You all know that traveling and fashion are my two greatest loves, however, when it comes to long-term travel, some people struggle with getting the perfect balance between practicality and fashion. It can be hard to pack light but still be able to put together looks that make you feel stylish. Here is how I manage to balance the two.
Create an outfit for every occasion
Rather than just packing clothes at random, try to make a list of various activities you will be doing, such as sightseeing, going out for meals and trekking and put together an outfit for each of these. Mix and match items of clothing to create a capsule wardrobe that will have several different uses – it is a waste of space if you have something that you will only wear once. Layers will be important if you are visiting places where the climate may be different, or if you plan on visiting areas where you are required to cover up.
Keep it classic
Some things, such as jeans, leather jackets, white t-shirts, etc. are timeless and will never look out of style. You may find that some places you visit on your travels have a certain look, so it is best to keep your planned outfits simple and stylish, rather than taking any big fashion risks. You want to be comfortable and fashionable, so although you can dress differently than you do in your everyday life, don’t go too far out of your comfort zone that you end up feeling awkward or shy.
Utilize accessories
There are so many different looks you can do with a simple headscarf, and it is so lightweight and versatile it deserves a place in your case! Other great accessories include belts, hats and jewellery – something little to mix up a look when your clothing options are limited. Remember that you can dress things up or down with accessories so you can take outfits from day to night.
Think practical
One thing you need to consider when choosing what to pack, is making sure that your items will wash and dry quickly and easily. Lightweight items will be perfect if you get caught in the rain, for example, and will dry quickly, rather than smelling and getting gross or staying soggy.
Shop at local flea markets
Depending on where you visit, you may be able to pick up some cheap, authentic pieces at a local flea market. These will serve as souvenirs of your travels, as well as being great to wear, so if you don’t have enough room in your bags, consider donating some of your cheap items from home to a local shelter.
What to avoid
Don’t stand out as an obvious tourist. Avoid cliches such as Thai fisherman pants, vests, football jerseys and hiking boots (anywhere other than where they are intended of course). Don’t buy into the classic traveling wardrobe, those things are not cute, and for the most part, they aren’t even practical. Save space in your luggage for things that will actually look nice.
As you can see, you don’t have to sacrifice your fashion, even when going on a long-term trip. Follow these tips, and you will be the best-dressed tourist in any city! Let me know your top travel fashion tips in the comments.
This has been a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.
