When you pack light, there is a constant battle between what to take and what not to take. Usually, a backpack will only have enough room to accomodate the essentials when it comes to clothes. When you’re travelling, the essentials are comfortable clothes that are easy to wash, can be worn wrinkled and are versatile. This doesn’t leave a lot of room for nicer clothes . . . or does it?
Unless you’re a hiker, chances are that there will come a time during your travels when you’ll need to wear something a little nicer than usual. If you like to indulge in a nice dinner out without looking like a bum whilst on the road, I have a few fashion tips (ladies only!) for the weary light-packing traveller.
1. Black Boots
A comfortable pair of black books (sans heel) can be worn out for a day of sightseeing, and transfer seemlessly into nighttime attire. With boots you get two functions for the price of one. They will eliminate the need for you to carry around an extra pair of “nice shoes” and can replace sneakers or tennis shoes so long as you’re not doing any major hiking. I personally prefer Bass’ collection of boots (a sample pictured to the left). I have purchased several pairs of their shoes (including boots) and they’ve proven to be comfortable and very durable.
BASS: $90 USD (approx. 56 GBP)
A comfortable pair of black books (sans heel) can be worn out for a day of sightseeing, and transfer seemlessly into nighttime attire. With boots you get two functions for the price of one. They will eliminate the need for you to carry around an extra pair of “nice shoes” and can replace sneakers or tennis shoes so long as you’re not doing any major hiking. I personally prefer Bass’ collection of boots (a sample pictured to the left). I have purchased several pairs of their shoes (including boots) and they’ve proven to be comfortable and very durable.
BASS: $90 USD (approx. 56 GBP)
Black Boots
2. Scarves/Wraps
The perfect way to dress up a top is by adding a scarf or wrap. Not only are they fun, fashionable and inexpensive, but they don’t have to add any burden to your packing. Especially in cooler weather, a scarf or wrap can be worn on you all day, giving you the look of an especially fashionable traveller. Target sells great wraps and scarves in a variety of fun colors. I tend to pick simpler patterns or solid colors as those are more likely to coordinate with any outfit.
Target: $12 USD (approx 7 GBP)
The perfect way to dress up a top is by adding a scarf or wrap. Not only are they fun, fashionable and inexpensive, but they don’t have to add any burden to your packing. Especially in cooler weather, a scarf or wrap can be worn on you all day, giving you the look of an especially fashionable traveller. Target sells great wraps and scarves in a variety of fun colors. I tend to pick simpler patterns or solid colors as those are more likely to coordinate with any outfit.
Target: $12 USD (approx 7 GBP)
Scarf
3. Cotton or Cotton/Poly Blend Blazer
Forget the sweatshirt at home. There’s a more fashionable alternative that’s relatively cheap and just as comfortable. I discovered cotton blazers a few months ago and have been in love with them ever since. They are perfect for travel as they’re so comfortable and the cotton/poly blends don’t really wrinkle. These jackets are a perfect way to dress up an outfit, but they’re comfy and functional enough to be worn all day. The blazer on the left is from Uniqlo, though I also recommend ones sold by H&M
Uniqlo: 30 GBP (approx. $48 USD)
Forget the sweatshirt at home. There’s a more fashionable alternative that’s relatively cheap and just as comfortable. I discovered cotton blazers a few months ago and have been in love with them ever since. They are perfect for travel as they’re so comfortable and the cotton/poly blends don’t really wrinkle. These jackets are a perfect way to dress up an outfit, but they’re comfy and functional enough to be worn all day. The blazer on the left is from Uniqlo, though I also recommend ones sold by H&M
Uniqlo: 30 GBP (approx. $48 USD)
Cotton Blazer