When you are getting ready to travel, the last thing on your mind might be what you will pack, yet if you don’t put a little thought into this, you’re going to end up at your destination without important pieces that you need. Here are some considerations to make while packing for your next trip that will help you achieve the fashionable look you want, without breaking your back with unnecessary luggage.
Lighten Your Load
Wherever you head on your travels, you will be lugging that bag with you. Make sure it is not too heavy by packing as lightly as possible. Consider packing pieces you can get multiple wears out of, such as a shirt that can be paired with jeans for the morning and a suit jacket for the evening, or a dress that can go from casual to dressy with just the addition of the right jewelry. Remember, nothing can kill your look quite as quickly as lugging around two huge bags everywhere you go.
Mix and Match Your Items
In addition to bringing clothing that can be both dressy and casual, consider bringing items you can mix and match. If the same shirt can be worn with a skirt and a pair of jeans, you get two days out of it. If you have two tops that match the same pair of pants, you only need to pack the one pair of pants. Neutral colors will help you mix and match easily, and you can throw in color with your tops or accessories.
Don’t Sacrifice Comfort for Style
Let’s face it – you want to be comfortable when traveling. Choose items that are comfortable and stylish. Stretchy fabrics are ideal, because you may gain a little weight while traveling. Make sure your shoes are comfy as well. Womens shoes are notoriously uncomfortable, so think carefully about which ones to pack. Tennis shoes are a must if you will be doing much walking at your destination, and you can find an attractive pair if you look hard enough.
Consider Your Location
As you pack, consider the fashion common at your destination. You don’t want to be branded as a tourist just from your outfit. Look for clothes that will blend in. If you are traveling overseas, it might be the time to leave your “Made in the U.S.A.” t-shirt at home. If you are heading to New York, your Florida flip flops are going to be out of place. Also, research any cultural concerns related to clothing, particularly if you are traveling overseas. For example, if shorts are considered offensive to the people you are visiting, leave them behind.
Bring Your Favorites
Finally, as long as they are not a fashion faux pas at your destination, pack clothes you love. It can be fun to go shopping for new items when you travel, but the fact is, you are going to want to have your favorites with you. This doesn’t mean you need to bring your favorite ratty old t-shirt, but if you have a favorite dressy outfit, by all means pack it. You might as well look fabulous while you travel, right?
Packing is just the first step in getting to your destination, but you should take the time to think through it a bit. By planning ahead and doing a little research, you can be fashion-forward while packing reasonably, no matter where your travels take you.