball cap/casual hat (like sunnies, having a different hat can change the outfit)

Packing style

For this trip, I will be using compression packing cubes and dry bags. I love organizing what I’m bringing based on purpose. I also pack the shoes in my bag by wrapping a shower cap around them. This isolates them, as they are the grossest thing in your bag, and makes them easier to pack.

To fill the packing cube I do a mix. I often fold the shirt (with the sleeves tucked in) and then roll it. I also fold so the items lay flat. It really depends on the material I am working with. Sometimes a chunky knit just doesn’t want to be origami’d.

Compression cube 1: tops, dress

Compression cube 2: bottoms

Compression cube 3: unders, tights, socks, pajamas

Compression cube 4: Warm layering pieces, thermals, vest

Dry bag 1: electronics

Dry bag 2: other accessories (bonus hat or sunglasses, etc.)

Packed Shoe 1: swimsuit in a quart sized ziplock

Packed shoe 2: belt, jewelry pouch

There you have it, the 54321 method. I hope this list helps you pack lighter on your next trip. Remember, less is more!