As I walked onto the street on a recent visit to New York City, I realized that a bit of rain and wind made it feel far cooler than the temperature my Iphone had given me before I left the hotel room. I went on for a block or two before deciding to return to the room and add some clothing. I’ve honed my skills at how to layer clothes over the years, so this was an easy one for me.

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I was wearing a red cap-sleeved top under my light jacket, and rather than re-thinking my wardrobe for the day entirely, I merely grabbed two items out of my suitcase. A long-sleeve black T-shirt and a cotton wrap. The black T-shirt went under my red top and the wrap went over my jacket.

I was out all day and the temperature varied rather widely based on the steadiness of the rain or the velocity of the wind. Yet, I was perfectly comfortable the whole day—thanks to the layers I added.

How to Layer Clothes: The Most Common Question

Before every NextTribe trip, I (or another trip leader) gather with our travelers on a Zoom call so that guests can meet each other and also get any questions answered.

The question we hear almost every time is some version of, “How should I pack for the weather?” And my answer is always the same: “Pack layers.”

You want to be able to take off and put on layers easily without changing your whole outfit.

This is especially important advice for some of our destinations—such as San Miguel de Allende or Santa Fe–where the mornings begin cool, and then warm up quite sharply as the sun rises higher. You want to be able to take off and put on layers easily without changing your whole outfit.

But I realize now that travelers might not know exactly what I mean by layering—or how to pack layers efficiently instead of just randomly adding a bunch of items (and bulk) to their suitcases. 

So here are some specifics on the type of items that will become the most reliable and versatile pieces on most any trip. And why.

The Long-Sleeved Black T-Shirt

As mentioned in the example above, a long-sleeve black T-shirt can work wonders when it comes to how to layer clothes. But I don’t buy any black T-shirt. I want a compression T-shirt—meaning one that fits close to the body and is made of a synthetic blend designed for workouts.

Why these specifics? First, if it’s a tight fit, it works well under most any garment. Almost like a second skin. That’s why even under a sleeveless top it can look good. I also wear mine under a linen dress when I need a bit more warmth.

It’s important that the shirt is of a synthetic blend because it will keep its shape and is easy to wash and quick to dry.

Also, it’s important to get one without a logo on it. There may be times when you will want to remove any layers on top of it—such as a cardigan or shirt—and you don’t want to be advertising Under Armor with your outfit. 

The reason I like a synthetic blend over a 100% cotton fabric is that the synthetics keep their shape and are easy to wash and quick to dry. That’s important when traveling since you can make use of the bathroom sink if you end up wearing this layer a lot.

I usually pack one black long-sleeve T-shirt on a short trip—less than a week. And two of them for longer trips so that I can always have one clean and ready to go if the weather gets dicey. 

The Black Cardigan

I have two kinds of black cardigans—a cotton one for spring, summer and early fall, and a cashmere one for winter and colder climates.

Here’s why I can’t imagine traveling without a black cardigan. It serves the same purpose as the black long sleeve T-shirt, but it’s easier to shed if the temperature rises. It looks good over most anything and can be buttoned up if it gets blustery.

I can’t imagine traveling without a black cardigan.

Plus, you can double or triple up if necessary. For instance, when NextTribe was in Morocco in January 2025, a cold front was going through Marrakesh. Most every day, I ended up wearing my black T-shirt under a cute blouse with a cardigan over both. And at night I added a jacket and/or a wrap. They saved me.

A Good Wrap

I have several wraps that I’ve collected from all over the world. A gorgeous embroidered and appliqued wool one in shades of purple and teal that I bought in Mexico. A rich mocha-colored one I picked up in Italy. But the one that I rely on—because it goes with everything—is a comfy cotton one in block colors of black, white, and gray.

A wrap can solve a multitude of weather problems.

A wrap can solve a multitude of weather problems. Something to throw on before a night out to ward off any potential shivers. A top layer in a carefully thought-out outfit that keeps you warm when the temperature drops. I like the cotton fabric because it’s so versatile and cozy.

I always wear my wrap on the plane—no matter what the season—which helps free up room in my suitcase. Plus, it’s the best defense against the airplane chill that seems to happen every flight no matter if it’s balmy or steamy 30,000 feet below. 

How Layers Work With Jackets and Coats

Of course you’ll bring a jacket of some sort—unless you’re heading to the Caribbean in June. And of course, you’ll wear it on the plane to save suitcase space.

In warmish weather, you’ll want it to be something light—like a modern variation on a trench coat or a rain jacket. I have a really light jacket by Vouri that feels like butter and a white number that looks like a longer jean jacket. The three essentials I’ve discussed above will pair well if nights get chilly or you’re out in the morning before the sun has warmed up the day.

Can I just rhapsodize a bit about down?

In the colder months, I pack either a black leather trench (particularly if I’m going to a city) or a black down jacket. Sometimes both. These essentials have helped me navigate even some deep freeze temperatures.

And can I just rhapsodize a bit about down? It’s so easy to pack. It squashes down to nothing, and it’s good for cold cold and just a light chill. In cases when the weather is way cold and I don’t want to bring a heavy wool coat, I put the down jacket under my leather jacket—with a wrap over it.

Seriously, I think I could go most anywhere with the items above plus a jacket. Happy (and lighter) packing!