Hartford Courant (Sunday)

Be adventurou­s with fashion while traveling

- By Aramide Esubi Tribune Content Agency

In the last year, I have upped my travel game. These trips have helped me to see how style can deepen and shift through a change in environmen­t, not only in a logistical sense but also in the gathering of inspiratio­n and heightened possibilit­y of trying new things.

I’m starting to feel like hitting the road might be a crucial element of escaping those style ruts we can find ourselves in every so often. This is a time when we are faced with having only what we stuff in a suitcase, so our choices must be wise. And in a new place, we can discover that our personal style is crucial to avoiding that “I look like a tourist” feeling.

When flying it can be difficult finding an outfit that can be worn on a plane and also look put together at the final destinatio­n. Situations like this can help you discover the pieces you own that don’t wrinkle and are comfortabl­e enough to travel in.

Travel will help you figure out exactly which items you can make the most outfits out of, which shoes are most comfy to walk in, and being limited to the items in your suitcase can really stretch your creativity. You’d be surprised how many ways you can wear one dress when you pack the right accessorie­s.

Another fun way to propel yourself out of a style coma is to do a little style watching while you’re traveling. Checking out the locals is a great way to expose yourself to new trends, or just get inspired to shop for something new while you’re there. I recommend looking for accessorie­s to buy on a trip because you can usually find pieces you never would at home, and they’re typically small enough to pack easily.

Another side effect of travel: feeling free! When you’re plopped down in a place where you don’t know anyone, you can really be whoever you want. So why not wear those printed pants you never have the nerve to wear back home in your new environmen­t? If you’re prone to only wearing muted or neutral tones, you might challenge yourself to pack bright-colored clothes for your next beach vacation.

I say go for it. Traveling is the perfect time to get that awesome, fresh feeling of wearing outfits you never would have worn at home. Once you step out of your comfort zone away home, it just may trickle into your everyday life as a rejuvenate­d zest for style.

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