What I'm Packing for 3 Weeks in Morocco this Spring

I leave for Morocco on April 26th — for three full weeks — and I'm already deep in packing mode. Well, I'm actually in "dreamy anticipation mode" which includes packing mode!

Clothing for 21 days in a carry-on? Yes, really.

This will be my sixth trip to Morocco in just two and a half years, so I'd like to think I've got packing down to a science. Whether it's a 10-day trip or a full month (I've done both), my packing list stays pretty consistent. Same combinations, same logic, just a few small swaps here and there. For past trips, I've more or less packed most of the same things. Same bottoms. Same tops. Same shoes. Seriously, they're some of my favorite things and I love them... BUT, I'm just tired of seeing myself in photos wearing the same things trip after trip.

And honestly? That's been the problem.

Trip after trip, I flip through my photos and see the same bottoms, the same tops, the same shoes. — and I'm so tired of looking like I wore the exact same wardrobe across five different adventures. (this is also the problem with social media...does everyone else notice I'm wearing the same thing?)

So this time, I'm shaking things up. I've picked up a few new (and new to me) pieces to bring some fresh energy to my looks, without abandoning the strategy that's never let me down.

That strategy? It came from my Aunt Carol years ago, and it is foolproof. Everything fits in a carry-on — with room to spare.

THE 4+3+2+1 (MOROCCAN) CAPSULE WARDROBE

So what does three weeks in a carry-on actually look like?

4 bottoms & tops + 3 layers + 2 pairs of shoes + 1 dress — plus accessories, undies and pajamas, and the usual odds and ends.

That's it. And I can make so many outfits from it, I rarely need to repeat an outfit. Which makes me feel like I'm wearing something "new" every single day of travel.

I actually send a detailed packing list to all of my guests as part of their pre-trip preparation — it covers my full capsule wardrobe strategy and what's culturally appropriate to wear in Morocco. You can download it HERE.

(You may have heard travel influencers talk about the Sudoku packing method — a 3-3-3 formula. Same idea, and it works great. I just bump it up to four and include my travel outfit as one of the four. One extra set of options goes a long way, especially if the weather turns chilly.)

If you know me, you know my motto is LIVE LIFE BRIGHT

I am a color, texture, and pattern person through and through — which is probably why Morocco feels like home every single time I land. It's a country that lives the way I dress and think.

This trip, my capsule color scheme is Berry & Black with an accent of either Orange or White— but not both. I'm still deciding...

Scroll to see the goofy pics I took to show you how everything can go together. (What's with the chicken arm??)

4 BOTTOMS & TOPS

My favorite travel fabric EVER is Athleta brand's "featherweight" fabric which is popular in many of their styles. It is lightweight, packable, wrinkle-free, quick-drying and has SPF protection. It's also made from recycled materials which is a huge win for me. I have jumpsuits, wide legged crops, joggers and a dress all in this fabric. THEY ARE MAGIC!

BOTTOMS

• 1. I'm definitely bringing my favorite berry colored Athleta jumpsuit (which I purchased second-hand on eBay for my daughter's camping wedding 5 years ago). I am obsessed with this color!

• 2. Athleta Brooklyn Wide Legged Crops (also found second-hand on eBay). These are my favorite travel pants EVER and I wear them year around at home, too. They can easily be dressed up or down, worn with sneakers, boots, sandals or heels. I don't know what I'll ever do if they wear out or don't fit me anymore.

• 3.

  Old Navy High-Waist Crinkle Gauze Barrel Ankle Pants

  in EITHER orange or white. I purchased the orange in petite for a slightly shorter look and the white are regular length and slightly longer. I love this fabric because it's SUPPOSED to be wrinkled but is also super lightweight and comfy with an elastic waist and pockets. The gauze is also two layers so the white isn't as sheer as the white linen pants I own which is a big plus! Are you TEAM ORANGE or TEAM WHITE? Click HERE to vote!

• 4. I've also ordered the Athleta Always Ready Jumpsuit in black - which I hope fits when it arrives. It will be my 4th "bottom" piece and can be layered in all the ways everything else can. I'll probably also wear this on the plane with a few layers to keep warm because I'm ALWAYS cold on the plane!

TOPS

• 1. Cotton boxy black tee from Banana Republic.

• 2 & 3. Two new white tops from Old Navy, including this Crinkle Gauze Popover Top. I love white in the summer but they often get dingy or stained and I have to replace them every few years. (This was the year!) I also really love Timeless T-shirts by BR which are staples in my wardrobe year around.

• 4. I purchased this gorgeous djellaba in Fes during my first trip to Morocco in 2023. It's really more of a layer than a top because it is sheer and must have a top under it but I'm going to call it a top (to adhere to my 4 tops recommendation). A djellaba is a cultural Moroccan garment. Mine is a bit fancy because of the sheer fabric, gorgeous hand braiding and tiny rhinestones sprinkled throughout the fabric. There are two slits near the hip so you can access the pockets of whatever you're wearing underneath!

3 LAYER PIECES

Layer pieces that mix and match with all my bottoms or at least 3 out of 4.

• I picked up this super fun aztec print cotton blouse at Goodwill over the winter and I am obsessed with it! It's a size XL and I love the boxy, cropped look. It so fabulous with my berry jumpsuit and any black bottom. I think it was $7.99. WIN!

• The uber soft black cardigan is another fabulous find from a local consignment shop. I can wear it long or tied at the waist. It is the perfect cozy layer.

• The black & orange tunic with mandarin collar is a fun find that I scooped up in Madrid a few years ago. It can double as a dress (with leggings) or coverup.

2 PAIRS OF SHOES

I always pack for comfort and support. We walk a lot! Streets and lanes are cobbled and uneven. Poor shoes make me miserable. I like to have shoes that can be rinsed or wiped off, if needed, because of dust and sand.

• 1.Vionic Winny Sneakers Great shoes can be CUTE, too! These have amazing arch support, a nice toe box and I love the metallic pewter color with a tan sole that doesn't look dirty like white soles do.

• 2. ZAXY sandals I bought these in Italy last year and love them soooo much! They are super comfortable, have a good arch, and actually have tiny sparkles in the rubber. They're like jelly sandals for grown ups.

I'm not sure if I'll even take a dress because I already have SO MANY OPTIONS. But if I do, I'll toss it in at the last minute.

To round out the packing, I'll bring a couple fun scarves to add color and interest + a packable jacket or vest for cool nights in the desert and all the other things you need like a water bottle and sunscreen, etc. I have a great list...you can download it HERE!

Check out my new blog to learn about THE ROOKIE PACKING MISTAKE I'LL NEVER MAKE AGAIN!

I still have space in both fall 2026 tours and am avidly working on travel for 2027. If you've been thinking about creating your own girlfriend or custom group, make sure you reach out to me ASAP so we can find dates that work for you!

Join us. Epic Adventures Await...YOU.

Yallah! (let's go)

Katherine