Mastering the art of packing day-to-night travel clothes is a skill I’ve refined after being a carry-on-only traveler for nearly a decade, who also happens to be a former fashion buyer. In our fast-paced world, whether you find yourself traveling for work or pleasure, there are times you just can’t squeeze in an outfit change. Transitioning from daytime commitments to nighttime engagements doesn’t have to be stressful when you know what to pack — starting with timeless, neutral pieces (or ones with subdued prints) that are versatile, comfortable, and will never go out of style. 

Another tip: Consider layering your outfits, which is a good idea anyway as it gets chillier. Now that we’ve covered the ground rules, let me fill you in on the 15 essential day-to-night travel clothes that will work for any of your fall trips. Even better news, they’re all budget-friendly finds from Amazon that start at $23. 

Hanes Essentials Three-Quarter-sleeve Tee

This classic three-quarter sleeve top from Hanes works well with leggings and jeans for day hikes and casual lunches. This versatile top is made with 100 percent cotton so it’s super comfortable. Because of the loose-fitting body, it makes a great layering piece over another top or underneath a jacket to adjust to the varying fall weather. 

Viottiset 2-piece Knit Matching Set

Two-piece sets maximize your luggage real estate and make great mix-and-match options for all the other items in your carry-on. On a recent press trip to Sedona, we had back-to-back events, so I wasn’t able to change outfits from day to dinner. This set was a lifesaver because it saw me through a day of meetings through dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Cucina Rustica, owned by restaurateur and food pioneer Lisa Dahl. What’s more, the waffle-knit is cozy and great for fun-filled vacation days, lounging at home, and running errands.

Viligo Cargo Hiking Joggers

When hiking is on the trip itinerary, I like to bring a pair of versatile hiking pants that will keep me comfortable on the trails and long after. Over at Amazon, shoppers love the Viligo Cargo Hiking Joggers for that exact reason. Their stylish look makes them suitable for lunch or drinks at a local pub after a trek. And, if you’re post-hike activities keep you out all day, the pants still fit the dress code for casual dinners and outings. Plus, their relaxed fit is great for layering over base layers and tights when temperatures drop. 

Zesica Striped Long-seeve Crew Neck Sweater

This novelty lightweight sweater spices up any outfit. I love wearing this piece as a tunic over leggings with a cute pair of classic Uggs, and I’m a fan of its low-maintenance care instructions: simply hand wash and hang to dry, which is super convenient for travel. With 17 striped color combinations to choose from, it’s available in plenty of options to match your travel style. 

Zeagoo Knit Long-sleeve Dress 

A sweater dress is essential, especially when traveling in the fall. It’s super versatile because you can wear it alone, or with leggings. This lightweight dress has a cute puff sleeve and rib detailing, along with a flattering A-line silhouette that works with all body types. You can dress it up or down with your footwear and accessories, which is always a plus. And, it even has two side pockets, which I find useful for storing a tube of lipstick or some cash. 

Langwyqu Button-front Sweater Blazer

From my 15 years in the fashion industry, I know that blazers dress up any outfit. They’re great with jeans, leggings, dresses, and skirts. Langwyqu’s Button-front Sweater Blazer is made with polyester and spandex, offering comfort and a little bit of stretch. I like to style mine over a wrinkle-free, woven shirt like the one below or the Hanes Perfect Crewneck T-shirt. Recently when I was in Santa Barbara, I wore the navy color to lunch and got so many compliments. At night, I slipped it over the above-mentioned sweater dress when the temperature dropped. 

Cunlin Wrinkle-free Button-down Shirt

I can’t remember my life before discovering wrinkle-free shirts. This Amazon-loved brand actually makes one of my favorites because it’s offered in so many different colors and they’re machine-washable. If you’re not a fan of stripes, they also have a slew of solid options. The cotton-polyester blend makes the shirt breathable and perfect for all temperatures. Besides wearing them under a blazer or cardigan, they layer well over a T-shirt or tank top for warmer days. 

Dilgul Quilted Vest

I’m a vest-loving traveler because they’re very pragmatic. What’s got me loving this vest even more is the superior quality. The fully lined and padded construction offers additional warmth to keep you cozy. It features a stand-up collar and two zippered pockets for holding your essentials when traveling. I love wearing this on travel days through airports because there’s no fussing with cash or ID cards in a purse; I keep everything I need inside the zippered pockets. Best of all, you can use it all day long as a layering piece; it’s compact and easy to fit in a carry-on. 

PrettyGarden Short-sleeve Jumpsuit

Because I’m a carry-on-only traveler, I rely on jumpsuits for their versatility. In fact, I wore a versatile one throughout a day of hiking, brunch, window shopping, and dinner during a wellness retreat at the Dundee Hotel, located in Oregon’s wine country. This one from PrettyGarden is timeless and classic, offering more bang for your buck. Super stretchy and soft, it has a tie-front belt, helping to create shape. The wide legs work well with sandals, boots, and heels, and it’s great for maximizing your outfits; pair them with flats for casual daywear and switch to heels at night. 

Kirundo Satin High-waisted Maxi Skirt 

This satin midi skirt is a winner that maximizes your day-to-night looks. Not only does the fit flatter all body shapes because of the high-waist and A-line silhouette, but it’s also lined so you don’t have to worry about see-through fabric. It can be dressed up or down depending on what’s on the plan for the day, and it comes in nine luxe colors. 

Blooming Jelly Pleated Blouse

You can’t go wrong with a dressy chiffon top that can be paired with a blazer and jeans for brunch or jazzed up for a night out. This elegant top features a V-neck design with pleat details along the front. It’s available in 18 eye-catching colors and comes in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. I’m partial to the dusty pink and apricot colors because they have an elegant look.  

Funyyzo Wide-leg Trousers 

These smart-looking trousers feature an elastic back waistband, offering a flattering fit along with comfort. I like styling them with the aforementioned Hanes Three-quarter Top and my Beek Sandpiper Suede Sneakers for window shopping and exploring during the day. If I’m not able to get back to my hotel for a wardrobe change, I’ll bring a dressy top like the Blooming Jelly blouse above in my tote bag so I can do a quick change in the restaurant bathroom. As a seasoned travel journalist, I’m always prepared with versatile wardrobe pieces. 

Zesica Boyfriend Cardigan 

The Zesica Boyfriend Cardigan integrates comfort and ease with its oversized design. Perfect for chilly, fall temps, its knitted fabric is so soft and plush, and it’s my go-to piece for current travels. I like the longer-lengthed option, which covers you up without feeling constricted. It works well with almost everything: jeans, trousers, button-down shirts, and whatever else you feel like wearing. 

Hue High-waisted Denim Leggings

These super soft and stretchy jeggings are not only great for fall, but they’re also one of my wardrobe staples for transitioning from day to night. I wear them during the day while playing tourist and pair them with something dressier for a night out on the town. I love that they’re lightweight and sleek, without the luggage space-hogging bulk of actual denim. Plus with 19 colors to choose from and an awesome price point, they’re a steal that you’ll want to come back for in more washes.

Dana Xu Merino Wool Pashmina Scarf 

This travel scarf has become an invaluable item on my packing list because it keeps me warm and looking fashionable. It makes a great makeshift wrap during the day for brisk temperatures and is an excellent accessory to layer over a shift dress at night. Made of 100 percent Merino wool, it measures 96 inches by 43 inches and it can be used as a scarf, wrap, or even as a cozy little blanket on long flights. Details like the handmade tassels and fun prints are what initially drew me to this item, and it packs down really well and barely takes up any luggage space. 

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