Why Your Travel Wardrobe Should Still Look Like You
Going through my photos from the trip, I realized I’d made a classic blogger mistake. I didn’t buy a whole new wardrobe before I left. No resort capsule, no matching sets ordered because they’d look good against a temple, no carefully curated “vacation looks” built more for content than for a body that sweats, walks, and has been on a plane for sixteen hours. A proper blogger would have had affiliate links lined up before she cleared customs. I showed up with clothes I already owned. Rookie move.
I packed the way I usually suggest packing: with pieces I already owned, trusted, and knew I’d wear. And then Singapore threw a monkey wrench into my carefully considered plan.
I’d underestimated the heat and humidity. Some pieces worked beautifully. Others felt heavier than expected by mid-afternoon, and “I’ll just wear this again” becomes a more ambitious plan when you’ve been outside for twelve minutes, and your linen shirt is plastered to your back.
So I did a tiny bit of local shopping. Not to become someone else, and not to dress like a fantasy version of Southeast Asia, but to fill the gaps my suitcase exposed. A lighter piece here, something breezier there. Small adjustments that helped me function better in the climate while still looking like me.
There’s a difference between buying something because a trip revealed a real wardrobe gap and buying a whole new wardrobe because you think travel requires a different version of yourself.
You may also enjoy reading Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Travel
WEARING – BUCKET HAT / TOMMY BAHAMA SHORTS / SEERSUCKER SHIRT / WAIST BAG
Travel Style Doesn’t Mean Ignoring Where You Are
Most of us don’t want to look wildly out of place when we travel. But there’s a difference between taking cues from a destination and packing for an imaginary version of yourself.
In Paris, that might mean cleaner lines, darker neutrals, and comfortable shoes that still look polished. In Singapore, it meant lighter fabrics, sleeveless tops, and accepting that humidity has a way of editing your standards before breakfast.
WEARING – RAFFIA HAT / QUINCE LINEN PANTS / SIMILAR TEE
The goal isn’t to look like a local, because locals don’t all dress alike. The goal is to look like you understood where you were going and still packed for the body, the feet, the preferences, and the life you actually have.
You may enjoy How to Pack a Hat in a Carry-on Without Crushing It
Why The Wrong Clothes Can Derail The Whole Day
We’ve all experienced this. A dress that won’t stay put means you spend the day tugging at it. The wrong shoes turn a lovely museum afternoon into a study in personal regret. Travel makes this even more obvious because we’re already slightly out of our routines.
That’s where travel wardrobes go sideways. We pack for the fantasy itinerary, the fantasy climate, or the fantasy woman who never sweats, never needs arch support, and looks serene after a long haul flight. I have yet to meet her, but I admire her from a safe distance.
The better question isn’t “what would a stylish woman wear there?” It’s “what would help me feel appropriate and prepared for where I am, while still working for my body, my feet, and my actual day?”
The best travel wardrobe isn’t the one that looks most like a vacation. It’s the one that still looks like you.
Do you buy new clothes before you travel, or do you pack what you already own? I’d love to know in the comments.
Never do I buy new shoes for a trip. This could totally derail things for me. Maybe a new top or two but that is pretty much it for shopping prior. I pack my tried and true capsule and usually enjoy wearing those things.
More often than not I am going tropical and those items only see vacations as I live in the PNW. They are not my regular daily wardrobe items and often feel ‘new’ to me.
That makes total sense!
I know this sounds crazy, but sometimes I don’t like to go on vacation because its such a daunting task to figure out what to pack. The weather always throws a curve ball – if I pack lighter options, I’m freezing and if I pack heavier options, I’m melting. And you can’t always trust the weather forecast. Gone are the days when I used to check luggage. Now its all about trying to survive with a carry-on.
This was the first time I checked a bag, and I probably could have skipped it.
I bought a few new things for recent travel on a Danube cruise, one of which was a pair of Athleta pants you recommended. They packed easily and were comfortable for the long plane. It was warmer than expected, so I wore the lone white t-shirt 3 times & never wore 2 sweaters or a long-sleeved tencil jean shirt waist dress. It worked well to layer a long sleeved linen and a long sleeved white shirt as jacket tops. I mostly wore comfortable jeans and khakis with solid cotton long sleeved T’s & comfortable Adidas tennis shoes I had bought & broken in two months prior. Easy to wash a few pairs of underwear in sink.
We loved the Danube. Such a beautiful trip.
We started in Kyoto at the end of June. It was a mix of spring weather warm cool and sometimes wet. I packed jeans I owned slip on Sketchers which I sprayed with waterproof spray before we left, Lands End light waterproof jacket, Quince cashmere v-neck sweaters and a few t-shirts. Some days were hotter and I wore my sweater around my waist. The slip on shoes were good walking shoes and easy to take off when visiting a temple.
I did buy some black Rothy’s for the trip and LOVE them. They dress up or down and were super comfortable. After Kyoto we headed to Tokyo where we did some sightseeing before getting our ship for 2 more stops in northern Japan, brr. Jeans and layers here. Then headed out across the Pacific to Alaska also cold and rainy, also jeans and layers. Back on the ship we dressed for dinner each night. I had 2 pairs of dressy black pants and one pair of cream. I paired them with black or cream tops and a silk and velvet reversible jacket, a purple silk jacket from my MOG outfit and a beaded turquoise wrap. All 3, I have had for years but investment pieces that keep on giving. So in the end I bought very little specifically for my trip. We had some exciting weather crossing the Pacific in May. While we had a great time that bucket list item is crossed off.
That sounds like an amazing trip and your wardrobe sounds perfect. I would go back to Japan in a heartbeat.
What a great post, Jennifer
First of all, I love that pretty blue and white kurta on you. I can tell you like wearing it, too. You look very fresh and comfortable, and of course, it really suits a temple visit.
I love your comments about fantasy packing. I have a hard time packing for a hot tropical trip when it’s cold and grey outside, and visa versa. I have a few reliable pieces that help – one of which is an inexpensive black “broomstick” skirt in black silk that has got me through several unexpectedly hot and humid situations where I couldn’t even bear to wear pants. A simple silk or rayon top in a print made it work fine. I also find my airplane wardrobe often gets put away completely once I land in a hot and humid place. I can’t tolerate those comfy cotton knit pants and long-sleeved top and sneakers with socks that were so cozy on the long flights.
I do love that you are smart enough to go shopping locally and find such great pieces. This was a really interesting post.
This is such excellent advice, Jennifer! We travel internationally about twice a year. Matching my wardrobe to the climate is always a challenge! I only take clothes I have worn previously, so I know they are comfortable and flattering. It’s hardest to take into account humidity, wind, and sunshine vs. cloudy weather. I usually focus on layers, breathable fabrics, and items that can be hand washed and will dry quickly. I have rarely done well when I take new clothes – either they are physically uncomfortable over the course of a long day, or I feel like I’m wearing a costume.
You’re smart Ruth.
You look adorable in every photo. I’m so happy you shared this spicier version of you!
Sheri
Thanks Sheri
The trip looks amazing from the posts you have made. Not for sure I could of handled the humidity! ( Even though the humidity here is pretty bad, I am sure it was still on a different level.) I have clothing I wear on a trip. They are generally not what I wear at home. They work for the adventure I am on.
That’s smart!
I do a little of both. For a recent trip to French Polynesia, I bought a beautiful kaftan, some white gauze pants, and white gauze shorts. I live in southwest Florida so I will wear the pants and shorts again. Not sure where I will wear the beautiful kaftan. My husband and I travel a lot so I have bought a lot of “travel” clothes over the years. Depending on the climate, I take 3 pair of Athleta Endless pants, or 3 pair of Athleta Wayfind shorts with Frank and Eileen “Patty” shirts and a cotton hoodie. J McLaughlin Catalina cloth dresses round out my no-wrinkle basics. Shoes are Hokas, Paul Green, and sandal or Margaux ballet flat. After I get that packed, I add the “fantasy” clothes!
I only packed one pair of Athleta Pants and was sorry I didn’t bring more. Having a travel wardrobe is smart! Many of the other guests on our tour, who travel a lot, did and they were always prepared for the weather.
I love this post! Great information and reminders! I’ve fallen into some of these traps in the past and hope I never repeat them! Thanks for the wonderful advice!
This is one of my favorite topics! You’re right about bringing clothes & shoes that make you feel like yourself. That definitely makes for a better & more comfortable trip. I tend to overpack, and then I almost always go shopping while traveling, so my bag just gets even fuller (sigh!). This is weighing on me now because I’ve got a trip later in the summer that’s going to involve different weather in 3 cities, one of which is often cool & rainy, while the other 2 may be quite warm. My goal is to try very hard not to overpack & to plan on a few laundry days. I’ve already started looking for nearby laundry facilities so hopefully, it will work out.
Being on the go like that makes it hard. I often rinse things out in the room if we’re there for more than 24 hours.
Great message. I pack clothing I already own, and know it fits and is comfortable. But I also recreational shop while on vacation because it’s fun.
It is fun for finding treasures and memorable pieces. This trip was not really conducive to shopping other than Singapore.
Jennifer, I love that blue Tommy Bahama outfit on you. So casual, pretty, and flattering! As for my travel wardrobe, I usually pack a combination of what I already have and a few new things – all centered around a common color. I am going to NYC this weekend and the weather will be hot, so I am currently putting together a few light weight navy, white and red outfits. Can’t go wrong with those colors, right?
Classics are always in style, Bea. Have a great trip.
This is a great post! I recently read another blogger’s post and she had spent THOUSANDS of dollars on new clothes. Most were her style but ramped up a lot – and way too many for her destination. I don’t buy a new wardrobe when I travel but do purchase some new pieces … that still look like me and will be worn once I return from my trip.
It was more important for me to thoroughly enjoy the trip than work while on it.
I use to get some new things. No more. Generally take a neutral palette of things I already own with scarves as the main accessory. Cute pictures of you and the Mr. !!
I am so enjoying your travel wardrobe packing comments! I am going to Alaska, part land and part cruise. My day wear is warm clothes and layers, but for dinner and formal nights I have struggled. I rarely dress formal and finding outfits that I will be comfortable in and shoes I can walk in has been a challenge! I am reading and re-reading packing tips!
I would suggest staying true to your style and elevating simple separates for the evenings. Accessories are key for this.
Love your posts, Jennifer. You are so relatable and down to earth.
Thanks Beverly.
Your trip and outfits look super!
Have a good week
I usually pack my tried and true favorites. Sometimes I might buy a piece or 2 to fill in “holes” that help round out a compact wardrobe. Like you, I want to feel like myself. As much as I love to shop, it’s not an activity I enjoy when traveling.
I research weather, look at activities planned and decide from there. The one thing that if I do buy I do it far in advance….shoes! New shoes can derail a trip if not careful! Short answer I tend to shop my closet and only add if missing a vital item.
Tested for comfort shoes are so critical for me Karin.
It’s an interesting question, Jennifer. I try to hit the sweet spot of taking enough of my existing wardrobe to get through a few days or important experiences, then supplement on location. In many cases, the things I need are not available at home when needed. For example, when it’s 20 degrees where I live, not much is available for a trip to India where it’s in the 80’s and the cultural expectations for dressing are different. So, I supplement on site. (By the way, one of my favorite’s was a tunic in Chennai that was similar to the one you show. I wore it out back home. Still dream about it.)
Your trip to Singapore seems fabulous. Hope you had a good time.
It was an amazing trip! I wore my tunic several evenings for the dinners and adored it more each time.