FASHION Pack Your Bag
Whether you’re going on a weekend rendezvous or a month-long cruise, your travel wardrobe should be lightweight and wrinkle-free
Cramming everything into a carry-on, which fits in the airplane’s overhead bin, is doable and easy with these fashions designed for the traveler. From fabrics that don’t show the wrinkles to clothing that can be rolled up and tucked into small spaces in a suitcase, these fashions are proven winners. Look for comfortable, adaptable and easy to accessorize pieces that go from morning to night but are never boring. As for your luggage, choose a smart streamlined design or have some fun with a bold colorful print.
1 THE SLEEKEST SUITCASE
From Briggs & Riley’s Sympatico collection comes the Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner ($559). Its durable hard sides expand to give you 22 percent more space, then compress to keep clothing flat, minimize wrinkling and prevent contents from shifting in transit. The CX Silver Limited Edition celebrates the company’s 25th anniversary. Bonus: Customers receive a lifetime guarantee on repairs for a broken or damaged bag. briggs-riley.com
2 NO. 1 TOP
The Wisper Double Tank ($48) from Toad & Co. is a great basic on its own in warm weather destinations or paired with a cardigan or jacket in cooler climes. Made of Tencel, a breathable fabric of cellulose with 50 percent greater moisture absorption than cotton, and 5 percent spandex, the top has a soft, silky touch. Its double layer front drapes beautifully, and the top is available in black, white or aquifer blue. toadandco.com
3 THE MUST-PACK DRESS
The quintessential wrap dress is a logical travel choice and looks good on just about every figure type. This Cue Wrap Café Dress ($85) from Toad & Co. is made from Samba fabric—a blend of eco-friendly fibers that breathes well—that gives it good drape, stretch and resilience. A slight slub adds texture and dimension so it has more character than a conventional jersey. The easy wash-and-wear dress comes in solids and subtle geometric prints. toadandco.com
4 EASY DOES IT
This wrinkle-free Frond Song Flounce Sleeve Dress ($145) from Tommy Bahama can easily transition from day to night with the right accessories. In fact, you’ll feel comfortable going straight from the airplane to cocktail hour in this palm print. Its sleeve detail adds interest to a basic design, and its lightweight fabric makes it easy to pack. Tommy Bahama is available at national malls or tommybahama.com and on Sanibel Island at Island Pursuit, Periwinkle Place, 239-472-4600.
5 TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Anatomie, a brand that specializes in clothes for the traveler, put together this comfy ensemble. Start with Andrea Leggings ($225) accented with contrasting panels, side pockets and ankle zippers. Pair them with the Melissa Tee ($158), designed in jersey with airy mesh sleeves and shoulder panels. Finish your look with the Esthen Quilted Ruffle Vest ($288) with stretch side panels for easy movement and plenty of pockets to stash your phone, money, credit cards and more. anatomie.com
7 GO BOLD
No reason to travel with boring luggage, especially if a tropical island is your vacation destination. Have fun with this hibiscus print from Tommy Bahama. The Phuket hard-side suitcase may be all style on the outside, but inside it’s functional as ever with zippered curtain openings and multiple zippered pockets. You’ll breeze though airport terminals with its eightwheel spinner system. Choose from a 20-inch ($135), 24-inch ($165), or 28-inch ($185) suitcase. tommybahama.com
6 A TOUCH OF SPARKLE
Sweaters can be bulky to pack, which is why this Pickford Lurex Stripe Pullover ($125) by Tommy Bahama makes good sense. First, it’s made of lightweight cotton so it easily fits in your bag, and second, it’s loose fitting so you can wear it alone or over a shirt for warmth. Metallic yarns make it ideal for the holidays, especially when paired with the Tema Indigo Rain Foil Slim Boyfriend Jeans ($145). Tommy Bahama, Coconut Point, Estero, 239-947-2203 or tommybahama.com
8 STYLISHLY TIDY
This convenient Packing Cube ($5) by Anatomie is designed to hold up to six neatly rolled pieces of clothing. Made of breathable nylon with a mesh top for easy visibility of the contents, the lightweight travel essential takes up minimum space in your carryon. The 11.5-by-7 inch cube is a great organizer for anyone who hates to pack. anatomie.com