It is best to have two pairs of bottoms (pants, shorts, or skirts) for each week that you'll be staying. Plan on bringing four shirts per week, and two jackets to layer for warmth (if you're traveling to a cool or cold destination). For a two-week trip, you need four bottoms and eight tops.

For a 2-week trip in 2026, the most efficient packing strategy is the "Rule of Three" or the "5-4-3-2-1" method, but a standard recommendation is 8 to 10 tops and 4 to 5 bottoms. By choosing items that are color-coordinated, you can create over 40 different outfit combinations. Ideally, you should pack five casual shirts, three "dressier" tops, and two activewear shirts, paired with one pair of jeans, one pair of trousers, one pair of shorts, and one skirt or additional chino. This assumes you will do one load of laundry mid-trip. If you prefer not to do laundry, you may need to increase your tops to 14, but your bottoms should stay minimal as they can be worn multiple times before needing a wash. Choosing lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics like merino wool or synthetic blends allows you to fit everything into a carry-on, leaving room for a versatile light jacket and a single dress or suit for special occasions.