The Winter Travel Packing List You’ll Actually Use This Year

Photo Credit:@kirahominique

Winter packing never humbles you gently. One minute you’re confidently rolling sweaters, and the next you’re standing over an open suitcase wondering what you’re supposed to wear on a plane that leaves a snowstorm and lands in 82-degree weather.

Or the reverse, you’re leaving Florida in a tank top and arriving in New York where the wind hits you like a personal insult.

And because no one should be stressed out before vacation, I built a real winter packing list you can actually use the kind you screenshot, follow step-by-step, and trust with your whole suitcase.

Oh yes, check out this expansive shopping checklist it has over 70 items to help you figure out what to pack in your carry on.

Start With the Plane Outfit (your non-negotiable)

Your plane outfit is the anchor. It determines how much space you save and how warm (or miserable) you’ll be in transit.

Wear this:

Your warmest coat

Banana Republic

Italian Melton Wool-Blend Peacoat

$300.00

A soft sweater

Banana Republic

Lightweight Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater

$160.00

A breathable long-sleeve underneath

Banana Republic

Refined Crew-Neck T-Shirt

$55.00

Comfortable pants (leggings or straight-leg jeans)

Banana Republic

Skinny Everywhere Ponte Pant

$100.00

Warm socks

Banana Republic

Donegal Ribbed Sock with Wool

$25.00

Closed-toe shoes

Allbirds

Women's Cruiser Slip On Corduroy

$105

This solves so many problems.

You stay warm leaving home. You don’t freeze mid-flight. And your coat doesn’t swallow half your suitcase.

What to Pack for Cold Weather

If you’re traveling into true winter Chicago, New York, Toronto this is the list that saves you. Cold weather is not the place to be experimenting with “light layers.”

Pack:

1 real winter coat (insulated, practical, warm)

Banana Republic

Shearling Jacket

$1500.00

2 warm sweaters

Banana Republic

Italian Alpaca-Blend Sweater Polo

$150.00

Banana Republic

Italian Merino-Blend Turtleneck Sweater

$230.00

1 long-sleeve base layer

Banana Republic

Luxe Wool-Blend Crew-Neck T-Shirt

$80.00

1 pair fleece-lined leggings or warm pants

Amazon

Leggings with Pockets for Women

$8.99

1 pair waterproof boots or sneakers

UGG®

UGG Classic Mini II Genuine Shearling Lined Boot

$169.95

2–3 pairs warm socks

Amazon

88% Cotton Mid-Calf Socks

$19.99

Gloves

Amazon

Leather Gloves

$29.99

Hat

BP.

Faux Fur Bucket Hat

$25.00

Scarf

Free People

Snow Angel Faux Fur Scarf

$68

Lip balm + moisturizer (dry air is disrespectful)

e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm

$5.00

Style note:

You don’t need a different outfit for every day. You need smart layers that look good on rotation.

If You’re Escaping to Warm Weather

This is for my Chicago-to-Miami girls, the “I’m tired of this cold, I’m booking a flight” crowd.

The mistake everyone makes: PACKING LIKE THEY’RE MOVING.

You don’t need 12 summer pieces for a four-day trip.

Pack:

2 breezy dresses

Farm Rio

Green Striped Monsterea Leaf Sleeveless Midi Dress

$298

Tuckernuck

Blue Floral Lace Collier Dress

$198

1–2 lightweight tops

Tuckernuck

Natural Stripe Stevie Blouse

$128

1 long-sleeve layer for restaurants

Tuckernuck

Ivory Sequin Trim Naomi Cardigan

$248

1 pair shorts or linen pants

FAITHFULL THE BRAND

Clay Syna Pants

1 swimsuit

Maygel Coronel

Exclusive Black Tasi One Piece

$330

1 pair sandals

Tuckernuck Shoes

Cognac and White Leather Muse Sandals

$165

1 evening outfit (simple = chic)

Tuckernuck

Forest Green Lace Calliope Dress

$378

Packing note:

Warm weather outfits take up half the space, which is why you don’t need many.

How to Pack for Winter Travel Without Overthinking It

Here’s the method:

• Wear your bulkiest pieces on the plane

• Bring only one coat

• Pick one color palette (neutrals = easiest)

• Limit yourself to two bottoms

• Choose tops that can layer

• Roll thinner layers

• Fold sweaters flat

• Tuck socks, scarves, and accessories inside shoes

This keeps your luggage light and your wardrobe functional.

How to Pack Winter Clothes Efficiently

Winter items are bulky, so technique matters.

• Sweaters stretch if hung — fold them

• Jeans roll beautifully

• Boots become storage containers

• Put your heaviest items at the bottom of your suitcase

• Use packing cubes to tame chaos

• Don’t pack five sweaters when one coat can do the heavy lifting

  Pro tip:

If it’s heavy and you’re only “maybe” wearing it… chances are you won’t.