BETWEEN the hassle of flying, jet lag and hauling your luggage around, travelling is challenging enough without worrying about looking fashionable while you do it. But Kate Young, a New York-based stylist who counts actresses Margot Robbie and Michelle Williams among her clients, says that it doesn’t take a lot of effort to look stylish on the road.
“Anyone can look chic while travelling, and there’s no need to spend a lot or pack a lot to do it,” Young said. She noted that she travels several times a month and rarely checks in a bag. Here are her best tips to travelling light and looking good at the same time.
1. Pack your clothes in three coordinating colours
When deciding what clothes to pack, choose pieces in three matching colours so you can mix and match each piece to create multiple outfits for different days, or even different occasions. Pick the colours based on where you’re going. Ideally, a pair of jeans, a pair of nice pants, a striped button down, a blazer and a comfortable T-shirt are always good options. “You should be wearing each piece two or three times on your trip,” she said. “Anything less is a waste of space.”
2. Minimise the shoes
Most women don’t need to bring more than three pairs of shoes on any trip, Ms. Young suggests. Exercise sneakers, a comfortable daytime shoe to walk around in (loafers, for example), low boots or sandals and, for evenings, heeled sandals if you want them.
Men on the other hand, can generally get by with two pairs: Sneakers and loafers, which can be worn both during the day and at night. And a tip for everyone when it comes to sneakers: Many sportswear brands make lightweight pairs that fold, to take up less space in your bag.
3. Fly in exercise gear
Exercise clothes are becoming increasingly fashionable, and for flights, especially long-haul journeys, they’re incredibly comfortable to wear. They also fold neatly and fit into virtually any bag.
4. Accessorise the right way
A few key accessories can change the look of an entire outfit, Ms. Young said. On her travels, she always packs some costume jewellery, like a statement cocktail ring and a pair of oversized earrings. Men, alternatively, or people who don’t wear jewellery, should consider a few pairs of bright socks in fun patterns, just to add a little personality to otherwise simple, coordinating outfits.
5. Bring one dressy, flexible outfit
If you have a formal evening or event planned during your trip, don’t bother with bulky dresses and heavy full suits and jackets that take up a lot of space. Women should opt for a slip dress, high-heeled sandals and a pair of bold earrings, while men should go for a pair of slacks, a flexible, multipurpose blazer, a crisp white shirt and loafers.
