Good Stuff: Travel Wardrobe Staples

This week, I am going to dive into some of my travel wardrobe staples. Lately, every time I need to pack for an extended vacation (anything longer than a weekend), I really try to be intentional with with what I bring. I am working on refining my choices so I can pack lighter and faster each time.

Overall, my goal is to find pieces that are super versatile. Personally, I don’t think travel is the time to start busting out new looks and over accessorizing. I do think looking presentable enough to go from a park to a museum to a restaurant without having to change is important though.

Below are examples of what i have been packing lately.

Good Stuff: Travel Wardrobe Staples

My travel choices reflect my regular style which is pretty simple and utilitarian. I stay away from trendy and gravitate more towards neutrals. One of my personal values is simplicity, and I think my clothing (travel or not) choices reflect that.

Aspire Ankle Pants – The Aspire Ankle Pants were my first encounter with the magical qualities of “Featherweight Stretch”. The name is pretty descriptive, but imagine pants that breathe, stretch, and do not fade. They are easy to clean and dry fast if they happen to get wet. Oh, and they have zero weight, so you cannot even feel them on your legs.

Athleta now makes several other styles of pants in this material. Next time you are looking for THE perfect pants to wear on a long plane or car ride, look for anything in this fabric. You can thank me later 😉 

Cloudlight Relaxed Tank – Athleta’s Cloudlight tops are divine. I have tried the long sleeve version and a tank version. The soft, airy feel of this fabric makes you feel like you are in pajamas. Except you are actually wearing a well made shirt that does not wrinkle or fade. They are the perfect shirt to pack for your plane ride.Classic Slip-on Vans – Vans are another staple that I bring every single time I go anywhere. They provide the comfort of sneakers, but help me bypass shoelaces. And in my opinion, they (usually) look a little more buttoned up. Function-wise, the classic Sllp-On Vans are the perfect airport shoe. I can easily slip them off and on for security and in the airplane for getting cozy.
Comfortable Sandals -Another helpful shoe to pack (in warmer months)  is a sandal with comfort in mind. Since we are not usually lounging by pools in a resort, I have no room for high wedges in my suitcase. Three pairs of shoes is usually my max. I need something that feels like an athletic shoe and is versatile enough to go with a dress, shorts or pants. I discovered these sandals this year and they fit the bill.Button Down Shirt – i typically try to include one shirt that is not a t-shirt or some variation on a T-shirt. Madewell’s Central Shirts are perfect for this. You can wear them with shorts or jeans, toss a cardigan over it, and seem somewhat pulled together. The one I packed for our Seattle trip is no longer on sale, but they are constantly coming out with different colors and patterns. Believe the reviews on the site…this shirt is flattering on all!

Open Long Cardigan – Layers are essential to the flexibility you need while traveling. For example, the airport might be freezing, but you step outside and it suddenly hot. A long breezy cardigan is an easy staple to throw on the day you are traveling. From there, you can just toss it on over a dress, pants, or even shorts. Clearly, if the weather is much colder, you will need a coat as well, but for mild temperatures, a longer-length knit cardigan is perfect.

Crossbody bag – I don’t know about you, but carrying ten pounds on my shoulders as i walk all day kills my back. That’s why I am a huge proponent of a small crossbody bag for travel. Unlike bigger bags, small bags prevent you from shoving “all the things” in there and focusing on just the essentials. That keeps it light. And going crossbody keeps your hands free. On days when we know we will need to bring additional items (like rain jackets and snacks) Brian usually carries a backpack.

Versatile Dress – Dresses are another must-have for travel. I always pack one per trip. For our summer travels, I brought along swingy tank dresses from Madewell. Since we are heading into fall, they are not for sale any more. However, I am about to go on a fall trip and will be picking up THIS dress to come along with me. A little longer and more sleeves. It will be perfect for museums and lots of eating 🙂
Skyline Pants – Okay, I don’t own these Skyline Pants…yet. They are on my list though. I  bought the shorts version for our Washington trip and wore them a TON. Actually, I am still wearing them constantly. They are made of that same “Featherweight Stretch” fabric that the Aspire Ankle pants are made of. Totally dreamy.

What about you? Have you come up with travel wardrobe staples of your own? Would love to hear what your packing these days.

Posted by Ale & filed under Good Stuff. This post has one comment.