Key Player Pieces For Travel
eight MVP's in my suitcase
Dear Reader,
Here we are—end of February. The final stretch of winter. The time when the body starts craving light, warmth, something green growing from the ground.
The good news? We don’t have to wait. We can go find it.
Airplanes exist. (A miracle we’ve somehow made ordinary—hundreds of thousands of pounds, soaring through the sky, defying gravity like it’s nothing.)
So this last month, we’ve chased the warmth. First to Santa Barbara, then to Naples, Florida, where my in-laws live. While in these places, I found myself happy to get dressed again.
It wasn’t the vacation—it was simply the weather. Sunshine gives me life. Come spring, I am more energized, inspired, and excited to share my favorite pieces.
During travel, I shared a few of my key player pieces on IG.
My “key player pieces” are the MVPs of my closet. Clothing I trust. The pieces that make packing effortless. The ones I slip into without thinking because they always work.
My key players help me keep my packing minimal (along with a neutral palette—a find a simple colorstory allows all pieces to flow together seamlessly).
Below, I share pieces that are versatile enough to wear multiple ways throughout days of travel. Pieces that make packing easy. Pieces that make everything else look a little better.
Note most of these I bring on ANY trip, regardless of climate, with the exception of my swimwear and coverups.
Consider this post an inside look at the players that always make the cut.
xx Megan
1. The Jacket
If my travel wardrobe is a football team, consider my jacket the quarterback. It’s the star. The one item that makes the rest of the items look even better.
Of course, it’s functional—whether it’s worn normally or used as my blanket on the plane (something I do). It also holds a lot of “cool” potential too. I especially like it draped over the shoulders during an evening out.
No matter the climate, I always bring at least one good jacket.
2. The Tote
The thing that goes under the seat in front of you. Big enough to hold all the things you need + more, but cute enough to hold like a big clutch in the evenings.
When I travel, my tote carries a journal (I write when I travel), a book, a cosmetic case with a facial spray, lip balm, headphones, etc.
I wore my newest Loro Piana canvas shopper in FL, and my Row Park bag in Santa Barbara. Most used bags rn.
3. The Oversized Button Up
Always a must: the button-up. It’s the lifeline staple. The piece you call when you don’t know the answer.
Tuck it in to feel polished. Leave it (mostly) unbuttoned for casual days. Layer it over a tee, or even over swimwear as a coverup. It always comes in handy.
Bonus: it’s a great top for nursing moms. Easy access, baby.
4. Pieces to Move In
Whenever I travel, I walk. A lot. It’s actually my favorite thing to do—to explore new scenes on foot. (It goes without saying: a trusted pair of sneakers is a must.)
Onesies are my go-to. This one my Ref may be my favorite to date, especially for warm climates. The square neckline is so flattering.
Wore it in the morning for a 5 mile walk. Later in the day, I draped my aforementioned jacket over it for some spice. I even wore it to the pool (basically a glorified one piece).
Otherwise, a simple comfortable pant is great too. Wore these at the park with Kennedy. (Side note: I think this green passes as a neutral.)
5. Airport Shoes
Shoes that easily come on-and-off, but are also comfortable and slipper-like.
Laces are a no-go for me. Can’t do it with security.
Give me The Row’s Canal or a Jamie Haller flat, like her new boat shoes. Bought her boat shoe in the winter with spring on my mind.
6. Two Hats
I always bring one ball cap and one sun hat when I travel. Always.
Ball caps go on every morning for my morning exercise outside.
The sun hat—either a wide brimmed woven or canvas bucket hat—come out when I’m laying in the sun.
7. Swim
I couldn’t publish this post without including my beach attire. Sort of a must when you travel for warmer weather.
When it comes to my swimwear, I keep it real simple. Overall, a minimalist design with an element of interest (a unique strap, a scallop edge, a bra-like cup).
Color-wise, my bathing suit is usually black or white (I do have a vibrant red and a muted green I love, too).
If I want some fun, I add a crochet coverup or a statement pareo. This is the one I packed for Florida.
8. The Bling
Not a necessity, but I like one blingy piece to add some sparkle to the trip.
In Florida, I wore my new Dorsey Lucien earrings. My mother-in-law was shocked at the price tag. These look so much more expensive in person.
Also worth mentioning: these are lightweight. I wore them during long walks, at the beach, out to dinner. An all day affair.
I’m a new subscriber and just want to say I loved this post!!! Everything was so lovely 🙌🏼 wanted to ask a fit question on the Jamie Haller boat shoes I’m a U.S. 6.5 or EU 37 in most all brands, just wanted to see how their EU 37 ran? Since you posted that was the size you wore as well
Thanks for another great Substack read! As always, your fashion advice/recommendations are top notch.