Barring baggage fees and the laws of physics, I would bring my entire wardrobe with me when I travel. And I've tried. But I've since learned that preparation and a smart packing game plan will quell the need for multiple baggage carts. Now, I follow a careful blueprint for fitting a workable wardrobe into a 21-inch rolling carry-on bag.

I recently spent a week in Europe during winter, and I documented my packing process as it went along. It was a trip that combined busy days of touring with fancy dinners and little time to change, so I needed a lot of easy outfit options. The following are my eight tips for packing a week's worth of clothes, toiletries, and other essentials in just a carry-on bag—with plenty of room to spare.