I will be traveling a lot this summer, for business and pleasure, and I’ve been spending some time standing in my closet trying to decide what exactly I should pack for all these trips. I’m looking for pieces that are easy to wear and easy to care for and versatile. I need things that can go to a meeting and go sightseeing, and I need outfits that will work for hot and cold weather. I am trying to steer clear of dry clean only anything, because I want to have the option to wash things out in the hotel sink, rather than wearing it once and stuffing it back in the suitcase.

That’s not too much to ask, is it? Nooo of course not! Not if you have the right strategies.

Whether you are traveling or staying home, it’s helpful to have a pieces that you can wear multiple places and during more than one season. So what can you look for when you shop?

Classic shapes and styles. A wrap or shirt dress is incredibly flexible; change your shoes, for example, and you change the whole look. Pair a shirt dress with sandals and a straw bag and you’re all set for sightseeing; add a pair of pumps and a big necklace and you’re ready for work. When summer is over, wear your shirt or wrap dress well into fall with boots and a cardigan or blazer. Look for pieces that can work multiple ways — even a strapless cotton dress can be layered to look more professional and less bare.

Neutral colors and subtle patterns. If you’re going to wear a piece over and over, you don’t want it to stand out too much; stick with basic navy or brown or black for the most flexibility. Punch up your look with bright accessories; metallic shoes are great for summer, and a bold handbag is perfect for the office. You want people to remember your look, not specifically your dress.

Pieces that resist pigeonholing. Don’t limit pieces by labeling them “work” or “weekend” — where you wear something should have more to do with how you style it than with the actual piece. Even a basic white tee can go out to dinner; pair it with a fancy skirt and a big necklace. Similarly, toss your embellished cardigan on with a pair of shorts for a family barbecue. Don’t be afraid to mix it up — you will create a look that is distinctly yours, no matter where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Fabulous accessories. When you are packing a suitcase full of basic neutral pieces, think very carefully about your accessories. Include extras that have bright colors and bold patterns, and don’t be afraid to be dramatic. A basic black dress is fine, but a gigantic necklace takes it from fine to fabulous. Look for quirky, one-of-a-kind pieces that will really stand out, or combine unexpected pieces — an antique brooch and some funky plastic beads, for example. Don’t be afraid to experiment; if your accessories aren’t working out, you can easily remove them or trade them for pieces that do work.

Now it’s your turn: what is the most versatile piece in YOUR closet? And why?