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.