If you’re planning to travel this fall or over the holidays, you may already be thinking about what to pack. With airline checked baggage fees (and even in some cases, carry-on fees) we’ve all had to become more mindful about packing lighter and smarter. Trying to decide what to pack, especially for an overseas or longer trip can feel a bit daunting at times. But with a little planning (and these tips I’ve developed over the last few years) you can create a cohesive and stylish travel wardrobe, and eliminate those “nothing to wear” days.
Today I’m partnering with several of my blogger friends (two of whom I recently met up with in Paris!) to talk about travel wardrobes, outfits and style. I’m looking forward to reading what they share!
When le Monsieur and I first began traveling overseas (in 2007, the same year I began blogging) we had no clue about what to bring and overpacked horribly. Over time, and with a lot of trial and error, I’ve honed my travel wardrobes to a manageable size, while still having appropriate options for anything on my itinerary.
So today I’m sharing some of what I’ve learned, and the guidelines I follow.
My top 10 tips for planning a functional & stylish travel wardrobe
1. Start with the shoes
I can’t stress this enough, but footwear is the most important part of your travel wardrobe to get right. If your feet hurt, you won’t be able to fully enjoy yourself, and it may even curtail some of your planned activities. I usually include 2-3 pairs (one of which I’ll wear on the plane).
Unless you have a special occasion (such as a wedding) on the itinerary, leave the heels at home. You’ll want footwear that you can wear comfortably for several hours a day on your feet. Here are the styles I rely on most:
Sneakers. The images above were all snapped earlier this year in Paris. Sneakers have become ubiquitous in every locale I’ve visited in recent years, even in the most style-conscious cities. I prefer to bring a sleek but supportive style that can go from day to dinner.
Paul Green | ECCO | Vionic | adidas | Josef Siebel | Vince
Flats and loafers. Ballet flats are still on-trend, but for many of us they may not have enough cushioning and support. You’ll want some padding in the insole (or a removable insole) and I find a slight heel, 1″ or so, is most comfortable for extended walking. I most recently traveled with these Vince loafers, and they were one of my MVP’s. Here are a few more options to consider:
Vionic | Eileen Fisher | Paul Green | ara | Munro (available in Narrow & Wide widths) | Vionic (a ballet flat, yes, but well-rated for comfort & support)
Ankle boots. During cooler months, I’ll include a pair of ankle boots, usually water-resistant or weatherproof. (You can always have a cobbler add waterproofing spray and a rubber half-sole to a favorite pair, as I did above.)
Madewell | Munro | ECCO | Sorel | Vionic
2. A smart start with neutrals
Build your travel wardrobe capsule or “core” around one or two neutrals. Not only will neutrals provide more wardrobe cohesion, making it easier to mix and match, but will be easier to dress up or down. You can always add more color to your neutral base (I do!).
3. Smart Casual is usually as dressed up as you’ll need to be
A stylish travel wardrobe doesn’t have mean sacrificing comfort and functionality. Unless you have a special event such as a wedding or formal reception to attend, Smart Casual will be appropriate for almost any venue (including going to the theater or a nice dinner out).
4. “Tabletop” dressing
What this means is to focus on adding interest and variety above the waist, as it’s what most people will notice and what will show up most in your travel photos. So I usually plan for 2-3 tops for every bottom.
5. Think lightweight layers
Leave the heavy, bulky pieces at home, and instead lean on lightweight pieces that can be layered easily to accommodate fluctuating temperatures. Knits like merino wool and lightweight cashmere are perfect for transitional seasons. When selecting outerwear, look for packable options like this down coat.
6. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, but plan for deviations
I’ll keep checking the weather forecasts for my destinations right up until I leave for the airport, and make changes if needed. I’ve usually been pretty well-prepared. But conditions can shift unexpectedly, so I bring at least a couple of pieces that I could wear comfortably up to 20 degrees Farenheit in either direction of the forecasted range.
Some people will say, “well, I can just buy what I need at my destination,” but I’ve found that can be tricky, especially during transitional seasons. A heatwave in October? The shops will often be packed with sweaters, coats, and scarves, and nary a cotton top in sight.
For colder than expected conditions, I always pack a pair of silk long underwear. (Top | Bottom) In a pinch, these can also function as pajamas.
For unseasonal warmth, I’ll include a couple of lightweight tees and silk tanks.
7. Add color, variety, and pattern with scarves
I always pack several scarves in a variety of weights, materials, and sizes. They’re my not-so-secret weapon for making my travel outfits more stylish.
They can also function as a lightweight wrap when it turns chilly or be used for coverage when visiting venues with “modest” dress codes (see #9 below).
8. Opt for a lightweight crossbody day bag
On my first visit to Paris, I packed a very nice shoulder bag, and regretted it almost immediately. My shoulders and neck were aching after just a couple of hours! I purchased a crossbody bag there and used it for the remainder of the trip. I find a crossbody bag is easier to manage and keep secure than other styles. I’ve often traveled with the Pearl bag from Lo & Sons, and recently added a webbed strap for additional comfort. You can see more of my travel bag recommendations here: How to Choose the Best Travel Bag
9. Be aware of regional customs and dress codes
Many churches, cathedrals, temples and other sites of cultural significance may have varying levels of “modest” dress codes in place, so plan accordingly. (For women, this often means a requirement to cover shoulders and knees.) This is more of an issue in warmer seasons, but it’s good to be aware ahead of time.
10. It’s OK to repeat!
Unless you’re traveling with a group, most of the time you won’t be seeing the same people day-to-day. And even if you are with a group, I don’t think anyone will notice that you’ve worn the same pants four times this week. If you’ve planned a cohesive wardrobe, creating different combinations will be a piece of cake, and you can always swap out accessories for variety.
Will you be traveling this fall? If so, where are you headed? ✈️
Looking for more stylish travel wardrobe and outfit ideas? Come visit my Travel Wardrobe Resouce Hub, where you can filter articles by season and trip length for information that’s most relevant to you. And be sure to sign up for my newsletter for more travel and style tips!
I can’t wait to see what travel wardrobe ideas and packing tips my blogger friends have shared!
Classic Casual Home | Cindy Hattersley Design | Most Lovely Things | La Vie On Grand
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