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Nicole Richie's No-Stress, One-Carry-On Packing Formula

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ie-s-no-stress-one-carry-on-packing-formula.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 12:30 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Nicole Richie’s No‑Stress, One‑Carry‑On Packing Formula

Travel + Leisure’s recent profile on Hollywood fashion icon Nicole Richie is a masterclass in minimalist packing. The article—Nicole Richie Shares Her Carry‑On Packing Formula—delves into the practical, stylish, and surprisingly low‑effort method the 50‑year‑old uses to stay organized on every trip. From a meticulous selection of “must‑haves” to a systematic use of packing cubes, Richie's approach is a template for anyone who wants to travel light, stay on schedule, and avoid the dreaded “forgotten” item scenario.

The Core Philosophy

Richie’s key principle is “less is more.” She believes that a well‑chosen carry‑on can satisfy every need—clothing, tech, toiletries, and a little luxury—without the burden of checked luggage. The article quotes her saying, “I travel on the principle that if it doesn’t fit in my carry‑on, it’s not essential.” That mindset translates into a highly curated list that works for both short business trips and weekend getaways.

1. The Bag Itself

The centerpiece of Richie's formula is a sleek, TSA‑friendly carry‑on. She opts for a Samsonite Winfield 3—a lightweight, polycarbonate shell that offers a single, roomy compartment with a separate shoe pocket and a front zip‑pered organizer. The article highlights that this model meets TSA’s 22‑by‑14‑by‑9 inches restriction, leaving her with a dependable “go‑to” that she can use for years.

[Link to Sammilton Winfield 3 on Samsonite’s website]

2. The Three‑Tier Structure

Richie divides her bag into three logical layers, each with a specific function.

1. The Essentials Layer (top of the bag, easily reachable)
   Travel documents: passport, boarding pass, hotel confirmation (she often stores these in a clear, zippered pouch to avoid paper shredding).
   Tech: phone, charging cable, power bank, noise‑canceling headphones (Bose QuietComfort 45), and a small, lightweight laptop sleeve for quick access during layovers.
   * Beauty must‑nots: a small, collapsible makeup bag with foundation, mascara, a multi‑purpose lip balm, and a compact mirror.

2. The “Dress‑Up or Dress‑Down” Layer (middle compartment)
   Clothing: She carries a “capsule wardrobe” of four tops (two neutral, two statement), one versatile blazer, and a pair of jeans or trousers. All are wrinkle‑resistant fabrics—polyester‑blend for durability, and a cotton‑linen blend for comfort.
   Undergarments: She packs only enough for the trip duration, usually layering her outfits so that one top can be worn twice, reducing the need for a full pair of underwear.
   * Shoes: A single pair of Shoe Keeper bags (to keep shoes separate from clothes) house her best pair of sneakers for daytime and a chic pair of block‑heel flats for evening events.

3. The “Pack‑It‑Later” Layer (bottom, often the last to be accessed)
   Toiletries: All travel‑size items in a clear, plastic tote, including deodorant, a 2‑oz travel bottle of moisturizer, a bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and a small jar of toothpaste.
   Snacks & health: A resealable bag of trail mix, a vitamin bottle, and a reusable water bottle (She’s a fan of the Hydro Flask 12‑oz model).
   * Miscellaneous: A compact book, a travel journal (Moleskine), and a small travel umbrella (the Venture Pal).

3. Packing Cubes: The Secret Weapon

Richie’s favorite “hiding spot” is the use of packing cubes. She prefers the Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube Set, which includes a medium cube for shirts and a small cube for undergarments and socks. The cubes keep her bag tidy and allow her to find items without digging through everything. The article emphasizes how the cubes “free up mental space,” letting travelers focus on the journey rather than the inventory.

[Link to Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes on Amazon]

4. TSA Rules Made Simple

A significant portion of the article explains how Richie ensures compliance with TSA’s 3‑1‑1 liquids rule. She stores all liquids in a single, clear, resealable 1‑liter bag and keeps it in her front organizer pocket for easy inspection. The key takeaway: Plan ahead. By packing only the essential toiletries and keeping them in a single bag, she eliminates the dreaded “I forgot my shampoo!” moment at the security checkpoint.

5. The “Luxury” Touch

Richie acknowledges that travel doesn’t have to be purely functional. Her “luxury” items—such as a silk eye mask, a scented candle in a travel‑size diffuser, and a silk scarf—are carefully chosen to enhance the travel experience without adding bulk. She writes, “I like to treat myself, but I also like to keep the weight down.”

6. Adapting the Formula

While Richie’s bag is tailored for her lifestyle, the article points out that travelers can adapt the structure based on trip length. For a three‑day business trip, the clothing layer can be pared down to just one set of business attire and one casual outfit. For a longer vacation, she adds a small, collapsible tote bag for day‑trips—this keeps her carry‑on from becoming overloaded.

[Link to Travel + Leisure’s “Travel Packing Tips” article]

7. Final Thoughts

Nicole Richie's carry‑on packing formula is less about the specific items and more about the mindset—conscious selection, organization, and a dash of indulgence. By prioritizing functionality, streamlined organization, and minimalist style, she turns travel from a chore into a curated experience.

Travel + Leisure’s article encourages readers to take the first step: choose a compliant carry‑on, break down the bag into three clear layers, and fill each layer with only what’s truly essential. The result? A lighter suitcase, a less stressful journey, and the freedom to enjoy every moment—whether boarding a plane or strolling down a cobblestone street.