Starting to plan my travel capsule with some K or R's - YouLookFab Forum

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Starting to plan my travel capsule with some K or R's

MsMary

Veteran

Hubby and I are going to Vietnam and Cambodia in December, including a cruise down the Mekong River. I have to travel light, and I'm told it will be quite hot in the southern part of the trip. I also understand it's best to dress modestly -- bare shoulders and short shorts seem to be frowned on as well as being unwise in the sun.

I was in Marshall's and found some tunic tops, which I thought might be just the thing. What do you think? And I have ordered a ton of pants from GAP and Nordie's and BR, and these are the keeper candidates.

The K or R questions are:

1. Pink tunic, orange cotton pants
2. Aqua tunic, green cotton pants
3. Cobalt tunic, tan linen pants

The other pieces are from my existing wardrobe, including my new flip-flops in all colors (look away, Angie), which seem to be ubiquitous in that part of the world.

What do you think? Does it look like I am on to the beginnings of a fun, colorful, heat-resistant travel capsule?

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Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from Meredith1953

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Would I be crazy if I said keep everything??? I think these are all perfect - I'm especially in love with the bright pink/orange outfit in #1. These outfits look completely comfortable, appropriate and yet still stylish for your trip and the weather conditions you'll encounter.

Anonymous

Wow, that's some trip you guys have planned! I hear Vietnam is just beautiful. I like it all too. You could add light weight scarves too if you need to. And how about some flat gold sandals, I think you have some don't you? Keep. This is a great start, but it wouldn't hurt to leave the tags on in case you find things you like better.

Sylvie

Veteran

Mary, I'm probably going to be the lone voice here but the volume on volume is not working for me, given the color blocking. You always look so fab and I can't help but feel like these are a step back in your style. #4-#6 are so much more *you*.

I really would like to see the tunics worn with skinnier pants. The green ones in #2 are almost there - if the red ones in #1 were tapered like #2 they would be good. I like the pants from #3 SO much more with the fitted top in #4.

I like #4. I like the top from #6 with slimmed pants from #1. I think all three of the tunics have potential when paired with slimmer pants.

Standard disclaimer: Take with grain of salt, etc.

Anonymous

I'm not sure Mary. These are not to your usual fab. I like the tunics and the pants, just not together. Don't get me wrong, these are not awful but you have set the bar so high, you know? This is just a hard trip to pack for.
ETA: I like the last 2 outfits, the stuff you already own.

Gaylene

Veteran

I'm kind of siding with Sylvie here, Mary. The first two pictures just aren't doing it for me; to me, they look like something you might have worn pre-YLF. The cobalt blue top and linen pants are better, but they still lack something. I like your outfits in #4 and #5 quite a bit better. The last outfit looks a bit "touristy" to my eye, but could perhaps work in some situations.

I teach students from Vietnam on occasion and always marvel at how much more fashionable they are compared to their North American counterparts. I'd say their style was more like some of the looks in the Japanese pics that Angie posted on her blog a while ago but with a definite French influence. That's why I was wondering if a more sophisticated look might make you feel more like yourself, especially if you are visiting the cities. Just a thought.

Sona

Veteran

I like the pink and orange kurti but am not too hot about the rest. Try it with leggings or jeggings?

Anonymous

1, 2, 4 and 5 are my votes, but with shorts or skirts because you have killer legs and you need some skin showing for balance and the temperature

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love #3!

(NOT looking at the flip flops).

I love #3!

#5 is excellent too.

You need loose linen shirts, Mary.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ehhh... this may be my childhood haunting me, but the effect of 1-2 feels like a suburban muumuu. I'm sorry if that is an unkind way to say it, but that is what comes to mind because of Hawaiian relatives who actually wear muumuus. Maybe Zap is right that the tunics and pants would look better split up.

I do love 3, 4, and 5!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love the colours of #1, but I feel a bit like Rae. The tunics are bringing up nasty memories. Also, I think you can buy stuff that looks very similar when you are there and probably in some lovely fabrics! I mean, supposing you get any time to shop.

I know this is a killer trip to plan for. And as you know, I have lots of sympathy for trip-planning. It is SO HARD!!

In the end, it matters most that you are comfortable and prepared for the elements and what you are doing. Whether you'd wear it on the streets of your home city is not important. To a point.

But only a point. I think for each of us, that point will differ.

Some thoughts - what about skirts? The non-pencil kind. Do you wear/have any or would those be super impractical for what you will be doing?

What about slim (gasp!) ANKLE pants? Or clams? To wear with a top like in #3. Or rolled lightweight denim?

What about a simple straight dress in a lightweight jersey type fabric that won't wrinkle and can wash easily in the sink? If it is sleeveless and you will need covered arms you could add a little shrug or shawl. Though I know that would be a hassle to carry around.

Maybe all this advice is total bunk!! Maybe we should know more of what you'll be doing when there. I think I was the one who originally counselled to check into customs and what is considered respectful. So I do understand the need to cover up. On the other hand, will that be for the whole trip?

KathyL

Veteran

I really like the top in 3. I think tunics would work great in Vietnam. The traditional Vietnamese dress is called ao dai (translates to long dress). It is like a long tunic that is fitted on top and worn over loose fitting pants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ao_dai

That being said, I would pair the tunics over shorts like in #5. I think shorts are ok unless you are going to a temple or something like that. The linen pants will be great too.

MsMary

Veteran

Thanks for the input, ladies. I have to say, this is really hard. I think I have the city portions of the trip sorted from my existing wardrobe. I am really most concerned with the river cruise portion of the trip, which is a week long and will be hot and probably dirty. We will be literally traveling in villages by oxcart and rickshaw on our daily outings, and I need to be able to move around so I don't think skirts or dresses are an option.

The tunics in 1 and 2 are lightweight linen blends and I am probably going to keep them, but I do agree they need slimmer bottoms. I think they will look fine with the white Bermuda shorts, and also the tan linen pants, which I adore and am definitely keeping. The polka dot top in 4 is linen, too, so it will be great. I also have olive Bermudas, which will go with the navy top and the cobalt tunic as well as my white short-sleeved cotton shirt, which I will also be taking.

The "official" dress code is "super casual." I have seen photos of past tours and most of the ladies are wearing truly heinous ensembles of capris and ugly tops in colors not found in nature. I don't feel like I need or want to wear what I'd wear at home, but I don't want to look like I've given up, you know?

Maybe I'd be better off in tees and lightweight scarves...

Beth Ann

Veteran

Sounds love a marvelous trip, and it seems like you given a lot of thought to it -- and how your dress will help you enjoy it. What about a pair or two of athletic-performance type leggings or tech pants to go under the longer tunics? I'm thinking they might have "wicking properties," and still be closer fitting.

I'm looking for a pair of these for my trip to Michigan next week. I need to be comfortable outdoors from 50-80 degrees and be able to bike, hike, and look cute while shopping. My last trip was an epic fail. Outlet mall, here I come!

Gaylene

Veteran

I really like the tan linen pants, too, Mary. Can you tuck a more fitted top into them to give you that defined waist look that you do so well in your other outfits? I've always been so envious of women who can wear drawstring, linen pants like that. Also, have you considered pairing those pants with a gauzy shirt worn over a colored tank for a bit more coverage from sun and insects? Just a couple of thoughts for making those pants into a workhorse.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think the tan pants are great. And bonus - they won't show the dirt! Also agree the tunics will look better with shorts or slimmer bottoms of any kind, and besides, it may only be for Rae and me that they bring up weird associations.

It sounds as if you have this more under control than you fear. And if this is not for the city portions of the trip, that makes a lot more sense. (Actually, I think #4 COULD be a city outfit).

Sylvie

Veteran

I think if I was on your river trip, I would be wearing capri leggings, synthetic knit empire waist dresses and Tevas. But that's my style, not yours

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like 1. And 2. But then again, I don't mind volume-on-volume. I think you are fine in Bermuda shorts with these tunics as well.

Parsley

Veteran

It is so hard to plan for this kind of trip, isn't it?
I think that one of the hardest things for you is that your style ordinarily uses lots of different colors and draws from a vast wardrobe, and that's not easy when packing light.

My strategy for this sort of situation might not work for you, but I would take a couple of pairs of neutral, super-lightweight cotton pants (like one white, one stone) which I could wash out as needed and would dry quickly, then incorporate color with a handful of loose gauzy tops. And I'd probably throw in a t-shirt dress for variety.

( I don't know whether that qualifies me as one of those heinously dressed ladies or not, LOL!)

I think your tan linen pants should work well, provided that they're very lightweight and you're OK with the rumpled look.

Good luck, I know you'll look fab no matter what!

Krista

Veteran

MaryK - I like all of these! I think they will be wonderful for your trip. I've done some trips similar to yours and stuck with practical neutrals in gear-type styles. I was so tired of them by the time I was halfway through the trip and I look back on the pictures and cringe a little. If these work for you and bring you joy - pack your suitcase with them!

MsMary

Veteran

LOL Sylvie! You're right -- leggings and dresses is just not my style at all!

Parsley, I like your idea, and you couldn't be heinously dressed if you tried! I love the rumpled look of the linen pants and am heartbroken that they were only available in the one size! I may try to track them down in another color.

One of my real challenges is that I'm not 100% sure of what the weather will actually be like. Has anybody been to South Vietnam in December? I know it will be cool/cold in the north but the south has me stumped!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Mary, FWIW, I think you are 100% fine with what you already have in your wardrobe for this trip. Truly. I know that neck of the woods quite well (hot and cool at the same time in Dec), and you are covered both for city life and excursions! Look at the weather reports a few days before you pack and we will help you dot the i's and cross the t's.

Jonesy

Veteran

I wonder too about relying on the fab stuff you already have in your closet? What about that A-line denim skirt you wore maybe last week, with some short-sleeved tops? Do you need to have full arm coverage, or could you do short sleeves?

Anonymous

I love #3. I think the shirt in #5 looks too big....

lynn

Veteran

I love 4 & 5! What about tee shirts with fuller pants and wearing the tunics with bermudas? I wonder about the heat with long pants but maybe bugs are an issue? If I had your legs I would never want to hide them! Have fun!

MsMary

Veteran

Yes, bugs are an issue. Also apparently it's impolite to wear even Bermuda shorts to the temples, although plenty of people do it. I think the pants in 1 and 2 are going back because they are not lightweight enough for super hot weather. Even though I love the orange ones. *sigh* I found some linen pants on sale in navy, black, and turquoise so we'll see how they look when they arrive.

As for tops, yes, I will pack some tees to go with the fuller pants. And other than that I don't think I'll stress too much because apparently all kinds of clothing are available super cheap so I can buy what I need if it's not in my suitcase.

Meanwhile, Hubby hit a home run with some lightweight cargo pants from LL Bean, so he is all set!

Meredith1953

Veteran

Such great advice here. I really love the tunic top in #1 but agree that slimmer bottoms would work best. You have such a great wardrobe you will have plenty of options to choose from!