Talk to me about your travel clothes... - YouLookFab Forum

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Talk to me about your travel clothes...

Runcarla

Veteran

I've been thinking about airport as runway and travel specific garments off and on since DH and I sketched out our travel plans for the next year. Annagybe's recent query about a skirt/legging combo for an upcoming trip prompted me to post.

Do you have clothing you use ONLY when travelling? Do you shop for clothing items before you go on a trip? Do you shop while travelling? Do you dress up or down while travelling? Do your packing practices change depending on mode of travel - plane/train/bus (public transit) vs personal car? How does travel affect the curating of your closet?

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27 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Ooo,where are you planning to go?As to the answers to your questions,it depends where I am going.This year we went to Mallorca so I did buy some new hot weather tops and swimwear.Last year we went to the scilly isles where the weather is the same as it is here so I did not buy anything new,no need.l don’t keep a separate holiday wardrobe but I know a lot of people who do and it makes sense if you go back to the same place repeatedly as you know what you will need but we tend to do a different place every year so this strategy wouldn’t work for me.I travel very casually because I know that I will have to lift cases,rucksacks etc So no point being posh!But on the other hand there were people on our short haul daytime flights dressed in sleepsuits.lm not quite ready to be that casual!

JAileen

Veteran

I don't take special clothes for the plane. My bag is usually filled with gear.

I used to have nylon pants with zip off legs and lots of pockets. They were really awful looking, and uncomfortable, too. I found fairly nice looking nylon pants from Columbia (Anytime Outdoor Pant). They stretch and have a tie at the waist for a perfect fit. These were a real game changer on our last two trips, to Alaska and Manitoba. I didn’t take any jeans at all. Jeans are too heavy and bulky. In Manitoba, when it really rained, and my “waterproof” pants proved worthless, these pants got soaked, but dried in less than half an hour, while I was wearing them. I liked them so much that last spring I got them in black for the bell ringing choir.

On our road trip this spring, I took clothes for a wide range of temperatures (27 to 90). I took a mix of gear and regular clothes. My bag weighed a ton! For our recent Manitoba trip, we left regular clothes at the hotel in Winnipeg, things we wouldn’t need at Hudson Bay, but would need in Minneapolis, such as crops and sandals.

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LaPed

Veteran

I'm going to write a packing post soon! I don't have travel-specific clothing, but a lot of my everyday clothes are bought with my travel criteria in mind: comfortable in a broad range of temperatures, stain-hiding colours/patterns, comfortable/quick-drying enough to wear in the rain, loose and stretchy enough to wear for a full day on plane/train/bus, not too wrinkle-prone or precious in any way. I usually opt for the colours I won't get tired of: black, olive, navy with a smattering of white, red/burgundy, and lighter blues.

I am a carry-on traveler and am happier getting by with a minimal amount of stuff rather than trying to schlep heavy/bulky bags. This puts a limit on the amount of shopping I do, but I'm so incapable of making impulse purchases that I probably wouldn't buy much even if I had the extra space in my luggage. I don't set a rigid limit on how many pieces of clothing I bring, because it depends largely on what the weather and trip activities will be. I do plan to wear everything more than once, and bring merino underwear and socks that are easy to wash in the sink and dry overnight. I aim for two pairs of shoes on most trips -- one pair of sneakers for trails, parks, and all-day walking, and one "nicer" pair (sandals, oxfords, or boots, depending on season) for mostly-indoor days, dinners out, etc.

Preppy Pear

Veteran

I have an oversized hoodie thing I got from Athleta a few years ago that always goes with me and has become something I only use when traveling. It makes a great blanket for me or my four year old in the car or on the plane, it is a great layer under a coat or a jacket, and if I want to work out in the hotel, it’s a nice cover-up over my workout gear to and from the gym. It also still looks new through all the use and washings.

On planes, I am generally not dressy unless I have a meeting with no time to change. I generally wear jeans and fashion sneakers.

I’m a pretty light packer, except for shoes. Shoes are tricky because even on short trips, I need at least three pairs - dressy, casual, and gear. And since I wear an 11, my shoes take up lots of luggage space. Often my gear shoes are the bulkiest, and it would make sense to wear them in the airport, but I don’t feel very fab doing that - I admit that I’d rather check a bag.

The Cat

Veteran

Interesting subject, Carla. I look forward to reading other forum members' comments and hope you will tell us a bit about your own experiences and/or plans.

Here are my answers to your questions:

No, I don't have or want clothes I use only when travelling.

I usually don't shop for clothing items before going on a trip. But of course, if I have a specific need, I will do so.

I sometimes shop while travelling-- if I see something I like and can afford it. It's seldom for needs while I am away, though.

My style is casual elegant and a little playful--also when I travel. I guess some might think I look dressed up, while others might think I dress look dressed down. I am simply myself and choose what feels natural to me. Compared to my work outfits, my travel outfits are dressed down. However, contrary to many others, who seem to always travel in jeans or leggings, I sometimes travel in nice pants/trousers, a skirt or even a dress. My outfit has to be comfortable, though.

I mostly travel by bus, sometimes by car and sometimes by plane. I might be a bit more dressed up when going by public transportation than by going by personal car. But my packing practices don't change much. Well, for a trip by car I might choose to pack in two soft bags instead of one hard suitcase. The actual content of the bags/suitcase will depend on the planned activities at my destinations. Nevertheless, there are items I want to bring practically anywhere I go. Among these are: ballet flats, shawl, and cardigan.

I am not sure whether travel affects the curating of my closet. Would probably organize things the same way if I was going to stay home for a long time. However, for many years I have had to travel at least every other weekend, in addition to some longer travels each year, and I prefer clothing items that can be used for several purposes and styled in a variety of ways. My clothes are stored by categories (dresses, skirts, pant, jeans, blouses, buttonfront shirts, turtlenecks, crewnecks, shawls / big scarves, smaller scarves, etc. etc.), so it's easy to find items I am looking for. Generally, my closet contains only items which are fairly clean and ironed and doesn't need repair. I do laundry about once a week. Items needing ironing, repair or new buttons are kept in a small separate zone of my closet, so I can still easily see them and, if I want to bring any of them, manage to take action one or two days before I go.

rachylou

Veteran

When there was such a thing as travel shops, I had a complete set of travel clothes. Not that I bought them in a shop; they were from a catalog. Mix and match, fast dry. Palazzo pants and swingy tees. Then I decided they were ugly.

In any case, I no longer have special travel clothes. I do like to shop before going anywhere and when traveling, but I can’t say I come away with anything these days: I have learned my lesson about having more than I can carry.

I dress down now because of the way I travel, where I go and what I do. An A-line skirt, fitted tees, jumper and walking shoes do it for me in all situations, plus a pair of pants for when it’s cold.

That all said, I HAVE been wanting travel clothes like I used to have - designed for mix and match - or some
sort of long, sack/kaftan/lagen-look dress that would be more interesting than my unimaginative A-line skirt outfit...

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

For the plane I wear leggings, a big cardigan (wool or cotton, depending on the season), compression socks, and easy off sneakers. Unless it's a really short trip I check a bag, because I'm often carrying on camera gear.
I have a tendency to buy some new things for trips, but I try to incorporate them in my existing wardrobe.
I will fully admit to not being the most efficient packer, lots of just in case things.

ETA, for car trips I almost always overpack. Most of time it's just me and mostly trips to see Dad. I am trying to get better

Bonnie

Veteran

What I pack depends on weather and where I'm going. This year, we took a trip to Seattle with two days of travel, two days involved with a wedding, and two days seeing the city including art museums and the opera. This was was first trip wearing only one pant outfit and 4 dresses. I found it a super easy trip to pack for. Next trip will be camping in Yosemite so flannel shirts, hiking pants, boots, and warm toppers all of which I have in my wardrobe already. That will be an easy packing trip, too. The only trips I might buy stuff for are the every couple of years trips overseas that last for 3+ weeks. I like to carry on everything, so packing becomes a challenge.

Sal

Veteran

I don’t have a seperate travel wardrobe - we do a mix of things so my needs change. We do usually have a week or so at the family beach house so I do have a beach capsule (one piece, bikini, beach cover ups, hats, rash shirt etc). But this gets used at other times too.

I usually check a bag when travelling but I am a relatively restrained packer except for shoes.

I occasionally shop prior to a trip ( this year walking sandals and a light puffer). I do shop on a trip - I find clothing or jewelry can be a practical souvenir.

Casual or dressy - depends on the location. Our NZ road trips were very casual as lots of hiking and small towns. If I go to cities I prefer to be a bit more dressy.

I do have a good friend with a dedicated merino travel wardrobe. It really works well for her,

JAileen

Veteran

Rachy, we have a travel shop nearby. In fact, it’s within walking distance of our house. I got my Scotte Vest there.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I'm sleepy! Seriously, when I fly, I love to lie down and nap if at all possible. Even if I can't do that, I'm likely to contort myself someway, and might very well have my feet up on my seat or my son's. So soft, flexible, and crotch-covering in all positions are my requirements. A knit dress and leggings or thick tights are my favorites.

What I wear when I get where I'm going depend on where it is & what I'm doing, of course.

notsaf

Veteran

This is possibly my favorite topic! I have described my everyday style as "airport chic" just because I think about this so much!

The only thing I wear *out of the house* only while travelling are my super-cheap, super-comfy, very popular, one-size-fits-all Amazon leggings, which I've mentioned elsewhere on the forum recently. For long haul flights, I wear them with cute shoes under a longline knit (sweater or cardigan) and usually a trench coat, so no one is seeing my bum! They are astoundingly comfy and become loungewear/Pj's wherever I land.

I used to make the mistake of shopping in preparation for big trips only to show up somewhere to find that the item I liked at home (a black overcoat, a straw Panama hat) was not quite right where I landed. Now, on longer trips, I anticipate shopping for a few pieces wherever I am, which is a wonderful way to build my wardrobe and to make sure I have what feels best where I end up.

My packing habits are very minimal (I once packed for 1.5 months in Singapore in a carry-on only: it helps when the destination climate is hot since clothes are less bulky!), no matter what method of travel. That said, I often come home with a few more pieces that I left with and am happy with that.

Thanks for the thread, Carla!

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Runcarla

Veteran

@Cardiff girl - I travel every other month (by car) to visit/check on my mother, but I have 3 trips coming up that involve time changes! October I will travel to Bellevue/Seattle, Washington for a week to visit my father (who is doing poorly). February DH and I will go somewhere hot (yet to be determined) for 10-14 days. In May we will travel to the UK for 3 weeks of adventuring.

Like La Pedestrienne what makes a garment work for my everyday translates to good travel clothes. I don't buy travel specific clothes, but when I pick up something, I often find myself thinking 'Ah! This would make a good travelling pant/top/layering piece, etc. ' Though I don't have anything that is 'travel only' I do have some garments that don't get a ton of wear normally, but are 'go to's' for travel - my cognac leather jacket, and chambray button down come to mind.

I do plan for a little shopping on trips. I research what is authentic to a place I'm going to and seek it out, but I try to be open to wildcards. My favourite cycling shirt (amazing ventilation) came from the Caicos Cyclery in Turks and Caicos, and my best wool socks EVER came from Ireland. DH LOVES to shop abroad!

The first time I travelled abroad, I dressed (and packed) like I was going on safari! LOL! Photos from that trip (a month in England, Scotland, and Wales) reveal very un-fab style (fleece top, cargo pants, sports, hiking boots) I later read someone tongue in cheek writing about tourist outfits, and recognized myself in the stereotype. My travelling style is now dressy casual, similar to what I wear at home. I do a little research about cultural sensitivities in order to be respectful of the place I'm visiting. I definitely 'dress up' for travel day with two caveats - nothing that will set off detectors, and layers for variable temperatures over which I have no control!

An Air Canada rolling suitcase (20 X 14 X 7 inches) has been in service for 15+ years. It fits overhead compartments in planes, trains, and buses, and once in a pinch, under the seat in front of mine. I use it for trips both short and long. I'll check it if DH is checking his, or if we don't have tricky connections. If I'm travelling with my car I'll add a gym bag with full compliment of gym kit, and DH and I will fill a big tote with extra footwear!

Though I'm pretty set in my travel packing ways, I'm always open to anything that makes things easier/better - so I learn from all the responses to posts like this. I think packing threads could be my favourite threads on the forum!

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Irina

Veteran

This me in Barcelona in 2016. For the plane ride, I wore a cream merino t-shirt instead of white shirt. I always wear a jacket or a trench when travel.
I don’t have a travel wardrobe, mostly take my weekend clothes and a couple of weekday pieces. All my clothes must fit into a carry on. Two or three pairs of shoes and another jacket, jeans, a cardigan, pants, a few tops and a white shirt - that’s all.

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cindysmith

Veteran

When I travel alone, I have a tendency to dress for the journey in a way that makes it very clear that i will shank you if you even look at me funny so that no people will want to talk to me.

Just kidding, but not by much. I do tend to dress in some of my more dystopian type of looks when I travel, just because it tends to keep people at a distance. And my travel footwear is almost always boots, the stompier the better. Like, combat boots or tactical boots or black OTK boots, or harness boots, or even lace up competition ropers with lug soles because they're actually designed for roping cows. Boots are my comfort zone, which makes it easier to run if I have to make a connecting flight. They also give my walk a certain attitude that's nice when I don't want to be sociable when I'm getting something to eat.

Once I am at my destination, I tend to dress for the occasion/company/location. Like, I tend to wear less frightening looks when I visit mom and go for a more minimalist version of myself. I tend to have a wee tiny bit of a boho flair when visiting DH's family because they're all artists and they're very granola-crunchy tree-hugger intellectual folks. When we traveled around to theaters for Q&A with the cast of the documentary my husband was in, I definitely dressed like a more upscale version of my usual RATE self. At the beach, I tend to go for luxe leisure: wide leg Jersey pants and drapey jersey tops and simple flats and etc.

The one constant is that I'm dressed like I will shank you while I am en route to or from my destination LOL

Style Fan

Veteran

All my clothes are travel clothes. One of my style goals has been to create a small, cohesive wardrobe that works well for traveling. I am almost there.
I always shop when I travel. I buy the majority of my clothes when I am on trips. We live in a rural setting and we usually go somewhere urban.
Sometimes we go on a trip while we are on a trip. I can pack for up to a week in a carry on (I have the same Air Canada one as you do Carla) and tote bag quite easily. My biggest problem is always footwear. I have to bring several changes of footwear. My packing list is similar to Irina's except I always bring Yoga clothes.

Runcarla

Veteran

@Cindysmith-DH was bumped up to first class on KLM once, so I nurture fantasies. ;-D and dress accordingly. I think I need celebrity sunnies, but my prescription costs a fortune so I haven't gone there yet.

rachylou

Veteran

I envy you, JAileen! I love travel shops and clever gear.

Now I’m thinking about my dad. He would get upgraded, and thus me, because he was so obviously a refined, befuddled old-world gentleman who needed to be protected from snack boxes and have real linen napkins. Lol

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Will come back to read this thread carefully later, but my biggest travel rule is to have one incredibly reliable pair of shoes, and better if it is rainproof. My last trip I ended up wearing a pair of Teva like shoes, not to be trendy necessarily but just to not ruin my other shoes. I was impressed.

Joy

Veteran

Do you have clothing you use ONLY when travelling? No, but I do “save” some that work especially well for travel. These are mostly shoes that are very light weight and comfortable for all day walking. I usually wear one pair and pack 2 more. If I am taking booties, I wear them when traveling.
Do you shop for clothing items before you go on a trip? I used to to fill any gaps but hardly need to any more.
Do you shop while travelling? No usually unless I really need something like warmer clothes or I have worn out my footwear..
Do you dress up or down while travelling? I dress up especially when flying and have been bumped up probably because of it.
Do your packing practices change depending on mode of travel - plane/train/bus (public transit) vs personal car? Yes. We travel very lightly, always a carry on because that is what we can handle one planes or public transport. By personal car I may throw in some extra things, usually coats or boots.
How does travel affect the curating of your closet? I usually plan travel around black if headed to a large city or denim if in a rural area, so make sure I have these colors in a variety of pieces (a column of color) . I also make sure I have comfortable shoes that will work for both casual and more dressy venues across seasons.
When shopping I keep seasonal travel capsules in mind, especially what will pack small, is light weight and will coordinate with my wardrobe.
Oh, I pack one pair of pants and wear one and wear a tank under a blouse under a jacket under a trench coat and a scarf, and flat footwear over socks or no- show footies in case I have to take off my shoes. I do not wear or take jewelry...gets lost too easily. I pack tops in a variety of weights from sleeveless to a pull over cashmere sweater. I pack 2-3 sets of underwear that can dry quickly after being washed out in the sink, sleep in underwear and use my trench for a robe if needed. I buy a cheap umbrella at the destination having had to have luggage searched because of the way a folded umbrella looks in an X-ray.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Cindysmith, my son’s strategy for not getting mugged, he told me Friday, is basically to dress with that vibe you use while traveling to & from. Then he described an outfit he’s never worn, lol.

rose

The best travel-only item I’ve purchased is a Halogen cashmere travel wrap- after seeing a post from Angie! It’s cosy, comforting and long enough to wrap right round my shoulders on long haul flights. I’ve used it so much!

Lucy

Veteran

I have one main item I only ever use for travel - a knee length black puffer! I have no need for it in my hot and humid climate but it has been an excellent companion across a number of cold countries! I bought it in London when I realised my wool coat was not going to do the job as we headed up to Edinburgh. Definitely a wise travel purchase.
Other than that, I wear my normal clothes, padded out by a couple of Uniqlo heat tech items.
Doing the long haul flight from Australia to the UK or West Coast USA can be up over 30 hours, even 35 hours, door to door. I wear denim with a forgiving waist band as after 30 hours I find leggings start to want to walk home on their own. I tend to dress the top half up, so I look presentable, and I always take a wrap to hide under as I try to nap on the plane.
Everything else is just my normal clothes, with whatever are my most comfy shoes of the moment. Comfy shoes are my packing essential.

nemosmom

Veteran

Nodding along with LaPed - many of my everyday pieces work for comfortable travel. I don't keep a separate travel capsule, although I do shop with "travelability" (that should be a real word) in mind, and I tend to reach for certain items first when packing for a trip.

My packing preferences also depend on the trip itself - I am a very light traveler; I prefer to take only ONE bag for myself, regardless of mode of travel. I don't like hauling multiple pairs of shoes and bulky items like toppers, so I try to pack with outfit versatility in mind. I don't mind repeating items during the trip.

My travel outfit depends on where I'm going. It's always layers - usually a basic tee with dark skinny jeans or thick legging. Over that, I layer an oversized sweater or a button up shirt under my Barbour jacket, and for my feet it's a comfy slip-on sneaker (I like Dr Scholls Wander Up and have them in taupe and coconut) with no-show socks.

I don't usually shop before a trip unless there is something specific
to the trip that I know I will need. I also don't plan to shop when I
get there, but I will pick up an unexpected trinket if it's a special
trip, or if I stumble on something small that makes my heart sing.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES, I have a few designated travel items - but wear them not traveling either. Theory blazer, pants for 37 hr flights, IYKWIM.

I ALWAYS shop when I travel which is why I never do carry-on, and have a home full of global treasures.

Sometimes I shop before a trip - like for a swimwear capsule, or special event. But usually not.

I dress how I normally dress when I'm on a trip. No change. I don't do the outdoorsy gear trip thing anymore.

I always pack the same way.

JAileen

Veteran

I bought quick dry tops earlier this year and took them to Alaska and Canada. The idea was I could wash them out and rewear them. I was planning to wear them on our local birding outings, too. In Alaska, they were not dry the next morning, but they were dry the next day. Here at home, the tops were practically dry before I hung them up. However, the static is insurmountable. Nothing really works. This is very disappointing.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I don't have travel-only dedicated items, no—but I do have travel FFB outfits for various situations.

I sometimes shop when I travel and like to bring a wearable souvenir if I can find something. But mostly it will be something small and easily packable like a scarf or a piece of jewellery. On some trips, I've purchased necessary gear on site because I figured my available options would be better at the location.

I rarely shop ahead of time for a trip -- only if I'll be engaging in an unfamiliar activity and need new gear for that.

I dress for the situation on a trip. If my trip involves a lot of hiking etc. I will bring more gear. If I am giving a presentation, something dressier/ more professional. Etc.

I travel by foot, train, bus, car, plane, and occasionally boat. And my packing does vary depending on the mode of transport. But honestly, I've done it all—hauled huge bags onto the train by myself and up flights of stairs, or gone light with little more than a backpack. Ultimately, what matters to me more is what I need to do on this trip. I'm often combining business and leisure when I travel, or family visits with work and/or shopping excursions. That means I need a varied wardrobe on my trips just as I do at home. Obviously, I try to keep things lighter weight if I'm going to be schlepping a lot of stairs with a bag and needing to lift it high and low—but in the end my activities dictate for me. Also, my practical need for multiple types of shoe.

I'm not sure my frequent travel affects my wardrobe apart from my decision to purchase really good suitcases! Oh, and to own an excellent travel tote as well.