The Minimalist Travel Wardrobe

minimalist travel wardrobe

Two nights in Aberdeen…

So, this is the travel wardrobe post you’ve probably been looking forward to. Remember, I spent a couple of days in Aberdeen a few weeks ago… Time flies, right? But, better late than never…  

Anyway,  everybody kept telling me it always rains in Scotland and it’s going to be cold. But the weather forecast was sunny and pleasant, around 14 /  57℉. Conflicting messages, for sure, but more importantly, how does that translate into a travel wardrobe? Especially one that fits into cabin luggage?

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Key Pieces

First, the key pieces: outerwear, shoes, and a bag. For a couple of days, I only needed one pair of shoes and one bag. In this case I decided on good walking shoes (with thick soles in case it rains) and a tote bag. Of course, I was wearing the shoes on the plane, too. And the bag is just the right size to toss all my in-flight essential into.

I decided to wear my red poncho because it’s warm, and I can wrap it around me on the plane. It’s also my favourite piece to take with me when I travel because it goes with anything.

But just in case, I also packed a parka.

cashmere

poncho

Packing

I often start packing about 30 minutes before I’m due to leave for the airport. No, there’s not much advance planning, other than checking the latest weather forecast. But since weather forecasts are not always reliable, I usually pack something that works even if the weather changes.

This time I packed an umbrella, a couple of long sleeved tops, one t-shirt, two pairs of sunglasses, a couple of scarves, some jewellery, a cashmere cardigan and a pair of trousers (in addition to the jeans I was wearing on the plane). All of this fits into cabin luggage and can be mixed and matched into several outfits. And more importantly, everything works with my key pieces: either the poncho or the parka, the tote bag and the shoes.

parka

KEY PIECES:

poncho: Marja Kurki (old) / bag and sunglasses: Marimekko / 
shoes: Clarks (old) / parka; Seasalt Cornwall / scarf: Carolina Herrera

What would you pack for two nights?

Tiina
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29 Comments

  1. Nancy's Fashion Style
    16 October 2016 / 8:04 am

    And ofcourse when you travel so much, you re getting handy with it. How is it going with the feeling youhad about livingbin the UK. Is the unwelcoming feeling you had gone?

    • Tiina L
      16 October 2016 / 9:19 am

      It's not about getting handy at packing; you just get bored doing it and can't be bothered really…Scotland was very welcoming and friendly, but in England it's a different story. So no, the feeling of being unwelcome has not gone away, and I really don't expect it to, either. I think this is a permanent change that will affect a lot of people. EU citizens in the UK are finding the atmosphere quite unpleasant, and everything seems to suggest it can only get worse. In fact, I've been very happy spending more time in Finland recently…

  2. Patti
    16 October 2016 / 2:35 pm

    I envy your packing routine! And the outfits look smashing – I do think you've got this travel thing down, my friend. xox-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2016 / 5:49 pm

      Thanks, Patti!

  3. Jill James
    18 October 2016 / 1:42 am

    I fully understand your dislike of packing, especially with the frequency.You probably now do it on autopilot , any how it all works brilliantly.

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2016 / 5:50 pm

      Thanks, Jill. Well, maybe not on autopilot… Just in a hurry, with a train to catch.

  4. Monika Faulkner
    18 October 2016 / 1:58 pm

    Wow…this parka of yours is the most GORGEOUS colour, dear Tiina!! I was expecting the typical olive green – which is actually a fave of mine! – but this vibrant hue is a stunner!! And kudos to you for being able to pack just a half hour before heading off; I start planning my travel wardrobe WEEKS before I leave on a holiday…and change my mind at least half a dozen times in the process!! :)www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2016 / 5:52 pm

      Thanks, Monika! It is quite a vivid red, but I like it. Olive green is a lovely colour, too, but I find it's actually quite demanding. Or maybe it's just not the best colour for me. But I just bought trousers in olive green, don't quite now what to wear then with, though.

  5. Jasmine Rabuñal Barrientos
    19 October 2016 / 6:38 am

    Great tips for a travel wardrobe. I'm amazed that you can pack your things only 30 minutes before leaving. I always start one week before and make a list, even for short trips.Jasmine x

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2016 / 5:54 pm

      Oh, dear, you're so organised, I'm envious. The truth is, I'm just lazy, I can't be bothered with lists. And for shorts trips, I can actually get by with very little. I'm also quite lazy when it comes to unpacking my stuff in a hotel room, I just live out of the suitcase…

  6. Celia M. High Heeled Life
    19 October 2016 / 11:17 am

    Great travel looks … simplified wardrobe is certainly key when traveling

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2016 / 5:55 pm

      That is so true. It's amazing how little you actually need for just a couple of days.

  7. Mummabstylish
    19 October 2016 / 11:45 am

    Good idea, I always pack way too much hope you enjoyed your travels, you look as if you did. Jacquiwww.mummabstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2016 / 5:56 pm

      Oh, I pack too much,too. I always take something 'just in case'. But I've learned that whatever I decide to leave out, that's the one thing I will most definitely need.

  8. The Quirky Homemaker
    19 October 2016 / 4:20 pm

    I agree. Simplicity is best! Hope you had fun!

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2016 / 5:57 pm

      Yes, simplicity is best! I had a very nice trip, thank you.

  9. Elegance and Mommyhood
    19 October 2016 / 8:22 pm

    Love your minimalist traveling style. Jeans, easy (non-heel) slip on shoes, a comfy sweater and an oversized scarf/shawl are what I do. Great tips Tiina.I welcome you to stop by my blog. I run a style linkup every Thursday. Don't forget to stop by tomorrow (or tonight after 6.00 PM) and linkup with me. A new linkup will be live in hours. Come join me and share your cute style with us!Happy Hump Day, Ada! =)http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/10/potters-clay-bodysuit.html

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2016 / 5:59 pm

      The oversized scarf! Oh yes, that's a must. But I usually have that in my bag, anyway.Thanks, for you invitation, I will be sure to check it out, Ada!

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2016 / 5:59 pm

      Thank you!

  10. Dawn Lucy - Fashion Should Be Fun
    21 October 2016 / 1:02 am

    Love the red scarf/cape! So pretty! Thanks so much for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday!OXOXDawn Lucyhttp://fashionshouldbefun.com

    • Tiina L
      21 October 2016 / 8:08 am

      🙂

  11. Nicole Mölders
    21 October 2016 / 3:01 am

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Nice fall outfit ideas!

    • Tiina L
      21 October 2016 / 8:08 am

      Thanks, Nicole!

  12. Melissa Convertino
    22 October 2016 / 1:42 am

    Great tips! I'm always freezing in the airplane, that pancho is a must!!Thank you for linking up with Weekend Wear,xoMelissa

    • Tiina L
      23 October 2016 / 9:10 pm

      Thanks! I usually have a pashmina or a big scarf with me on the plane, it's often so drafty.

  13. Shelbee On The Edge
    22 October 2016 / 10:20 am

    Tiina, I love these bright colors on you! And I definitely need to learn from your minimalist packing skills. I am terrible at packing! Thanks for linking up with me On the Edge!Shelbeewww.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Tiina L
      23 October 2016 / 9:11 pm

      Thanks! I think I like bright colours on me, too. It's funny, blogging has clearly helped me realise which colours are the best for me. And when you see it again and again, photo after photo, it really registers…

  14. The Wardrobe Stylist
    25 October 2016 / 12:13 pm

    For someone that packs 30 mins ahead of your departure time, I'd say that's pretty good. you got everything covered rain or shine!

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