I thought I would do an informative post on my go-to pieces that I wear for travel. These are my most loved pieces that I wear through most seasons! They barely make it out of the laundry before I pack them again!
With my 10
years of firsthand experience working in the retail world, I definitely have some quirks when it comes to pricing and materials. I have personal experience from these garments and have received year after year of feedback from other shoppers. Relating to fabrics, price points, and overall "worth it rating" the pieces below are my all-time, and time-tested favorites.
Basics, basics, basics! ...And good fabrics are the two biggest secrets. Now, good fabric doesn’t always mean expensive, but from personal experience after a good 3 years repeatedly wearing the same pieces, I think doing so is a beneficial return on investment. One of my examples is that I refuse to buy a sweater unless it has some wool in it. Honestly, wool is a lifesaver and a wonderful material for traveling and doing it's job- keeping you warm. So in that case, it is definitely worth it for a bit of investment on that end when it comes to price.
So, I hate the saying “dress up or down,” but for most of these pieces it’s true! Can someone come up with a new term for this? It was overused like 5 years ago. Here's some other very important points of discussion I have about these pieces.
- All styles, all seasons, all length of travels here (one week, two, even three weeks worth of outfits here! Yes, I've actually done this!)
- Keep big pieces “classic” (jeans- no holes, no wash, etc.) They will keep true years longer through all trends, and simple colors that won’t go out of style (even your favorite color!)
- Start with solid colors, then add stripes or small patterns on bigger pieces
- Add color/interest with small pieces that can easily be interchanged- this is where I like to add more fun with my earrings! They’re small and fit easily into luggage and can drastically change the entire mood of an outfit
My rule is I can’t bring a piece if I can’t wear it
at least two ways- which saves a lot of space in my suitcase! It also saves a lot of time when trying
to figure out your travel #OOTD!
Let’s start
at the top, shall we?
Maybe you already own these things, which is great! You should! I love a good white tee and longer length white button down. Tees can be worn with jeans or tucked into skirts. Button downs can be layered under sweaters or tied up as a swimsuit coverup.
Chambray button downs can even be worn open as a lightweight denim "jacket" or as a belt and tied around your waist (hello 90's!) One other way to wear a button down is to unbutton the last few, and tie it over a dress. Now your outfit looks like a skirt and a top!
As far as the graphic tee goes, I raided my uncle's old closet when I was in high school and found some gems of "real vintage" tees. You don't have to buy everything new! Actually, I think my best friend has since taken those vintage tees and worn them so much they've gotten holes!
Well, you just can't go wrong with a good pair of jeans can you? This specific pair fits amazing- just read the reviews! They're high waisted and the pockets are sewn in such a way it helps flatten the midsection... and they have stretch! So they're not going to make you pass out from holding your breath when you wear them. Wear them with booties in fall or cuff the bottoms a bit and wear them with sandals in warmer months. Classic and chic!
The Anyday pants are the new sister to the Pixie pants I have in every color ever made. Black, gray, navy, dark green, etc. Actually, I have 5 pairs in just black. They are literally the only pant I wear in winter. ONLY. They are also high waisted which is always a bit more comfortable, but are made of a very thick what I dare say is ponte material. Aka they are not a legging, they are a very thick legging. So it's appropriate to wear them as pants! Back on track here... wear them as a pant with a long cardigan and booties in fall, or as a nicer "athleisure" legging with a cute tied graphic tee and long utility jacket in spring. Honestly, I've even worn them as tights in the winter!
I have owned the Madewell Billie Boot for years in black. As soon as I purchased them I put them on and walked out of the door and around Portland for the day. They were perfect. I loved the heel height, and the fact the soles were brown. You'll read later, but my favorite tote is a cognac brown and these make it okay to wear black & brown in an outfit together. I think these boots are Billie's new friend Bonham, and I'm loving the mix of a classic Chelsea with the slightly pointed toe- nothing too fashion-y that they'll soon go out of style.
These CDG sneakers are a little more fun version of the classic Converse. They have a little personality! You can't go wrong with a pair of simple sneaks for traveling. Worn with dresses or jeans they're always easy to walk in and won't cramp your #travelstyle (or your feet for that matter!)
Chambray button downs can even be worn open as a lightweight denim "jacket" or as a belt and tied around your waist (hello 90's!) One other way to wear a button down is to unbutton the last few, and tie it over a dress. Now your outfit looks like a skirt and a top!
As far as the graphic tee goes, I raided my uncle's old closet when I was in high school and found some gems of "real vintage" tees. You don't have to buy everything new! Actually, I think my best friend has since taken those vintage tees and worn them so much they've gotten holes!
Well, you just can't go wrong with a good pair of jeans can you? This specific pair fits amazing- just read the reviews! They're high waisted and the pockets are sewn in such a way it helps flatten the midsection... and they have stretch! So they're not going to make you pass out from holding your breath when you wear them. Wear them with booties in fall or cuff the bottoms a bit and wear them with sandals in warmer months. Classic and chic!
The Anyday pants are the new sister to the Pixie pants I have in every color ever made. Black, gray, navy, dark green, etc. Actually, I have 5 pairs in just black. They are literally the only pant I wear in winter. ONLY. They are also high waisted which is always a bit more comfortable, but are made of a very thick what I dare say is ponte material. Aka they are not a legging, they are a very thick legging. So it's appropriate to wear them as pants! Back on track here... wear them as a pant with a long cardigan and booties in fall, or as a nicer "athleisure" legging with a cute tied graphic tee and long utility jacket in spring. Honestly, I've even worn them as tights in the winter!
These CDG sneakers are a little more fun version of the classic Converse. They have a little personality! You can't go wrong with a pair of simple sneaks for traveling. Worn with dresses or jeans they're always easy to walk in and won't cramp your #travelstyle (or your feet for that matter!)
Dresses with pockets, need I say more? Especially chambray dresses made of cotton, they're the best! I don't know of anyone who would disagree that dresses are the easiest one-piece outfit that you can actually go to the bathroom in. I mean I love a good jumpsuit but they're not super practical for travel. Especially when you have limited space to un/dress yourself like on an airplane. With a chambray dress the sleeves can be rolled up, a scarf added around your ponytail, and you slip into your comfy sneakers. Now you're ready for exploring summer in Rome! Pair the dress with a utility jacket and booties and a wool hat, you're ready for Amsterdam!
The black cotton dress can be worn solo with a long tassel necklace and booties during the day, and throw on the long cardigan for chilly evenings in September. Tie a chambray button down into a crop to turn the dress into looking like a skirt and top or leave it totally unbuttoned and wear the chambray as a jacket. A white button down can be layered under the dress and the sleeves turned up a bit for a little more classic style, just add a messy bun and fun earrings. So versatile! It barely takes up room in a suitcase leaving more room for souvenirs!
One thing I never bring with me when traveling is an umbrella. One thing that inevitably happens when I travel is that it rains. The above utility jacket is a super cool style with a longer behind so you're not sitting on wet benches at the tram stop. It is also lighter weight so it can be worn as a layer without screaming "raincoat!" This is an updated and slightly different version of a field jacket that I've had for years. Don't worry, I'll link that one too for you! Anyway, I chose this one because of it's weight, hood, and longer length behind. I don't think that's a feature anyone will dislike. I cannot attest the the wind-proof ability of this jacket, but I hope it stands up to the downtown field. I love that waxed cotton of the downtown field for that purpose, it is a lightweight jacket that doesn't exactly provide warmth, but it is a lighter weight layer that blocks the wind and sometimes that does the trick.
A longer wool blend cardigan will last for years. I mentioned it in the beginning how much I love wool. This piece will take up a bit of space in your luggage, but you'll be so grateful when you're not freezing on vacay! Wear it alone over any outfit. Layer it under the utility jacket for extra chilly days and to block wind gusts. Add a blanket scarf and a wool hat and you have a fully bundled yet still chic autumn outfit. Over leggings and a graphic tee for a simple airplane outfit. Wear it over denim and a button down and belt it on top. I even wear mine with my pajamas inside watching TV it is that comfy!
The black cotton dress can be worn solo with a long tassel necklace and booties during the day, and throw on the long cardigan for chilly evenings in September. Tie a chambray button down into a crop to turn the dress into looking like a skirt and top or leave it totally unbuttoned and wear the chambray as a jacket. A white button down can be layered under the dress and the sleeves turned up a bit for a little more classic style, just add a messy bun and fun earrings. So versatile! It barely takes up room in a suitcase leaving more room for souvenirs!
One thing I never bring with me when traveling is an umbrella. One thing that inevitably happens when I travel is that it rains. The above utility jacket is a super cool style with a longer behind so you're not sitting on wet benches at the tram stop. It is also lighter weight so it can be worn as a layer without screaming "raincoat!" This is an updated and slightly different version of a field jacket that I've had for years. Don't worry, I'll link that one too for you! Anyway, I chose this one because of it's weight, hood, and longer length behind. I don't think that's a feature anyone will dislike. I cannot attest the the wind-proof ability of this jacket, but I hope it stands up to the downtown field. I love that waxed cotton of the downtown field for that purpose, it is a lightweight jacket that doesn't exactly provide warmth, but it is a lighter weight layer that blocks the wind and sometimes that does the trick.
A longer wool blend cardigan will last for years. I mentioned it in the beginning how much I love wool. This piece will take up a bit of space in your luggage, but you'll be so grateful when you're not freezing on vacay! Wear it alone over any outfit. Layer it under the utility jacket for extra chilly days and to block wind gusts. Add a blanket scarf and a wool hat and you have a fully bundled yet still chic autumn outfit. Over leggings and a graphic tee for a simple airplane outfit. Wear it over denim and a button down and belt it on top. I even wear mine with my pajamas inside watching TV it is that comfy!
Do you need a solid every day bag that matches every outfit? Do you need a beach bag? A reusable grocery bag? A diaper bag? A laptop bag? A never-goes-out-of-style carryall? This tote bag is it! I've used it for all of the above reasons, well, not diaper bag for myself but I know people that have! It has passed the test of time my friends! It has taken beatings from the sun from being used as a beach bag. It has carried my groceries and a few bottles of wine and hasn't stretched. I've thrown in my laptop, magazines, books, water bottle and toiletries for traveling. I even use it as my gym bag! The leather is so soft that it can only get better with time. The straps aren't stiff so they fit your shoulder perfectly and don't fall down. Another huge plus of this bag is that it easily lays flat for packing. That is, if you ever aren't carrying it!
This backpack is my newest purchase. I have yet to receive it but already I know I love it. I needed a bit larger of a backpack that I could throw a sweater into or pack as an overnight bag when traveling via train to Budapest for a night. I was contemplating buying a Skip Bo backpack for the size (it's actually a diaper bag) but the reviews weren't the best for actual use as a backpack. When this was launched I bought it immediately! It has a slip that guides the backpack over your suitcase handlebars, genius! Plus, the color combos are just dreamy and feminine. Perfect enough to match multiple outfits but add a kiss of color. I will have a review of this once I receive it and wear it a few times.
I own a similar black crossbody and it is my ultimate go-to. When traveling, imagine you've just gotten to your booking.com accommodation and you are starving after your long day. Set your tote bag down, grab your phone, chapstick and keys, and run to grab some grub. This is the perfect size for holding everything you need. I use mine a few ways to ensure it is not just taking up space in my suitcase. I have used it as a camera bag before we had a cover for our camera. I use it in my tote bag as a pouch for separating my charging cord and earbuds. I use it in my carry on to house my scarves and jewels until I am at my destination. I love the chic style of it that also has a bit of sass with the buckle.
I use this clear cosmetic bag primarily as an elegant form of the plastic baggie. I use this and this alone for all my travel size liquids. It fits perfectly into the tote bag for easy access at airport security. I love that it is sturdy, I don't have to worry about it getting smushed in my tote and uncovering a surprise of conditioner splurging all over my laptop.
This backpack is my newest purchase. I have yet to receive it but already I know I love it. I needed a bit larger of a backpack that I could throw a sweater into or pack as an overnight bag when traveling via train to Budapest for a night. I was contemplating buying a Skip Bo backpack for the size (it's actually a diaper bag) but the reviews weren't the best for actual use as a backpack. When this was launched I bought it immediately! It has a slip that guides the backpack over your suitcase handlebars, genius! Plus, the color combos are just dreamy and feminine. Perfect enough to match multiple outfits but add a kiss of color. I will have a review of this once I receive it and wear it a few times.
I own a similar black crossbody and it is my ultimate go-to. When traveling, imagine you've just gotten to your booking.com accommodation and you are starving after your long day. Set your tote bag down, grab your phone, chapstick and keys, and run to grab some grub. This is the perfect size for holding everything you need. I use mine a few ways to ensure it is not just taking up space in my suitcase. I have used it as a camera bag before we had a cover for our camera. I use it in my tote bag as a pouch for separating my charging cord and earbuds. I use it in my carry on to house my scarves and jewels until I am at my destination. I love the chic style of it that also has a bit of sass with the buckle.
I use this clear cosmetic bag primarily as an elegant form of the plastic baggie. I use this and this alone for all my travel size liquids. It fits perfectly into the tote bag for easy access at airport security. I love that it is sturdy, I don't have to worry about it getting smushed in my tote and uncovering a surprise of conditioner splurging all over my laptop.
Lastly, the fun stuff! Who am I kidding, I think all of this is fun! I kind of love clothes if you didn't already know. Accessories! This wide brim fedora was a snag from Amazon and I love the material and the price. It's a felted wool so it can be worn in the rain, it can block the sun, and it can be folded into a suitcase without worry of ruining it. I like the simple color and the gold band can be removed. Worn at the beach or in city streets, it'll pull a whole look together.
A blanket or wrap scarf is a year round must if traveling on an airplane. Even in summer the flights get cold with A/C and I keep the scarf in my tote for use as a blanket when I'm chilled. It also comes in handy for a picnic blanket, just saying! In other seasons it can be worn multiple ways as an actual scarf. It can also be worn as a wrap, similar to a poncho. I think I always look a bit more fancy when checking into the hotel in a black dress and the scarf over my shoulders, but that's just me playing dress up!
This tassel necklace is everything. I own two. With a basic white tee and jeans, a black tee dress, chambray button down and long cardi, it's my go to piece of jewelry to make a simple outfit look more put together. Takes an outfit day to night if you will. Fancy!
A scarf. There's an endless array of possibilities with this one. Obviously worn as a bandana. On your neck or on your head. Rolled into a skinny scarf and tied with a bow on top of your head. Around your ponytail. At the end of your braid. Add it into your braid. If you are clever enough it can be fastened into a crop top. I have yet to figure that one out myself. It can add some color and pattern to an outfit by tying it on the handle of your tote bag! I think you get the idea. It's endlessly versatile.
Fun earrings! As I mentioned previously, if I over pack anything it's probably earrings. You could wear the same black dress three days in a row and change your shoes, hair, and earrings and have completely different outfits! Plus, earrings are an easy way after a scarf to add in some color and texture to all the above basic pieces. Adding a pop of hot pink will make any woman feel a bit more sassy, am I wrong? And there's nothing wrong with that! Have fun with this part, there's so many styles to choose from and the price point is so, well, on point! I have a few pairs from this collaboration and I am a fan because they are so light! They do not hurt my ears after a girl's day or hours of dancing. Target and Baublebar, a girl's dream come true! I added the link to the entire collection below.
Lastly, what luggage do I suggest? Well, honestly an European carry on size rolling luggage with multi-way spinners. European carry on size is more compact than US, but this suitcase JUST fits the size requirements and has the option to expand. It also has a separately accessible front section that is padded for traveling with a laptop. It's easy to grab out some things you don't want to carry. Usually my books that I've finished reading end up in that section until I arrive home.
Back to the luggage, I myself am not necessarily a super fan of hardsided but the wheels and everything else make up for it. Mainly I am not a fan of hardsided because they get scratched, and some luggage is expensive! They also have a tendency to crack after being thrown around by baggage handlers. I almost wanted to buy nice luggage, I mean really nice luggage considering we travel so much. However, spending $500+ just didn't feel right and we bought a matching pair of these to last us at least a few years. I have rolled mine through the cobblestone streets of many countries and it’s held up amazingly! Considering past luggage was purchased at Marshall's for about the same amount and was nowhere near durable (I love Marshall's and it was my fault- it was just cute!) I'm honestly surprised and can vouch that the price is worth it. We bought it on sale- hopefully you can too!
SHOP: Delsey Luggage
Of course there are always a few other things I like to bring when traveling, but they are specific to seasons. Flat sandals and OTK black leather boots are the two other pieces that are on constant seasonal rotation. Actually, I'm sitting here trying to think of anything else I constantly bring and I'm drawing a blank! Other than sunscreen, minimal makeup and a brush, that's pretty much it! I never bring a blowdryer- because carrying converters and transformers is too much. There hasn't been an Airbnb or hotel I've stayed in that doesn't provide a hairdryer. They don't want you blowing out their electricity either!
Between countries there's different plugs, and it's a lot to try to remember to bring everything to swap electrical plugs out. I live in Europe and every time I go to London I forget it's not the same. Thank goodness for USB charging- at least that's universal! I also rarely bring my straightener. Especially in summer, my hair is up almost every day anyway so what's the point? Braids, buns, ponies, scarves, there's many ways to do your hair without actually having to do your hair.
I know there's a million Polyvore and Pinterest boards dedicated to "pack this outfit for travel" or "7 days in one suitcase" or even "the most basic of basics" but I really hope this helps you a little! Maybe it helps because I actually own all these pieces... and have literally repeatedly worn them. I can attest to their quality and functionality! I don't know if I need to write this also, but maybe for legal reasons I should... this is not an ad! I mean, I wouldn't refuse an offer to be compensated! But these are my real honest opinions and experiences. I hope you enjoy!
Where are you traveling next?
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