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Dressy for travel: not quite right

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I’m traveling for a few weeks to visit family in several locations. We’ll be celebrating a few birthdays etc so I threw in this glittery cardigan from H&M, which I bought as a holiday piece. Figured I could throw it over a plain outfit to jazz it up. But I find this is not really working: for one thing, not nearly jazzy enough (see photos). And it’s a bummer to have to repeat the exact same outfit for each celebration. Plus I will look the same in all the photos!

Clearly I need to tackle this conundrum next. I sorta figured out my dressy capsule at home, but not for travel.

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26 replies

Latest reply was from Gretchen

Anonymous

Will there be a very different climate where you're going?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

How about colorful scarves to change things up if you're traveling with basics? I find scarves really help when I'm traveling, if climate allows.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Nice cardi though.The style challenges just keep coming don’t they?Dressy capsule for travelling,l hadn’t even thought of this one!Good luck with it,lm sure that you will manage something really unique and trendy.

Eliza

Veteran

When I am on the road, I find a dressy top and/or special topper with a nice pant will usually get the job done. I am usually seeking to distinguish a sightseeing look from a dinner look. I bring pants good for either and change tops. Same idea works with skirts. In warmer weather, I pack a couple of short-sleeved silk tops and a light weight coordinating topper for AC/evenings. In cooler weather, same formula with warmer items. If you wear jewelry, earrings or a necklace can make a dramatic difference for little packing room. Sometimes carrying a small bag or clutch makes an outfit feel more evening. All the best as you plan the fun.

Becky

Veteran

I actually think this would be dressy enough if you tweak the pants and shoes. I was thinking of some black skinny jeans I have that are quite comfortable and have a dressy look, plus shoes that are just a notch less casual. I agree, though, that wearing the same to each celebration would get old. Plus, a cardigan is bulky enough that you don't want to have to pack multiple versions that will each only get worn once. Hmmm. Still thinking about this.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

We’re visiting family in 2 different climate zones, but I figured a cardigan would be needed for both as restaurant temperature always hovers around frigid. We’re not really doing anything “dressy”— just family-style restaurants— and all locations are very casual, suburban or rural areas. In the past I brought heels or a clutch for festive occasions - although totally not necessary but I like to do something special—and then felt absolutely absurd driving my dad’s muddy pickup in glittery gold heels, or putting my beaded clutch down on the bar next to some farmer’s beer, you know? I just haven’t figured out how to dress “nice” in a way that is not “urban.”

The good thing about this cardigan is it doesn’t wrinkle and is very lightweight. I’m fine with dark jeans and dark sneakers or flats on the bottom, as that part is beneath the table. But I want more pizzazz up top. I think a colorful long sleeve blouse or something would feel better as it would be all “of a piece” rather than the cardigan which lets the tee underneath peek out. Perhaps the dark color and the metallic just feels too citified and not fun enough. And of course earrings or a necklace could work though I’ve noticed on previous family trips I don’t tend to wear them— too many clutching baby hands, dogs jumping up, etc....

fifthandfinest

(website)

Statement necklace and earrings to interchange and switch up the look?

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I’m not sure how dressy the occasions are. Which would affect whether you need a dressier bottom. If you will mostly be seated in person and in photos I would concentrate on my upper half. Scarfs can be very lightweight and versatile. Jewelry can also change up an outfit. And varying the color of your top from one that is dark to one that is light can significantly change your look.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

We cross posted. A beautiful blouse or two would be lovely. Good reasons to go for style in your clothing and not your accessories. Also a shorter sweater would not take up as much real estate.

bj1111

Veteran

scarves, embellished tops made of jersey or tee shirt material, a fist full of statement earrings and you have many different looks.

eg. mark lupfer-esque or embellished neckline or all-over sparkle

Eirlys

I agree with Janet and bj1111 : scarves are so versatile. They can be narrow and long or wider and shorter. They can be draped around the shoulders or over one shoulder and fastened with a brooch. They can be twisted into "necklaces", or if they have magnetic ends can be folded across the bust inside the cardigan so that the scarf resembles a blouse. A long thin one can even become a belt.

Another bonus: they take so little room in one's suitcase.

(I really like the long cardigan).

rachylou

Veteran

I think the thing is, in the pics, it’s all neutrals. Grey, black, dark blue. It’s a bit of a blank canvas. A scarf, a little necklace, a patterned blouse... something to be the focus wouldn’t be amiss...

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

https://youlookfab.com/2019/05.....in-summer/

Bennett

Veteran

Oh how funny! I have no trouble putting my embellished feet into a muddy pickup truck around here!

I know you'll figure out something amazing. The real dilemma to me would be how NOT to look exactly the same at each individual event, while not packing an ungodly amount of festive clothing. Knowing me, I would pack the needed variety of special outfits, then wear the same handful of simple daily clothes over and over. Sounds like a good question for Angie!

Aquamarine

Veteran

Unless it makes you uncomfortable, wear the dressy heels/blouse/jewelry if that’s your thing. I have a relative by marriage who rocks all the above regardless of the occasion and location. She totally owns her look.

I like your cardigan though and agree with the suggestions of scarves to change things up.

Joy

Veteran

I know what you mean. Dressing up in a rural community is so tricky. My parents lived in small town Iowa and it was so hard to get it right. A denim skirt and denim dress might feel casual to you but dressed up there. Lucky Brand boho tops may be good. A summer weight poncho over a tee and jeans is another idea. I stood out if I had clean hair! Wear metallic footwear in rather plain or casual styles,..sandals, espedrilles, Toms or wedges or even kitten heels.
I like your look in the photos with jeans and the cardigan. Jewelry or scarves might change it up a bit.

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

My first thought was scarves too, but my strongest feeling was complete empathy with the picture of visiting family in what looks to me like a typical American style restaurant. Olive Garden here we come.

Gigi

Veteran

I like Joy's suggestions.

Cee

Veteran

Maybe a bright shirt and/or lightweight sweater or just layer a statement necklace or scarf over the top.

nemosmom

Veteran

My first thought was changing the jewelry - small and lightweight and easily packable for travel. Maybe a fun hat or two if you're a hat person? I don't like to travel with lots of shoes because they take up valuable packing space.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Thanks all for your great suggestions, personal experiences, and funnies! Olive Garden indeed, I’m coming for you tomorrow for another birthday.....

Suz

(website)

Veteran

First, you look great. Second, ugh. Travel challenges!!

I agree that a blouse/ top with some interest might vary things up for you, and also perhaps a scarf (which can also be good in fridgid temps, by the way).

A completely different way to go -- and maybe not possible -- sometimes what I do when I know I'm going to be at a "sort of/ maybe" dressy event but in a rural/ suburban location --

Simple dress (I mean really simple -- like a solid coloured shift/ maybe a t-shirt dress) with cropped denim jacket over it, and a cuff/ earrings. etc. Casual shoes or sandals that maybe are in a bright colour, pattern, or metallic.

Same formula - but using a solid skirt/ top to pair as a faux "dress." This can work for travel because top and skirt can sub in other outfits.

Anonymous

Will you eat some of the yummy cheesecake for me? Agreeing w Suz re: outfits!

Liesbeth

Veteran

You look allright to me, though your typical style to me is more about funky items and proportions. Maybe one of you leather jackets can work as a topper both for casual outdoors as for festive indoors wear? And I second the other ideas of one blouse, a bunch of scarves and yes, those statement earrings if you dare to brave babies’ greedy fingers :-).
Also, some of your more ethnic accessories I’ve seen seem interesting but not too dressy to me...

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I’ll be avidly scanning the other patrons at today’s restaurant/ birthday party event!

Gretchen

Veteran

You look wonderful, and I hear you on overdressed/urban vs the people you are with. I love Suz's suggestions, and might suggest that your "simple" dress or top/skirt could be in a non-neutral color. The color will help you feel more polished even if you a dressing it down with a denim jacket or topper.