What to Pack in Your Suitcase and Still Have Space Left!

I carried a handbag, a carry-on, and one, yes, one, checked bag with ten pounds of space left over. I know, I can already hear the applause. Please, hold it.

Now that I’ve been in Milan, Italy, for over a month and a half, I feel qualified enough to let you in on my secrets to avoiding that “packing panic” moment the second you land and open your suitcase.

First things first: packing cubes are a game-changer. If you’re planning to travel around Europe, do yourself a favor and get them.

You also need a solid carry-on. I use a Longchamp bag and love it. When I went to Paris, I only brought that bag, and it fit everything: perfume, a (slightly excessive) collection of lip glosses, and all the travel essentials.

Don’t forget hand sanitizer, prescribed medications (with a doctor’s note or proof of prescription), and personal hygiene products, especially my ladies, you know the drill.

And yes, bring an umbrella. Milan’s weather can go from sunshine and gelato to torrential rain faster than you can say ciao. I carry a small one in my backpack at all times.

1. Clothing

Pro tip: Plan your outfits before packing. You’ll save space and time later. I use the app Whering, you upload photos of your clothes, create outfits, and store them in a digital closet. It keeps me from staring hopelessly at a pile of clothes, thinking, “I have nothing to wear.”

Here’s what worked for me:

• 6 bottoms: black casual pants, blue jeans, white pants, linen pants, black slacks, and gray slacks.
• 4 dresses: one professional, three casual for weekends in Como, Maggiore, and Sicily.
• 1 suit: I swear by the Babaton Aritzia Standout Blazer, which fits like it was tailored.
• 10 tops: a mix of long, short, and quarter sleeves. Include one or two dressy options. I love Vineyard Vines, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren sweaters; they instantly elevate any outfit.
• 10 days of undergarments.
• 1 parka/windbreaker/puffer: mine’s from TNA (Aritzia). Classic, warm, and timeless.
• 5 pairs of shoes:
  • Adidas Sambas for casual days
  • Asics running shoes
  • Dolce Vita heels (optional, honestly)
  • Doc Martens rain boots
  • Home shoes, your feet will thank you

Footwear wisdom: cobblestones and rain are a cruel combo. If you can think of even three reasons not to wear heels, don’t. Go with your sneakers.

• 1 trench coat: I have the Babaton Slouch Trench, effortless and comfortable.
• 6 hijabs: mine are all from Veiled, blue, black, burgundy print, white, gray, and pink. A perfect capsule set that goes with everything.

1. Food & Travel Essentials

Pack a water bottle (and don’t leave it on the plane like I did). Bring protein-rich snacks to keep you full on long flights or while settling in. The apartments with IES Milan come with kitchen basics, so no need to overpack food. If you want to get into cooking while you're abroad, check out my blog: “Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in Milan” for quick and beginner-friendly recipes. 

For tech, invest in a reliable adapter and a portable charger. Anker has great ones, or, if your dad’s like mine, check his tech stash. There’s probably one in there. I recommend the magnetic portable chargers (remember to get a compatible phone case). I prefer the classic black from Tieszen. 

1. Makeup & Skincare

Makeup essentials, personally approved by my sister, Sajar (she’ll love this shoutout):

• Too Faced Concealer
• Patrick TA Blush Duo (powder + cream = perfection)
• Haus Labs Foundation (with ceramides, your skin will thank you)
• INNISFREE Daily UV Defense or ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen
• ELF Power Grip Primer (the holy grail)
• Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil – shade: Mahogany
• Essence “I Love Extreme” Mascara (waterproof)
• Huda Beauty Powder (shade: Poundcake)
• Morphe Setting Spray
• Neutrogena Cleansing Balm + Makeup Wipes
• Lubriderm Moisturizer
• Prada Beauty mini lipstick set (shade B03 Mahogany = nighttime perfection)
• Ultra Violette SPF 50 spray (mini size, always in my bag)

And please, take Vaseline. My skin has never been drier than it’s been abroad. I use it nightly on my lips and face.

Pro tip: pack your undergarments, heavy shoes, and day-one essentials in your carry-on or handbag. It lightens your checked bag and keeps you covered if luggage delays strike.

1. Bathroom Basics

• Toothpaste & toothbrush
• Dental floss
• Soap
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Loofah
• Shower shoes (optional, but I’m a cautious college student)

Packing smart isn’t about limiting yourself; it’s about curating what you actually use. A little planning now means less stress later and more time to explore Milan’s cobblestones, cafés, and canals, without a mountain of luggage slowing you down.