Carry-On Commandment #1
Be ruthless. Know what the trip will entail and only pack for those events. "Trying to plan for every contingency isn't necessary," McAlpin reminds. "A few basic items work for most destinations."
Trolley Suitcase, $3,178, GIVENCHY, forwardbyelsewalker.com
Carry-On Commandment #2
Deciding on a color palette for your trip is the most painless way to edit down the huge pile of clothes that you've thrown out of your closet and onto the floor as preliminary packing. If an item doesn't blend in with everything else, leave it at home.
Trolley Suitcase, $5,195, BRUNELLO CUCINELLI, bergdorfgoodman.com
Carry-On Commandment #3
Strategy counts when it comes to shoes. Bulky and awkward, they can trip up even the most frequent of fliers. That's why McAlpin's tip is so invaluable: "Women's shoes can fit inside of men's. Pack socks and anything small inside of shoes."
Leather Duffel, $1,395, GHURKA, ahalife.com
Carry-On Commandment #4
Bring pieces that can be re-worn. Avoid jeans that stretch out after one wear and pick dresses and skirts that can be styled with multiple tops to create new outfits.
Leather Weekender, $995, COBRA SOCIETY, thecobrasociety.com
Carry-On Commandment #5
Rolling clothing, not folding, is the wisest when it comes to saving space. But if you're bringing something along that's a wrinkled disaster waiting to happen? Copy McAlpin's approach and place them inside dry cleaner bags.
Trolley Suitcase, $8,450, MONCRIEF, net-a-porter.com
Carry-On Commandment #6
Thick dust bags for shoes and accessories might feel luxurious, but they could also be adding extra bulk. Instead, McAlpin suggests offering your items protection by wrapping or securing them inside shower caps.
Suitcase with Wheels, $7,330, VALEXTRA, barneys.com
Carry-On Commandment #7
Still, don't scrimp on items that'll help you arrive well-rested. Flight necessities like an inflatable neck pillow, a blanket and earplugs might be more things to fit in the bag, but they're worth it if they help. "A three-in-one microfiber travel towel can work as a blanket, sarong, or beach towel," suggested McAlpin.
Duffel, $595, JACK GERMAIN, ahalife.com
Carry-On Commandment #8
Make up for that condensed suitcase by dealing with it as soon as you arrive. Unpack, hang, and steam up the bathroom to reduce any wrinkles.
Suitcase, $6,200, GUCCI, gucci.com
Carry-On Commandment #9
Plan ahead for the trip home. Even if it's the exact same amount of stuff on the return, it can feel like a completely new challenge to make it fit back in the bag. "Compression bags, no vacuum needed, have a one-way air valve so you can squish items like laundry in them and save triple the space," McAlpin said. "They also seal odors."
Trolley Case, $1,370, GLOBE-TROTTER, forwardbyelsewalker.com
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