How I pack: 3 tastemakers share their tips for a tidy carry-on

I’m a minimalist packer when I travel for work. I have a Prada nylon backpack and a carry-on bag that I use; I prefer to carry on if I can, as I like the flexibility of it – there’s no time spent waiting for luggage at arrivals, and it makes it easier to change plans at the last minute. I never pack anything that needs to be ironed, and I fold clothes into a bundle to save space.

I start with the shoes I want to take and build outfits from there. I always bring a sneaker and my Prada black combat boots, both of which go with everything. Then I pack an extra fun pair, which is usually any from my Marni shoe collection. I love chunky shoes. Each piece of clothing needs to be modular. Black leather shorts can go with any top. A denim shirt can be worn as a summer jacket. A jumpsuit can look either casual or chic, depending on what shoes I wear.

For vacations, I’m more of an over-packer – I take shorts and loads of fun T-shirts, plus a few chic dresses. I’m not really a kaftan or a sexy-dress kind of person. I always pack my skin essentials no matter where I go – my jade roller, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s suncare and Augustinus Bader skincare products are my regimen. I shop mostly natural and organic products, as I’m obsessed with minimizing any contact with chemicals. For the journey, I usually wear my dark denim Acne Studios jeans, a Zimmermann striped top and a bomber jacket. Traveling clothes need to be chic but comfy.

I pack just the right amount. It’s basically math. I pack outfits thinking about the ratio of looks per number of days I’m away – with a couple of extras, just in case. That way, you don’t have to spend too much time thinking about what to wear when you get to the other side. Usually, it’s pieces I wear daily and that I feel good in: tailoring and denim, with some Bottega Veneta in there – and a cocktail dress, because you never know… I never pack something I’ve not worn before – my rule is to only pack things you love and will definitely wear.

My clothes are always packed in suitcases; I only opt for styles that are light, sturdy and fit a lot. But I’d like to upgrade to a Rimowa. I always put my luggage in the hold, as the only thing I want to carry through the airport and onto the plane is my handbag.

For a beach vacation, a good bathing suit is essential. Isa Boulder does really sexy bikinis. I also like Asceno, plus a thong sandal from The Row – they’re the ultimate luxury. Sunscreen is always on my essential packing list, whether it’s a city break or a beach holiday.

If I’m traveling for work and going straight from the office, I’ll wear something smart, like jeans and a blazer – and I’ll take a cozy sweater for the flight. When I was traveling long-distance, a cashmere set would be my go-to. Equipment or Live The Process are my favorites.

I like to travel light, so I would describe myself as a packing minimalist. I carry a black Rimowa with a laptop pouch for handy access during security control. It’s changed everything, actually, as I always had the problem of trapped wheels – I would have to change my broken case every year, but the Rimowa is durable. It might be one of my few possessions that I really love!

I always carry my luggage onto the flight with me. It saves time – especially these days, when all the enjoyment has been taken out of the airport experience. Plus, I only really wear a few outfits while I am away. If it’s hot during the day and I’m wearing shorts and a shirt, at night, I put on my Lemaire blazer, which goes with anything – the sharp shoulders give the impression that I got dressed up, even when I’m coming from the beach.

I tend to visit local dry-cleaners in new countries, rather than pack a lot of clothes, and I travel in the majority of what I’m taking so I don’t have to carry as much. I wear my blazer and my leather jacket on the flight, together with my big headphones. Other than that, as long as I have a couple of books, a toothbrush, some running shoes and a bikini I feel comfortable in – usually from Matteau – plus my Embryolisse moisturizer, then I’m happy.

I usually pack four or five books, as I can never choose which to bring. I tend to give them away once I’ve read them, to lessen the load on my return. I love to leave my books in foreign countries – and find new ones, too. I always wear a big jacket and tuck the books into my pockets.