When traveling, it is important to keep our luggage light. It would be wise therefore to pack in the essential pieces of clothing before those extras crowd them out. Aside from those worn at the onset of the trip, there are at least 5 clothing must-haves that should be found in the travel bag for short trips.
Extra Shirts/Blouses
Two extra shirts plus one more formal blouse/polo shirt are definite essentials for travel. This will allow comfortable changes in between wash days while still having an extra during travel. The kind or style of shirt would really depend on the place of destination especially in terms of formality and climate.
Extra Jeans or Slacks
Having extra jeans or slacks is essential since travelers will need a change at some point during the trip regardless if the worn jeans or slacks show obvious need for it. Although jeans and slacks are usually worn for several days especially on travel, nothing beats a complete change of clothes for total freshening up. This also gives time for the used jeans or slacks to be washed and ironed.
Jacket
A jacket is an essential piece of clothing on travel. Even if the destination is a tropical paradise, a jacket will always come in handy for unexpected cold temperatures usually at night. It is best to choose one that is not too heavy nor too light and which will also work best with layered clothing.
Extra Underwear
Extra underwear good for 5 to 7 changes is something every traveler should have. During extreme conditions which severely limits the change of clothes, change in underwear will still be a necessity. It is important to have small bags or plastic pouches inside the luggage to put in used underwear and other pieces of clothing to separate the clean ones from the used.
Formal Wear
Travelers will never know if they would be invited to attend any event that would require clothing more formal than slacks and shirt. Women travelers should pack in one little black dress while male travelers can throw in one blazer in their luggage just in case. It would be sensible with regards to extra slacks to choose one that is flexible enough to be used in both informal and more formal gatherings.
Tips
Travelers should choose clothes that are easily mixed and matched as to color and style and also in consideration of the shoes to be used. It would also be advantageous to bring low-maintenance clothes that will not require meticulous care in washing and ironing. Basic accessories like a necklace or belt can complete a wardrobe look without taking too much luggage space.