A few years ago, when Martha Disney’s (58) husband challenged her to pack for a two-week trip in a carry-on bag she turned to Emily Ferguson at Hangar9, one of her favourite stores. For their many trips, she usually took large checked luggage, but Scott wanted to skip the baggage claim line.

Kerri Rosenthal Sunny Daze quilted hat is both fun and practical.

‘Capsule dressing’ is the method that Ferguson uses to help her clients, meaning that you should be able to make 36 outfits from just nine pieces. “The key point,” she explains, “is that three items in your wardrobe should work with three other items.”

Martha Macdonald (27) is also a long-time fan of Hangar9 and though she didn’t have the same self-imposed luggage restriction she was happy to have Ferguson’s help when packing for a 10-day autumn trip to Paris.

The Taifica dress from Marie Saint Pierre – dressed up with a crescent necklace, Dune pendant and a weave link necklace, all from David Dean – is worn with Nicholas Kirkwood Brasilia sandals. • Get triple duty by pairing it with a scarf and sneakers or flats and a hat.

“She (Ferguson) came to my house, and we discussed the activities I’d be doing,” she says. “It’s funny that a top you wore with jeans on Tuesday morning can be paired with a jacket for an event on Thursday night, but that’s how Emily’s mind works.”

With the current state of air travel con-fusion, packing in carry-on luggage makes sense. To formulate your own capsule, Ferguson advises starting with one piece, either a jacket or shoes. “Choose pieces that can go from day to night with accessories, as they are light and can really change the look and elevate your outfit.”

If you start with a jacket, pick eight items that will work with it. “Some of your essentials might be trousers and jeans, a two-piece set (top and skirt), a dress and two blouses.” Add a pair of dressier shoes and you have nine pieces from which to make outfits. Items chosen depend on your travel itinerary and personal preferences, adds Ferguson.

Margarita Ibbott (57) is a travel blogger on downshiftingpro.com, who usually takes a carry-on bag and a large tote as the entirety of her luggage. Her packing list is similar, including one or two pairs of nylon cargo pants because they dry quickly and have lots of pockets. “They are great when you’re more active on a trip – hiking, biking or doing a segue tour,” she explains. Pockets make it easy to take essentials along – hand sanitizer, cash, hat – without a purse.

A long scarf and a belt are must-takes for Ibbott. “You can dress up tops or dresses with a belt and scarf. It’s also great for wrap-ping around yourself when the plane is cold.”Limiting choices streamlines your travel wardrobe, saving time as well as space. When Ferguson packs for clients, she groups items for each outfit together making dressing quick and easy. Who needs to add the stress of figuring it out each day when you’re on vacation?