Traveling with only carry-on luggage means not taking much! It means taking one small, well planned, cluster of clothes in which everything goes with everything else.

This resilient traveler took with her, one skirt, one pair of pants, five tops, one pullover sweater-knit, and one jacket plus one scarf, one necklace, and two pair of shoes. That was it for two weeks and it all fit into her roller-board — along with pjs, underwear, stockings, essential grooming needs, and a couple of books.

The skirt was a paisley print. Everything else was in solid colors to mix and match as her mood or the weather allowed. Shoes included leather flats and a canvas wedge. When the weather was cool, the pullover sweater-knit layered over the tops and under the jacket with pants. With nine easy pieces, she could dress up or dress down, as she liked.

The summer I spent sixteen days touring the Alps — on a motorcycle — my husband and I didn't have much space for clothes. Motorcycle pants, jacket, shirt, and boots were on the body most of the time. My husband packed khaki pants and jeans, two button-front shirts and two pullover knit shirts, a lightweight jacket, a belt, socks, shoes, and underwear.

I, however, wanted to look and feel feminine after a long day on the bike. I wanted to take along a dress — one that didn't wrinkle. I packed just about the same as my husband, with the one exception being a black “slinky” knit dress. Slinky is that wonderful, easy-care, acetate/spandex fabric you can stuff into anything and have it come out looking terrific!

We had just ridden an exciting switchback road that took us down into Italy, past a picture perfect lake and into a delightful little town where we decided to have a wonderful midday meal. The restaurant of choice was far too charming for motorcycle gear.

By the side of the bike, I took off my motorcycle jacket and boots, pulled out that slinky dress, pulled it on over my head, and wiggled out of my motorcycle pants. Ballet flats tucked into a pocket finished my special occasion look and feel. Slinky is a must for women who travel, available at local department and chain stores and through catalogs.

Whatever your destination, you can travel the globe looking credible and capable in high-tech microfiber — lightweight, durable, easy care, and moderately priced. Local stores carry great looking, microfiber polyester wind and rain resistant jackets, perfect for casual vacation occasions. Travel Smith catalog offers tough, easy-care microfiber in traditional safari styling with matching pants for a sportive suited look.

Cotton polo shirts and tight-knit tees look sporty under these relaxed jackets, but choose colors that lift your spirits. Rayon-polyester microfiber shirts feel luxurious and look sharp under a black leather blazer or microfiber bomber jacket that feels like suede. A textured ripple effect keeps wrinkles at bay. Security pockets keep cards, tickets, and passport well out of reach.

Easily packable pieces, cotton twill chino pants are great for the guys, combining well with perma-press shirts in solids and checks. For women, there are packable chino skirts and polished cotton capris. A braided leather belt and leather loafers work for dressier looks, while canvas shoes provide a sporty look.

For those who need protection from the sun, now there's sunblock you can actually wear. Lightweight shirts and pants come in soft, fast-drying Supplex Ò that wicks away body moisture while it shields your skin. Then play it safe and wear a hat.

Judith Rasband is director of the Conselle Institute of Image Management and author of numerous publications on dress and image. Contact her at 801/224-1207 or judith@conselle.com . For related image information, visit www.conselle.com and www.LDSImageIntegrity.info.