YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Style for Southeast Asia (longish)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Style for Southeast Asia (longish) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:42:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008783 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 12:21:01 +0000 Anonymous 1008783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The only place I've traveled in Asia has been Japan. You mention backpacking. Japan has the most modern restrooms imaginable, but off the beaten track or in a park, you may find that challenging hole-in-the-ground to squat over ( be sure to face the hood). Consider this possibility when choosing your clothing. Skinny pants are difficult. Skirts with some volume but not too much work best. And carry a small washcloth-sized towel always. There was usually no other way to dry your hands. ManidipaM on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008747 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 06:26:32 +0000 ManidipaM 1008747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bagaline, your plans seem watertight! :-) Thanks for the images. I think I knew the first outfit by different names... is this the same as a m'boubou or dashiki? The second photo reminded me of India's own historic White Mughals. I trust most modern travellers are not quite so exotic! My own experience with assorted French, Italian, German, Australian and American visitors (and in earlier decades, Soviet) has thankfully been of less sore-thumbish interpretation! Perhaps they had better sense or taste or better advisers than your Frenchman! :-p Safe and exciting travels to you! FlorenceFearne on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008708 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 04:07:16 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1008708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My very best suggestion is to pick a 1 or 2 neutrals, and only 1 or 2 colors, and pack nothing that does not meet the color scheme. If you pack a few prints that incorporate several of the colors/neutrals you chose, you will be able to stretch your pieces quite a ways. On my most recent trip I limited myself only to black and white, and at the end of 10 days living out of a carry-on, I still had plenty of combinations left unworn.  I've never used polyvore before, so hopefully you can overlook some sloppy newbie editing, but here's the general idea. I don't know that any of these pieces are remotely your style, but hopefully this helps?  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=94399805">http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=94399805</a> Adelfa on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008659 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 01:57:29 +0000 Adelfa 1008659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bagaline, you seem to be planning so intelligently! I am very interested already and can't wait to see the rest of your things! Not the same, but recently I packed for three weeks in Costa Rica in a carry-on. I too was determined to avoid gear. I will say that all the other women my age in the language school I went to were wearing gear. I relied on some microfiber jersey dresses that were comfy in the heat and humidity and dried quickly. Bagaline on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008634 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 01:16:54 +0000 Bagaline 1008634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ManidipaM: I really appreciate your advice as an inhabitant of the tropics, you know what you are talking about. I have prepared my itinerary extremely carefully in order to avoid the monsoon as well as the hottest months. To that effect, I will fly a good few times hopping from one country to another instead of following an itinerary that would make more sense "geographically".  As you can well imagine, a 7 month trip will eat a big chunk of my savings and I did not want to spend on a special travel wardrobe: all the clothes I will bring I had already and I only bought new shoes. As for the white guy in a dhoti, the French man covered with freckles that I've met in Kochi did not look charming at all! If you see a charming one, take a picture please, I'd like to see it.  Photo 1 shows a boubou. It's the name used in African countries previously colonised by France. Photo 2 is of Pierre Loti, a French writer who lived in Istanbul for a short period.I had that image in my head when I mentioned expats gone locals. Jules on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008617 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:52:13 +0000 Jules 1008617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When travelling in that area, I found plain weave cotton, linen, or maybe rayon, much cooler than any jersey t shirt-type material. In fact typical-weight cotton t shirts were pretty much out. Those fabrics also dry very fast in the heat, although of course it is more prone to wrinkling. ManidipaM on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008611 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:45:27 +0000 ManidipaM 1008611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mmm, as an inhabitant of the tropics and a near neighbour to Southeast Asia, I find a small cotton wardrobe challenging, especially in rainy regions (the monsoons are not yet in retreat even). Nothing dries too fast, some of it takes days. And if you have to carry your pack around, damp cotton chafes horribly. Tech fabrics in non-gear shapes are more forgiving. I do realise you didn't actually ask for help and have likely selected your items already. But just saying, keep an open mind, particularly with your particular health challenge? Also, hey, nothing wrong with a white guy in a dhoti...if he knoed how and where to wear one! I'd find it charming But what, pray, is a boubou? Bagaline on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008610 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:41:21 +0000 Bagaline 1008610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Eliza and Sandy. I agree with you about the new high-tech fabrics and better cut of "travel" clothes but they are very hard to find in Ireland apart from a few sports shops where everything seems to be made more for climbing mountains than walking around Phnom Penh or Kuala Lumpur! Besides, these clothes are already quite pricey and when ordered from the US, they become outrageously expensive once you add shipping and duties.  Bagaline on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008608 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:23:38 +0000 Bagaline 1008608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Caro, I'm with you about the humidity and every item of clothing I bring is cotton.  I am used to another sort of humidity: here in Ireland, they call it "the damp", but it's a cold damp that goes through the bones - sometimes I feel colder than in my native Canada! . SandyG on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008605 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:20:10 +0000 SandyG 1008605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here's a site I like for versatile travel. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://ladylighttravel.com/2012/05/05/power-your-travel-capsule-wardrobe-with-multi-use-pieces/">http://ladylighttravel.com/201.....se-pieces/</a> Not all 'gear' this year looks like backpacking clothing . I bought some pants and shorts that wash in a sink, dry in a few hours, and look neutral and have stylish lines. And I got the idea from this site to hunt for them. My last trip was the lightest packing ever. More room for favorite accessories! Eliza on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008603 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:19:18 +0000 Eliza 1008603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bagaline- First let me say, that sounds like a great trip and I am happy for you.  Loved reading your priorities and you are right to focus on comfort, especially in hot, humid areas.  I have not been to that part of the world, but my global daughter has and here is what she has taught me: -Depending on your agenda, cotton can be challenging in these areas as it tends to get very damp and not dry readily.  - Don't look gear if you prefer not to, but for a couple of things, it may make sense to use gear to your advantage. I don't know about Ireland, but in the US, retailers like Eastern Mountain Sports, Athleta, REI and others  are now using breathable high tech fabrics to make shirts that are blouse like, as well as dresses and "non-cargoed" regular pants. You may be able to be quite practical for the climate and reduce weight of your bags, as well as benefit from current, relatively fashionable options.  I like your shoes.  I actually have used those Ecco sandals in the past as travel shoes (for city pavement, not hiking) and found them good for the purpose, as you have.  The Sketchers may work for some touring, especially if they have enough support in their soles.  Sometimes having a pair of shoes with a higher vamp is good as an option also.  So smart to size up for swelling.  Bring blister bandaids, etc. just in case.   Best to you and have a blast. Can't wait to see your next post.  Bagaline on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008602 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:19:10 +0000 Bagaline 1008602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, MaryK, you had a dream of a travel wardrobe ! Obviously, you did not put it all in a backpack!  My only luggage is a "travelpack" (a 22 x 13 x 8" rectangular convertible bag with straps that you can hide behind a panel) and the space in it is even more limited because I need to bring 7 months of medication - it's the size of a shoe box! In terms of clothes, I will take only 5 bottoms (2 trousers, 2 capris, 1 skirt) and 7 tops (2 shirts, 2 blouses, 2 camis, 1 cardigan) plus 1 dress. Caro in Oz on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008594 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:02:22 +0000 Caro in Oz 1008594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Really enjoyed reading this - I find knowing what to avoid is sometimes more important than knowing what you want :)  I know you've said no wrinkles, I don't know if you run hot or cold, but the humidity in Asia can be outrageous & I'm from Australia so I'm semi used to it. Anything other than cotton or linen can be way too hot to wear for me.  Versatility is also important imo. If all your tops go with all the bottom pieces then you will get a lot more mileage from your clothes. MsMary on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008593 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 23:59:58 +0000 MsMary 1008593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm close to your age and I also agonized over what to pack for my trip to Southeast Asia last winter.  Hopefully my Pinterest board will be a little more helpful than the ones you've been looking at:  <a href="http://pinterest.com/mrskpasadena/travel-wardrobe-ideas/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/mrskpasad.....obe-ideas/</a> The packing list I ended up with is here:  <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/151503974935921173/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/pin/151503974935921173/</a> I will say, though, that the lady on my trip with the Magellan travel clothing was the best-put-together looking lady in the group, because her clothes were perfect for the weather and the activities! Deborah on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008588 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 23:55:21 +0000 Deborah 1008588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really appreciate how you have thought this through, and as Suz noted, your to be avoided section is very funny.. but so true:) I am with you, good grooming is a must... at all times... not matter where you are. Sounds like you have it all under control. I think I might have to save this as a tool for when next I am travelling Suz on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008587 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 23:48:39 +0000 Suz 1008587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very intelligent footwear purchases! I have a pair of Eccos styled like your Sketcher Mary Janes, and they are fantastic travel shoes -- really ideal. The diagonal strap is genius -- much more flattering than the straight horizontal strap.  I laughed out loud at your "what to avoid" section. I hear you loud and clear! And from your description, I think you'll do brilliantly. Can't wait to see your outfits.  Bagaline on "Style for Southeast Asia (longish)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-for-southeast-asia-longish#post-1008584 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 23:41:25 +0000 Bagaline 1008584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've spent tons of hours consulting "packing lists" on the net. I was a bit disappointed to see that 99% of those lists are made by and for slim young women. Said lists overflow with shorts, spaghetti straps and bikinis. Being a plump 65 y.o., it's certainly not the things I will pack. Instead of starting by making my own list, I've tried to determine the look I want to have. I thought it would then be much easier to select the clothes I will bring. Here is what I've come up with: THE STYLE I’M AIMING FOR : Comfortable, it’s capital. I’m looking for fluid cuts, light fabrics that breathe, cosy underwear and cushy shoes for my ultra sensitive feet. Practical : clothes that are easy to wash in the sink, quick-drying, no ironing needed (or at least minimal wrinkles). Elegant: well, as much as backpacking conditions will allow. I'll do it with nice colours that combine well, a few lovely accessories, a cute and functional handbag. Respectable and Appropriate for all occasions.  Modest when needed: no décolletage, no shorts. Most of my tops have ¾ or long sleeves, capris and pants are loose fitting, skirt and dress just covering the knees.  Relaxed when called for with a few camisoles and knee-length boarding shorts for a discreet beach attire. Well groomed: a fresh set of clothes every day (which is not always the case among backpackers), shiny hair, well kept nails and a touch of makeup. THE LOOKS I WANT TO AVOID : Sport : Apart from snorkeling, I don’t practice any sport, so I would look weird in “gear”. Professional traveler : I’m no reporter/photographer/archeologist, so shirts with 6 pockets and vents under the armpits as well as zip-off pants are not for me. I refuse to look like an ad for Magellan! Old Hippie : I won’t be seen in wafer thin 50 cents flip flops, dust catching flowery skirts, "potato sack " handbags adorned with embroidered elephants and tiny mirrors! Expat gone local : no sarees, salwar kameez, boubou. In India, I’ve even seen occidental guys wearing a doti – t'was a sad sight . . . Sloppy : after a few months on the road, some seems to see grooming as time wasted. ----    All comments, advice and tips are welcome. During the week, I will try on all my outfits and my friend Jerry will take pictures that I will post on YLF. In the meantime, I'm showing you the shoes I got for my trip (both were road tested during the last 2 weeks spent in Paris with my daughter and grand-daughter). 1. Ecco sandals in a gorgeous red suede. OK, they look a bit frumpy, but they are marvelously comfortable, which is paramount for a 7 month trip. 2. Black Sketchers closed shoes to protect my feet from nicks and cuts that could get infected (I have diabetes). They feel like slippers and have a strong grip. To deal with the unavoidable swelling in the heat, the sandals have adjustable straps and I bought the black flats in a size 39 instead of 38 - with the mary-jane style, they stay firmly on my feet.