THE STYLISH TRAVELLER
Five tips to travel light and dress well at the same time
IT DOESN’T TAKE A LOT OF EFFORT
Travelling is challenging enough without worrying about looking fashionable while you do it. But Kate Young, a New York-based stylist who counts actresses Margot Robbie and Michelle Williams among her clients, says that it doesn’t take a lot of effort to look stylish on the road.
“Anyone can look chic while travelling, and there’s no need to spend a lot or pack a lot to do it,” Young said. She noted that she travels often and rarely checks in a bag. Here are her best tips for travelling light and looking good at the same time.
PACK CLOTHES IN THREE CO-ORDINATING COLOURS
When deciding what clothes to pack, choose pieces in three matching colours so you can mix and match each piece to create multiple outfits for different days. Pick the colours based on where you’re going.
If you’re headed to Paris or another urban destination, for example, any combination of black, white, navy and charcoal is a good bet. For a beach vacation or outdoors excursion, consider khaki, off-white (or white) and bright hues. Young likes white linen in particular because it’s cool in warm weather, can be worn during the day and is also nice for evenings out. And when it comes to the actual articles of clothing to take, Young said that a pair of jeans, a pair of nice pants, a striped button-down, a blazer and a comfortable T-shirt are always good options.
MINIMISE THE SHOES
Most women don’t need to bring more than three pairs of shoes on any trip, Young suggests. Exercise sneakers, comfortable loafers, low boots or sandals and, for evenings, heeled sandals.
Men can generally get by with two pairs: sneakers and loafers. And a tip for everyone when it comes to sneakers: Many sportswear brands make lightweight pairs that fold.
FLY IN EXERCISE GEAR
Exercise clothes are becoming increasingly fashionable, and for flights, especially long-haul journeys, they’re incredibly comfortable to wear. They also fold neatly and fit into virtually any bag.
Young suggested that women consider compression leggings, along with a long-sleeved cotton top and coat, while men try a pair of track pants and a track jacket or a hoodie.
ACCESSORISE THE RIGHT WAY
A few key accessories can change the look of an entire outfit, Young said. On her travels, she always packs some costume jewellery. She also puts her make-up in a sleek pouch that doubles as an evening bag. Men, alternatively, or people who don’t wear jewellery, should consider a few pairs of bright socks in fun patterns, just to add a little personality to otherwise simple, coordinating outfits.
BRING ONE DRESSY, FLEXIBLE OUTFIT
If you have a formal evening or event planned during your trip, don’t bother with bulky dresses and heavy full suits and jackets.
Young suggested that women opt for a slip dress, highheeled sandals and a pair of bold earrings, while men should go for a pair of slacks, a flexible, multipurpose blazer, a crisp white shirt and loafers.