Packing light is packing smart. The wardrobe goal for any traveler, according to travel guru Jerry Dunn, is to pack clothes that meet the needs of all planned events; are appropriate to the culture of the destination; and allow the most outfits from the least number of pieces.

Ask yourself: What is the least amount of clothing essential to be dressed comfortably and appropriately for climate, destination and activities?

Whatever that list entails, pare it down if you will be carrying your own luggage. Pare even further, by imposing a maximum weight limit on your packables. The most important — and always the most ignored — advice I offer to travelers is to take half of what you think you can't do without.

Common sense dictates that you select light- to medium-weight, wrinkle-resistant garments that can be mixed and matched and layered. For chillier temperatures, wool or cotton knits are highly versatile, and garments of crushed cotton or rayon are travel-proof for warmer climes.

Plan your travel gear around one basic color range so that all garb is complementary and can be easily accessorized. Choose medium to dark, neutral solid colors such as black, gray, navy, brown, tan, khaki, taupe and burgundy. Women can add a stylish scarf or pin to alter the look of an outfit without sacrificing space.

For most destinations other than cruises or resorts, women can appear well-dressed for all occasions by taking no more than three conservative, interchangeable skirt and pants ensembles with complementary tops, plus one simple outfit for evening. Appropriate attire for men could include that ubiquitous but always-handsome navy blazer and tie for evening, plus a mix of slacks and jeans with washable shirts or polo knits for everyday wear. Unless you're heading for a sun-and-surf adventure or wilderness destination, shorts, other than Bermuda-length, are best left at home.

Traveling is not the occasion to succumb to your clothes-horse instincts. Appearing well-groomed is certainly more desirable than wearing a different, high-maintenance costume each day of the week. Basic rule of thumb: If you can't pack everything in one small-to-medium suitcase, you're taking too much.

A few pointers may help you to polish off your packing. With proper forethought and discipline, you can depart on your travels with only one smallish bag — maximum 26 inches in length.

In addition to clothing basics and broken-in, very comfortable shoes, don't leave home without the little essentials. Tuck in soap and washcloth, resealable plastic bags, travel alarm, sewing kit, folding umbrella and fold-away rain poncho, portable clothes line, LED flashlight, binoculars, bug repellent with up to 35 percent DEET and an all-purpose current converter with plug adapters for small electrics. On planes and trains, you'll welcome a tiny kit with toothbrush, paste, moist towelettes, hand cream and eye lubricant (within the 3-ounce liquid limitation imposed by security measures, of course). Smart shoppers pack a thin, parachute-cloth duffel that can be resurrected to carry purchases that grow like Topsy.

A small bag of preventive or curative medications might include Imodium AD for diarrhea, a broad-spectrum antibiotic like Cipro, an antibiotic ointment for scrapes, water purification tablets, anti-motion sickness pills or ginger capsules, malaria prophylactic, adhesive bandages, throat lozen-ges and headache and cold remedies. Check with your physician; the nature of your medicants will depend upon your personal health as well as the expected conditions at your destination.

For day trip essentials, I pack a compact waist pack to hold a small supply of currency, one credit card, lipstick, antibacterial goo, tissue, etc. Many travelers tell me that they feel more secure wearing a flat pouch hidden under their shirts or pants. Men, wrap a thick rubber band around your wallet and place it in a front pocket. You should be able to feel the fabric resist against the rubber if a pickpocket attempts to pinch your wallet.

Each traveler will develop his own methods of packing light. Although I advocate the less-is-more school of thought, what works for me may not work for you. Check the appropriate section in a good guidebook or in brochure materials if you're traveling with a tour group.

In another column I'll address the nitty-gritty issue of choosing the right luggage features and how to pack more in less.

Irene Croft Jr. of Kailua, Kona, is a travel writer and 40-year veteran globetrotter. Her column is published in this section every other week.