Chic or Comfortable? Here’s the Best Way to Dress When Travelling
Combining style and comfort when dressing for travel is essential to ensure that you not only look good but also feel good and are at ease throughout your journey. The problem of dressing appropriately for travel where all needs are met is a struggle for many of us.
Of course, we want to feel comfortable walking and carrying luggage, but also want to be presentable as we often end up taking a lot of photos of ourselves during our travels which we will end up sharing on social media for friends, family, and possibly even many followers in the case of travel bloggers or influencers.
Dressing nicely improves your self-esteem and gives you confidence while travelling, but ensuring your outfits are both comfortable and functional as well is equally as vital. For instance, making a pretty dress or sleek suit work when running to catch a train or dashing to an airport gate can be pretty challenging, as you are likely to be quite uncomfortable dressed like this during these situations despite maybe looking your finest.
If you’re eager to learn how to combine practicality and style when it comes to dressing for travel, then read on to discover our guide to the best way to dress when travelling.
Choose Versatile Clothing
Selecting versatile clothing for travel is crucial to maximise outfit options while minimising the number of items you need to pack. You can start by choosing clothing in neutral colours like black, white, gray, and navy. These colours are easy to mix and match, allowing you to create various outfits, but more on colours in a bit.
Opt for classic and timeless styles that can be dressed up or down. Pieces like a well-fitted pair of jeans, a white button-down shirt, or a versatile blazer can be used for different occasions. Select clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched. For example, a pair of jeans can be worn with various tops to create different looks.
Bring accessories that can change the look of your outfit. A statement necklace, a stylish scarf, or a versatile hat can add flair to a simple ensemble.
Versatile clothing is usually easy to combine in order to create fabulous outfits. For instance, let’s say you’ve booked a last minute trip and you’ve just left your car at Perth Airport long-term parking while you frantically run to catch your flight.
In this case, you may not have time to change outfits so wearing items that can be transformed or adapted for different purposes becomes handy. Convertible pants that can quickly be turned into shorts or a dress that can be worn in different ways offer flexibility when travelling between two destinations that have different climates and the various man-made climates you’ll face such as waiting at airports or during flights.
Learn to Layer
Layering provides a practical solution to the challenges of travel by offering adaptability, efficiency, and style. By carefully choosing and combining different layers, you can create a wardrobe that is both functional and fashionable, ensuring you’re well-prepared for whatever your journey may bring.
Airplanes can have unpredictable temperatures. Layering allows you to adjust your clothing to stay comfortable during fluctuating cabin temperatures. If you’re travelling between different climates or experiencing varying weather conditions, layering enables you to add or remove clothing as needed.
You can incorporate specialised layers for specific purposes, such as moisture-wicking base layers or wind-resistant outer layers, optimising functionality. Some layered clothing items, like convertible jackets or pants, can serve multiple functions, adapting to different conditions.
Adhering to a layering approach also saves space and weight. Layered clothing takes up less space in your luggage than bulkier items, making it easier to pack efficiently. A few lightweight layers can provide a variety of outfit options, reducing the need to pack numerous individual pieces.
By layering, you can also extend the wear of your clothing between washes, especially important during longer trips with limited access to laundry facilities. And in terms of style, layering adds visual interest to your outfit, making it look more thoughtfully put together. Different layers can include various textures and fabrics, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Prioritise Comfortable Footwear
Prioritising comfortable footwear while travelling is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts your overall travel experience. Airports can involve a lot of walking, whether it’s heading to the departure hall after you’ve left your Parkos parked car, navigating the often long security check lines, or transiting from an airport lounge to your gate.
Having comfortable shoes makes these walks much more manageable and less stressful. Comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off will save you time and stress during the airport security check process.
Travel often involves exploring new destinations, visiting tourist attractions, and walking for extended periods. Comfortable shoes help prevent fatigue and foot pain. Keep in mind that travel destinations can vary widely and include well-paved city sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and uneven natural landscapes with sand, mud, grass, or rocks. You may need to pack a selection of various shoe types to ensure you always have proper support and traction no matter the activity or setting.
Ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and foot pain. Prioritising comfort helps prevent these issues, allowing you to stay active and enjoy your trip without discomfort. Comfortable shoes often incorporate breathable materials, which is essential in warmer climates to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort. Properly designed comfortable shoes provide adequate support to your ankles and arches, reducing the risk of injuries, especially during activities like walking tours or hiking.
With advancements in footwear design, you can find stylish shoes that also prioritise comfort. This way, you don’t have to compromise on fashion while ensuring your feet stay happy.
Consider Basic Colours
Travel forces us to adhere to a minimalist dress style since we often have to conform to luggage weight and size restrictions. You can still create a wide variety of outfits that are approximate for a range of occasions or activities by embracing what is known as a capsule wardrobe.
There are some versatile and practical colour choices that can form the basis of a travel wardrobe. Mixing and matching neutral colours with a few well-chosen accent pieces can help you achieve a stylish and practical travel wardrobe.
Neutral colours like black, white, gray, and beige are easy to mix and match, allowing you to create a variety of outfits with fewer pieces. They also tend to be less likely to show stains and wrinkles. Meanwhile, earth tones such as olive, tan, and brown often complement a neutral palette and can give your wardrobe a touch of warmth. Earth tones are also versatile and blend well with a wide range of other colours.
A pair of comfortable blue jeans is a classic and versatile choice that can be dressed up or down for various occasions.
So-called jewel tones like emerald green, burgundy, and sapphire blue can add richness and sophistication to your wardrobe. They work well for both casual and more formal occasions. A vibrant colour such as yellow, red, or orange can add a bit of interest to your outfits. Consider using these as accent colours or for specific statement pieces.
Remember to also consider the climate you will be travelling to. In hot climates, lighter colours like whites and pastels can help reflect sunlight and keep you cooler. Darker colours on the other hand, such as deep greens and burgundies, can absorb sunlight and provide a bit of warmth in colder weather.
Lastly, if you’re travelling to a destination with specific cultural norms or preferences, consider incorporating colours that are culturally appropriate.
What are Some Great Outfit Ideas While Travelling?
Creating great travel outfits involves combining comfort, practicality, and style. Here are some great outfit ideas tailored for different travel situations.
Airport Ready
Comfortable stretchy jeans or leggings.
Oversized sweater for warmth on the plane.
Slip-on shoes for easy removal during security checks. Condé Nast Traveller suggests going with ballet flats.
Accessories:
Scarf for added warmth or as a makeshift blanket.
Stylish yet functional backpack for essentials.
City Explorer
Midi wrap dress for easy movement.
Denim jacket for layering.
Comfortable sneakers for walking.
Accessories:
Crossbody bag for convenience.
Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
Beach Vacation
Swimsuit under a flowy cover-up or sundress.
Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
Comfortable sandals or flip-flops.
Accessories:
Oversized beach bag for towels and essentials.
Sunglasses and sunscreen for beach days.
Mountain Retreat
Hiking pants or leggings.
Moisture-wicking top.
Lightweight jacket for cooler temperatures.
Sturdy hiking boots.
Accessories:
Backpack with water reservoir for hydration.
Hat for sun protection during hikes.
Cultural Exploration
Maxi skirt or culottes for modesty.
Light blouse or tunic.
Comfortable flats for walking.
Accessories:
Crossbody bag for security.
Scarf for covering shoulders if needed.
Night Out on the Town
Stylish jeans or tailored pants.
Statement top or blouse.
Fashionable heels or dressy flats.
Accessories:
Clutch for essentials.
Statement earrings or necklace.
Adventure Travel
Convertible pants or shorts.
Quick-dry performance top.
Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots.
Accessories:
Outdoor hat for sun protection.
Lightweight backpack for essentials.
Winter Wonderland
Warm base layers (thermal tops and leggings).
Stylish winter coat.
Insulated snow boots.
Accessories:
Fleece-lined gloves and a beanie.
Scarf for added warmth.
Relaxing Resort
Flowy maxi dress or romper.
Wide-brimmed hat for poolside lounging.
Slide sandals or espadrilles.
Accessories:
Oversized sunglasses for a chic touch.
Beach tote for pool essentials.
Backpacking Chic
Quick-dry travel pants.
Convertible long sleeve shirt.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Accessories:
Lightweight backpack for essentials.
Hat for sun protection during hikes.
Whether you’re travelling by air, train, or car, sometimes it’s best to choose comfort over looks because travel is stressful enough as it is without adding discomfort due to clothing choices during your trip. However, as you can now see, there are many ways to achieve comfort without sacrificing on style while travelling.
