Nothing tests your sense of style like long haul trips, does it? Unless you travel first class each time, chances are you could be absolutely miserable when you emerge from a 14-hour trip half-way across the world. Probably also dehydrated, cranky, with your biological clock upset, your feet swollen, and the tummy a tad bloated.
Style could then be the last thing on your mind. And yet, you can never ditch it if you are a true fashionista.
Take the fuss out of long trips and travel in style every single time with this post. While there is a lot that could be written on this subject, we keep it simple and basic. You know what they say, if you get the basics right, the rest becomes easy peasy!
So let’s dive straight into what you need to do to look fashionable, stylish, and yet relaxed (so that you are actually able to enjoy) when you are traveling.
Start with packing it right
Smart and intelligent packing is half the battle won. Investing in good quality luggage is the first step. You don’t have to buy Louis Vuitton suitcases though, Tommy Hilfiger’s would do, too.
Your suitcase should be big enough for the stuff you plan to pack in it and sturdy enough to be a good companion around the world. I have a couple of suitcases purchased in 2009 that have been all over the world with me and continue to serve me well. That is a mighty impressive performance. Mine are Louis Vuitton bags, but like I said, good quality bags are found everywhere. Just make sure you don’t cut corners in this respect thinking you could somehow get away with buying a cheap suitcase. You know what is really unfun and a complete style killer? Lugging around a heavy suitcase that’s lost a wheel or has a handle dangerously close to coming undone!
Pack your shoes separately
Wrap up your patent leather pumps, boots, and other shoes in thin cloth bags and pack each pair separately. Pointy heels can totally ruin your delicate fabrics if they get in contact with each other.
Keep the shoes smelling fresh by stuffing peppermint sachets in them.
Double wrap your toiletries
Any bottles, tubes, and vials should be wrapped at least twice to ensure no leaks happen. If your perfume bottle breaks inside the suitcase? Ouch. Better carry vials of them than whole bottles.
Carry a bright pouch or clutch to carry all your important documents
Thing is if your bag is stylish, and you fetch out an ugly-looking pouch from inside it, that would totally ruin the look, don’t you think? You will be using this pouch quite a lot so make sure it’s the best you can afford.
Where are you headed to?
What you pack will depend on the weather. If you are headed to colder climes, pack in a few light layers, which can be worn together for adequate protection against the cold, apart from your winter coat.
Pack in more of blacks, whites, and grays
Whether for tops, cardigans, waistcoats, shrugs, or trousers. These are basic colors and versatile enough to be mixed and matched endlessly.
Keep your scarves and ponchos colorful
And your jeans blue. Though burgundy is also a nice color (but not if your posterior tends to be on the larger side).
Printed leggings are uber chic
They are easy to slip on, light to carry, versatile, and so comfortable to be in, it’s as if they were made for travel!
Strap on a nice watch and pile on gold accessories
Gold is trending and a beautiful watch is forever beautiful. Bring the two together and what do you have? An irresistible dose of glamour and style!
Kick off the heels
At least for the duration of your flight. Instead go for flat boots, gladiators, belle pumps, loafers, etc. Basically anything that does not crush your feet and kill you with pain. Parading around in heels at an airport or on long haul flights is madness if you ask me, but that does not mean women don’t do it. Some actually are able to pull it off but the question is — why? Why would you even want to do something like that? Just look to colorful and fashionable flatter options for your dose of style AND comfort. (If you simply can’t do without 6-inch stilettos no matter what, then I’m afraid you’re more of a fashion victim than a fashionista.)
Packing for warmer climates is rather easy. Everything is so laidback and carefree in such places that you can get away with anything. But that doesn’t mean you let your style guard drop. If you are headed to where the sun is shining bright and the beach is just a stone’s throw away, make sure you are carrying these with you…
Loads of shorts, colorful and funky
If you have legs that you are proud of, here’s your license to show them off to your heart’s content. Well-fitting shorts are the definition of sexy. You simply cannot go wrong with these.
Spaghetti strapped-vests
These form the basis of many an outfit. The best part about being in a hot place is that you can wear your biker’s vest with a pair of denim shorts, roll out your bed hair waves, and still make for a killer picture.
Striped tops or dresses
What’s cooler than stripes? They immediately call to mind the sun the sand, and the vast blue sea. Bright red lipstick, a pair of aviators, and you are ready to rock.
Light cotton blazers
The best and easiest way to dress up a holiday-ish outfit. Looks very smart and will protect you from the night breeze.
Flowy evening dresses
Isn’t this your favorite part about vacationing in beachside destinations? Show off that tan and let your hair play in the wind. Keep the accessories minimal and do the sheer and soft fabrics do all the talking. You will look HOT, but the question is, will you be able to handle it?
Platform sandals, bright wedges, gladiators, and flip flops
One pair of each. Leave the platforms for formal occasions or hot dates. Stick with the other options during the day when you are lounging around the city, glamorously soaking in the sun.
Wide hats
A killer accessory. Useful and extremely stylish. A tote bag would also come in handy and complete the picture.
Have a safe journey (and trip)
Let’s wrap this up with a few tips about having a stylish but safe trip…
Be wary of strangers
Be polite to everybody but don’t trust anybody. They are all strangers as far as you are concerned, so that hot guy across the bar who’s been giving you the look ever since you came in? I wouldn’t take him up on his offer (whatever it may be) if I were you and was traveling alone. And if you must hook up, bring him over to your hotel instead of you going over to his.
Load your smartphone with safety & navigation apps
So that you don’t lose your way in a new place, are able to find the best eatery joints and places to shop and hang around. Keep your phone fully charged and always on so that people back home know you are alright and can get in touch with you. Also keep all the emergency contact numbers of the city/town you are in with you. Keep your phone backed up to the Internet so that even if you lose it you don’t lose the data and are able to remotely lock it.
Don’t post pics on FB till you are back
You may be dying to share with all your girlfriends (and ex-boyfriends) your super-hot pics from a lovely vacation but wait till you are back. It’s not wise to announce to the whole world where exactly you are and what you are doing especially if you are abroad and on your own. If you are with a bunch of friends, go right ahead!
Millie Rainer writes about a variety of things such as DIY, hospitality, fashion, and tech. She is looking to build up her authority as a blogger – so she is excited to explore new topics. Follow her on Twitter @MillieRainer.
