Maximize your mini suitcase

Avoid under-packing as much as over-packing: Clothes get wrinkly if they shift around.

Video: How to pack without overpacking >

Wear your bulkiest layers on the plane—they won't eat up space, and you'll need them when the cabin gets chilly.

Cotton-blend cardigan, $76, 525america.com

Video: Pack a suitcase without wrinkling everything >

Stuff the toes of packed shoes with small items like jewelry, socks or toiletries.

Video: How to travel light to avoid baggage fees >

Roll, don't fold, jeans, PJ's and T-shirts. This means fewer creases and more space.

Video: How to pack everything for your vacation Into a carry-on >

A leather pouch does double duty as a delicates bag and evening clutch.

Studded leather "Cosmo" pouch, $106, Rebecca Minkoff, amazon.com

Video: How to pack a weekend bag >

Use clear plastic bags to safeguard anything snag-prone or leaky.

Video: How to Pack for a Summer Weekend Trip >

Separate your lights, brights and darks to prevent any colors from spreading. Be extra careful with suede shoes.

Pick a palette—two neutrals plus one standout shade—to make mixing and matching a total breeze.

Cotton T-shirt, $78, LNA, lnaclothing.com, knotted leather "Lila" sandals, $295, loefflerrandall.com, silk drawstring skirt, $200, margarita saplala. Arboretum apparel, healdsburg, ca, 707-433-7033

Keep a toiletry bag perennially packed with travel-size toothpaste and mini shampoo bottles—so you're not forced to toss in full-size containers at the last minute.

On the return trip, wrap souvenirs in rolled tees or socks to keep them safe and stable.