I recently switched from my super light weight roll-aboard to a much smaller soft over-the-shoulder bag. I find that I pack less and do just fine for up to about 4-5 days in a moderate climate where layers suffice to keep me warm. I recently had great success traveling on a business trip (3 days total, 1 day travel only 2 days requiring business casual kit, the last day of business travel clothing to be worn on plane home that night) with:
*one pair black Lucy pants, grey t-shirt, black cardigan, large scarf, slip-on comfortable dress shoes
*one pair black dress pants (rolled carefully so no wrinkle), red silk sweater, same cardigan, same shoes
*one pair black dress pants with stretchy waist (to make 4 hour flight comfy), short sleeved dressy top, black cardigan, necklace, same shoes
*I tossed one dressy/evening wear top and a pair of heels in there in case of unexpected evening event
*one set microfiber pjs
*undies, stockings
*one TSA approved plastic bag of (toothpaste, good moisturizer, foundation, toner, mascara, lipstick x2 (one light for day one dark for night), mini hand cream, hair gel, eyeshadow, under-eye concealer, small packet hair conditioner)
*one 4"x2"x8" waterproof bag of misc hygiene stuff (can post the list if anyone cares to see it) including earplugs, flashlight, granola bars
*one large handbag with my iPad, phone, chargers, notebook and materials needed for business trip as well as my wallet and such.
I didn't even fill the bag, had plenty of room left. I was absurdly pleased when the taxi driver said "oh, you travel light" when I hopped in to get to the airport on the way home.
DH and I are off on a new adventure for five days this Xmas (New Orleans) and I'll have to decide if I can go with the small bag or break out my rollaboard carry on. The problem is that I will need two outfits a day- one day one night- which I usually don't have to plan for on business trips (the majority of my travel).