Inflation hasn’t deflated the travel goals of folks in the U.S.; nearly 1 in 3 even said they want to holiday abroad in 2023. Asia Pacific and Europe are some of the most preferred destinations cited.
If you’re in the same boat, you’re likely excited about making your travel plans. One such preparation you should do as early as now is to come up with your travel outfit list. A crucial consideration is to keep your #OOTD stylish but also versatile.
Why?
First, versatile outfits let you travel light, so you don’t have to lug a heavy suitcase around. Second, airline luggage fees are expensive, especially for excess baggage. So to avoid these high or extra costs, stay within your limit and travel light like a pro.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry; we’re here to give you tips, so read on.
1. Mind Your Destination’s Climate and Weather
Nothing screams “tourist” more than wearing climate-inappropriate travel outfits. Trench coats, for instance, may be fashionable in temperate or cold places. However, they’re far from being in fashion if you wear them in tropical locations.
Therefore, when packing outfits for traveling, research your destination’s climate conditions first. Also, check its 5- or 7-day weather forecast and pack or repack as needed. Five-day forecasts are reliable 90% of the time, while it’s 80% accurate for 7-day ones.
Speaking of weather, it can rain anytime, with or without sun, forecasted or not.
So, pack at least one raincoat to keep you stylishly dry while remaining utilitarian. Place it last in your carry-on so you can quickly grab it if it rains before or when you arrive at your destination. You can also use it as an extra cover if it gets chilly on the bus, train, or plane.
2. Prepare Outfits Respectful of Your Destination’s Culture
Another crucial consideration when packing your travel outfits is your destination’s dress code. While your clothes may be legal and stylish where you live, they may not be in other countries.
For example, items in camouflage, including khaki, are illegal in Barbados. Other Central American and Caribbean Island countries have the same law.
There’s also Saudi Arabia; if you’re a woman, you can’t legally show any inch of bare skin here. So, even if you’re only passing by (e.g., on a layover), ensure your outfit covers you from head to toe.
Sri Lanka’s law is more for Buddhist tattoos; it considers them religious mistreatment. This country has refused entry and even deported people they saw with Buddha tattoos. So if you’re visiting SL and you or anyone in your travel party has such tats, keep them covered with clothing.
3. Choose Travel-Friendly Fabrics
Some fabrics are more wrinkle-resistant than others, making them travel-friendly. Also, since they resist creases, you don’t have to worry about ironing them before donning them.
Merino wool is a perfect example; it’s wrinkle-resistant and lightweight. It’s also easy to wash, quick to dry, keeps you cool when you feel hot, and warms you when you feel cold. Thus, this natural fiber is one of the best picks for versatile and comfy travel outfits.
Nylon and polyester, both breathable fabrics, resist creases and wick moisture. That makes them top travel outfits for women, men, and kids with lots of outdoor travel activity plans. They’re also quick-drying; you can wash them the day before, and they’d be ready for packing the next day.
Another option is cashmere, a comfortable, luxurious, and soft fabric that resists wrinkles. It’s also versatile, meaning you can find it in dressy and casual travel outfits. It’s a bit warmer than merino wool, which is great if you’re going somewhere colder or where nights get chilly.
4. Pack Multi-Purpose Items in Neutral Colors
Neutrals never go out of style, and black and white always pair well with other colors, even neon. So if you fancy wearing a fuchsia pink or blaring orange top, you can tone it down with black bottoms.
Also, since the same bottoms look fab with other pieces, you can pack less and travel light.
The most crucial thing here is to have a few items in neutrals that you can use several times. Aside from pants, you may also need one or two pairs of shorts and skirts in black or brown.
For women, consider wearing a dress more than once. For example, you can wear it as-is the first time, another with a blouse, and another with a cardigan. Just ensure you pick one with a quick-dry fabric like merino so that it dries fast when you wash it between uses.
5. Two or Three Is Enough for Footwear
For women, two to three pairs of shoes are usually enough to get you by on any occasion for your trip.
The most crucial is a light, comfy pair for daytime walking, such as sneakers or running shoes. The Air Max 90 fits the bill, which the folks at KicksCrew say is lightweight, comfy, and stable. These features also make it an ideal outfit for travel by plane, bus, or train, whether short- or long-haul.
Depending on your night-out plans, the second must-have pair could be sandals or low boots. Sandals are ideal for warmer places and pair well with most dresses. Boots are for colder climates and can match any hip and dressy outfit you wear.
If you plan to do lots of outdoor stuff like hiking or biking, the third pair should be trail runners or hiking shoes.
As for men, two pairs may be enough: first, sneakers, trail runners, or hiking shoes for the day and outdoor stuff. Then, loafers for night outs.
Time to Pack Your Travel Outfit Must-Haves
Remember: Your travel outfit can affect your holiday style, comfort, health, and safety. So, keep our tips in mind, and make sure you start planning your outfits a week or two in advance. That way, you’d still have time to shop for climate- and cultural-appropriate clothes.
And as a final reminder, check the weather forecasts a week before your departure.
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