Lessons learned with my travel wardrobe

Hello YLF,

Mona was asking in my last post to share my travel capsule wardrobe.As I told her there we traveled no more than 4 days at a time without coming home so most of my outfits were programed by day but there were certain things that I realized and would like to share if only to make them clear in my head.

1.You shall wear the clothes(outfits) you already have.
Probably this is obvious for everybody else but it just hit me this time. Instead of choosing (and buying) the perfect new outfit to wear in the X destination place , take things that you know look good on you, you know that don't get all scrunched up.
This way it was easier to choose what to pack and I didn't spend all day wondering it something looked good or not.

2.Allow for layers and a closed pair of shoes even in summer
This summer has been very hot and in our trip to Quebec I thought a pair of sandals would be enough.As it happens, even with warm weather I would have felt confortable with a pair of closed shoes for dinner and a pair of pants(or leggings) was also welcome.My trustworthy scarf and a long sleeved jacket were already in my bag.

3.Nights in other cities are cold
This might be very personal, maybe it is just me that runs cold at night in unknown hotel beds.I find that the ac in hotels(no matter how good the hotels) are a tricky business and you can never get the right temperature.So I always pack some long(er) legs sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt(along with a sleevless one) to sleep in.

4. Pack one backup outfit.
Many things can happen during a trip, especially with a young child and having a backup outfit into which I can take a shower a dress myself in makes me feel reinvigorated if necessary.

5. Follow your own advice when packing for DH and DD.
Probably another obvious one for you and really self explanatory.

Sorry for the long post and I hope I don't sound like I am trying to teach anyone, because I am no expert whatsoever. I just wanted to share.

Thank you for reading.

13 years ago

rute

Veteran

Loved this post! I made some mistakes also in my trip to Italy:
- Not enough jackets (the air conditioning was so cold in hotels and public places)!
- I made the mistake of taking with me only causal dresses that don't wrinkle but I missed more stylish outfits, I should have taken some pants, tops.
- not enough acessories, scarfs and bold jewelery make it all more fun!

rachylou

I like your "wear what you have" tip a lot.

I've had had the *travel clothes* wardrobe - quick-dry synthetic materials, everything all loose and drapey, bought from the travel catalog as a set. And while I admit I wore everything for years, even at home, you know... I got turned off eventually. You're always unmistakeably in *travel clothes.* You always kinda look like a wanna-be artist who probably fumbles a bit with wadded newspaper and calls it *social critique in papier-mâché.*

In the end, you want your normal clothes.

shiny

For #3, I always pack thick wool socks, two pairs. One to sleep in for comfy warm feet. Also to walk around in the hotel -- it grosses me out to walk bare foot on hotel room floors.

And a second pair which I switch into on the plane. Not only because my feet tend to freeze on planes, but because my feet tend to swell to enormous proportions with the cabin pressurization changes. I've had situations where my feet swell in my shoes so much, I wound up with blisters everywhere -- before I even arrived at my destination. And that is just no fun at all, especially if the trip involves lots of walking.

I'll add #6: choose sleepwear that you won't be embarrassed in if there is a fire in the hotel and everyone has to evacuate. (Yeah, I know I'm weird... it's never happened but *it could*... ).

I don't wear robes at home... but I must say, I eventually got one for travel. Like when you want to sneak down the hall for ice or something.

krishnidoux

Great tips here!

Laurinda

Wool socks are a great idea!

For sleepwear I bring a comfy tank top and shorts that could do double duty (for working out or as a layer).

DonnaF

True, they were adults/near adults, but I wish I had checked their travel wardrobes when we toured Midwest colleges two Aprils ago. I told DH and DD that rain had been forecast and that it got cold at night, and actually it ended up snowing 5" at one point. DH packed NOTHING long sleeve, not even a shirt or windbreaker! DD packed sneakers with holes in the bottom and fabric dressier shoes!!! DD had to live with the consequences of her foolishness, and we made a quick trip to Walmart (only store for miles around) in between appointments and learned that virtually no warm clothing is available at that time of year. I, of course, brought perfect clothes for the weather: Dansko clogs which kept me about the water and snow and layers with coordinating scarves.

We will again be flying back next week with DD's college stuff, but this time I will be grilling DH about what he will be packing, as thunderstorms and cool night weather are predicted. I hate being a cop mom!

Transcona Shannon

This is a really helpful post Celia - thanks for sharing your insights!

Glory

Great post - thanks for sharing. You mentioned the need for closed toe's. I feel that same need every time we go away. What do you think you would select for closed toe- sneakers, flats? This one is such a struggle for me.

Suz

(website)

Terrific post, Celia! Thank you for sharing your insights. I agree it can be a good idea to bring closed toe shoes. I always feel more comfortable in closed toes if it is rainy, for example. Nothing worse than damp, cold feet - and they easily feel cold if you go from hot outdoors to A/C indoors.

cheryl

Great insights and tips!

Lisa

Thanks for sharing, helpful insights and tips here!

seattleattic

Active Member

Thanks for the tips! I'm planning a three-day trip to New York in mid-September. My itinerary includes one day of a bike tour, one day of shopping and a Broadway show and one day to go to the Metropolitan Museum and bookstores. Any thoughts on what I should take with me?

Thanks for any advice!

Ornella

Some great tips Celia and one thing I've learnt here on YLF - what is obvious to some is not to everyone
I'll definitely be making sure to take closed shoes when I travel in the future.

Mona

Wonderful ideas, Celia. I am going to London in september and can use most of these tips. definitely closed toe shoes with socks as i run very cold.

Anonymous

I love this post Celia. You are so right about everything. Two realizations you made really resonated with me. Those were the backup outfit ( I was nodding my head) and the frigid AC in hotels. You are such a smart traveler.
Shiny, I had such a chuckle at your remark on the evacuation. Yes, it does happen. It happened to me!!!! Yep, it was rather weird to see my boss in bermuda shorts and I was wearing a nightie ewwww.... Never again. I sleep in sweatpants and tee when traveling for work.

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