“If it doesn’t work across your wardrobe, it stays home.”

Airport lines are stressful enough — checking a bag just adds more time and hassle. 

If you’re prepping early for holiday travel, sticking to a carry-on makes the whole trip feel easier. Think your packing list is too long? Travel expert Natalie Shaquer, creator of Packing Sudoku, might change your mind. Her viral method uses just nine pieces: three tops, three bottoms, and three layers that mix and match into 27 outfits. 

““Packing Sudoku builds in versatility from the start — and versatility, not willpower, is the real secret to packing light.””

Natalie Shaquer, Packing Sudoku creator

Using her approach, I curated coordinating Amazon finds for a cooler-weather fall vacation. Plus, she gave us tips for shoes and which common packing mistakes to avoid.

How to Pack a Suitcase with the Sudoku Method

Tops:

• Striped Knit Sweater: Zesica Oversized Striped Knit Sweater, $32 (orig. $46)
• Long-Sleeve Oxford: Siliteelon Button-Up Shirt, $25 (orig. $32) 
• Crisp White T-Shirt: Madewell Short-Sleeve Harley Tee, $28

Bottoms:

• Tailored Pants: Grapent Cropped Chinos, $34
• Cropped Jeans: Levi’s Ribcage Straight-Leg Ankle Jeans, $70 (orig. $85) 
• Dress Pants: Prettygarden Pleated Wide-Leg Pants, $32 (orig. $41)

Layering Pieces:

• Classic Cardi: Prettygarden Cable Knit Long Cardigan, $30 with coupon (orig. $45)
• Relaxed Blazer: Zesica Casual Blazer, $40 (orig. $49)
• Long Coat: Orolay Classic Trench Coat, from $93 (orig. $120)

Related: Pamela Anderson Just Made Baggage Claim a Runway — and We Found Her Suitcase’s Twin on Sale at Amazon

When it comes to packing tops, the goal is getting more outfits out of fewer pieces. Shaquer recommends choosing pieces that work across every scenario: “Relaxed for daytime, polished enough for dinner, and adaptable to both warm and cooler moments.”

Shop Tops

Zesica Oversized Striped Knit Sweater $46 $32 at Amazon	Lomon Lightweight Fall sweater $20 at Amazon
Siliteelon Button-Up Shirt $32 $25 at Amazon	Madewell Short-Sleeve Harley Tee $28 at Amazon

Sudoku Packing Pro Tips:

• Before packing, lay everything out in your grid to quickly spot if any pieces don’t work together.
• Snap a photo of your final lineup so you can easily recreate outfits once you arrive at your destination.

Related: As a Frequent Flyer, These Are the Amazon Travel Deals I’d Shop Before My Next Trip — from $8

A strong rotation of bottoms makes outfit planning a cinch. With just three pairs, you can create multiple outfits that feel fresh without having to sit on your suitcase to close it. The key is choosing a balance of styles that can carry you through sightseeing, travel days, and dinners out, all while matching with every top in your grid.

Shop Bottoms

Grapent Chino Pants $34 at Amazon	Levi’s Ribcage Straight-Leg Ankle Jeans $85 $70 at Amazon
Prettygarden Pleated Dress Pants $41 $32 at Amazon	Astylish Wide-Leg Jeans $40 at Amazon

Sudoku Packing Pro Tips:

• Neutrals are easier, but not required.
• Don’t be afraid to play with color or prints: “You can absolutely build a colorful Sudoku… When every piece has to work across the wardrobe, it truly becomes a puzzle — not a collection of outfits.”

Layered sweaters or jackets are what make your outfits feel complete. They help you adjust to changing temperatures, dress up the basics, and give you more outfit combinations.

Shop Layering Pieces

Prettygarden Cable Knit Long Cardigan, $30 with coupon $45 $30 at Amazon	Zesica Casual Blazer $49 $40 at Amazon
Orolay Classic Trench Coat $120 $93 at Amazon	Prettygarden Faux-Suede Cropped Jacket $53 $42 at Amazon

Sudoku Packing Pro Tips:

• Skip anything that only works with one outfit. 
• As Shaquer puts it, every piece needs to earn its place: “If it doesn’t work across your wardrobe, it stays home.”

Packing Sudoku Method: Shoes

Shoes can take up valuable real estate in your luggage, so Shaquer suggests sticking to a three-shoe framework that covers every need without overpacking.

1. Walking shoes: One comfortable pair of white sneakers goes a long way.
2. Weather-dependent option: Sandals for warm destinations or boots for cooler climates.
3. A “you” shoe: Something that reflects your personal style, like a loafer or kitten heel.

All three pairs should still work across your wardrobe. “If a pair only goes with one outfit, it’s not worth the space,” Shaquer advises.

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