Pack light with travel-friendly apparel you’ll love

Pack light, they say. And airplane policies provide further encouragement, with their hefty fees for checked bags.

With a little planning and smart shopping, it really is possible to pack a lightweight, versatile suitcase with clothes that will enhance your vacation, not detract from it (like requiring time at the ironing board).

Here are a few of our favorite mix-and-matchable clothes to pack — travel-friendly apparel that will lighten your load.

1. Wide-legged black pants:

Skinny jeans may be trendy, but wide-legged slacks are way more comfortable, while still being in style. Pick a pair in wrinkle-resistant fabric and in black, so they can withstand any spots and stains you may pick up on vacation. Plus, black can be dressed up or down, depending on the top.

These are great for airplane travel, a dinner on the town, a day browsing shops and strolling through downtown or even to wear over your swimsuit as you walk to the beach. Bonus: elastic waistband, because, well, let’s be honest. Travelers Classic Hutton Pants, $69 (plus Cash Back), Chicos.com 

2. A versatile, mid-weight jacket:

Whether you’re camping, going on a safari or just traveling cross-country, a mid-weight, neutral-colored jacket is a must-pack for men. Look for a jacket with extra pockets, including inside pockets, to hold your essentials and free up your hands.

We love L.L. Bean’s Explorer Jacket because it’s made out of canvas that repels water, coffee and other liquids, is machine washable and has 10 different pockets, including four hidden pockets inside. L.L. Bean Explorer Jacket, on sale for $69.99 (plus Cash Back), LLbean.com 

3. Foldable shoes:

Shoes take up an obnoxious amount of space in your luggage, but it’s hard to plan for all outings with just a single pair. That’s why we love foldable ballet flats for women.

You can wad these shoes inside another pair or shoes or inside a small pocket and have a bonus pair that you can wear with a beachy dress to lunch — closed toes and all. Pick a pair in patent black to look a little fancier and go with everything. Sidekicks Women’s Round Toe Foldable Patent Ballet Flats, $24.99 (plus Cash Back), Target.com