Travel Wardrobe Essentials

what to wear on vacation

Is there something you always take with your when you travel?

It probably depends on where you’re going, but I bet there’s something that you consider essential, for one reason or another.

For me, this outfit epitomises everything I need in a good a holiday wardrobe. Just to be clear, I’m referring to a holiday in a sub-tropical location in winter (i.e. my recent trip to Madeira). In other words, it’s not warm enough for beachwear (and I never go to the beach anyway), but mild enough for t-shirts. However, the evenings are a bit chilly, so some sort of a light cover-up is necessary. And there’s going to be a lot of walking…

So, let’s start with the shoes: good for walking, with thick soles. This is a no-brainer, especially in a place such as Madeira, with all those steep stairs and hills. And that’s just if you plan to stay in the city; levada walks would require a whole other set out footwear. But we’re not going there: I’m a city girl, and I know nothing about hiking.

Next, the poncho. I have this exact same piece in no less than 3 shades of red, in blue, white and in purple plaid. I always take one with me when I go to Madeira (which is usually this time of the year, so by now I have quite a good idea of what I need to pack). The woollen poncho is lightweight but warm, so I wear it instead of a cardigan during the day (if it’s cooler) and instead of a coat in the evening (when the temperature drops).

And the rest of my travel wardrobe?

Well, you’re looking at it. I mean, most of what I pack is just variations of this outfit: lot’s of t-shirts, lightweight trousers, a few pairs of sunglasses and a bag big enough for the camera. That’s what I was wearing most of the time.

Of course, I also pack a few items that can be dressed up for more festive or formal occasions, some jewellery, and maybe a wildcard just to spruce things up a bit. And yes, I will post all of the above, in due course.

Why not just have one travel wardrobe post and show you all of it at once? Well, for starters, it would be quite a long blog post (and I don’t like them). And second, distributing my travel wardrobe over several (yes, plenty more to come) blog posts allows me to arrange my photos thematically. You know, something casual, something festive, something mixing casual with festive…

Not to mention that, sartorially speaking, January is really boring. I don’t know about you, but this is when I start getting tired of all my winter clothes. And to think that we still have 3 months of winter left (at least)! So, posting my travel wardrobe in instalments allows me to both relive the lovely holiday and anticipate spring, which at this point seems so far away.

casual wear over 50

50+ blogger

burgundy and blush

Outfit details:

poncho: Marja Kurki / t-shirt: J.Crew (old) / trousers: Noom /

bag: Coach / sunglasses: Marc Jacobs / shoes: Marimekko

What are your travel wardrobe essentials?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en Rose,  Living on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink FridayFake FabulousLazy daisy JonesVanity and MeSheela WritesJodie’s Touch of StyleGlass of Glam

20 Comments

  1. Michele Morin
    2 January 2018 / 12:15 pm

    Love the poncho. I always take a big warm scarf with me when I travel, no matter what the season.

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2018 / 3:34 pm

      Oh yes,a big scarf is a necessity, I totally agree.

  2. jodie filogomo
    2 January 2018 / 4:50 pm

    I always take a dress when I travel to either dress up or down!! The poncho is a fabulous idea too!!Happy 2018XOXOJodiewww.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2018 / 3:35 pm

      Dresses are so versatile, aren't they? I love dresses when I travel, especially in summer.

  3. Tina von Tinaspinkfriday
    2 January 2018 / 9:06 pm

    Happy New Year and thank you linking up with modish matrons!

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2018 / 3:35 pm

      Happy New Year, Tina!

  4. señora Allnut
    3 January 2018 / 9:48 am

    I love your ponchos collection, they look practical, comfy and versatile. I love how ponchos or big shawls add some light layering, interest and color!, I like to wear a big shawl when I travel (so useful when it's freezing cold into the plane and it doesn't add bulk!)You look really comfy & cool, very elegant!besos

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2018 / 3:38 pm

      Oh yes, it's always too cold on the plane, or draughty. I wouldn't even dream of flying without some sort of a scarf.I seem to collect these ponchos, I really have 5 of them…

  5. Jessica Jannenga
    3 January 2018 / 10:31 pm

    I love the poncho and it sounds like a great piece for travel when not being totally certain of the weather. i always bring a denim jacket or cardi for this purpose. thanks for linking1and Happy New year!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2018 / 3:39 pm

      Yes, this poncho is very practical, and goes with anything. An extra layer of warmth, over a cardigan or a t-shirt.

  6. Natalia Lialina
    3 January 2018 / 10:58 pm

    Tiina, you look elegant and so comfortable in your travel attire! I am a big fan of ponchos/ruanas/shawls myself, and it's a brilliant idea to pack one with you on a mild winter holiday.Winter is long in Finland, and it's understandable that you feel bored with the same choices by now. I am not ready to switch my winter wardrobe yet – there are still so many fun options…and it's not so cold here anyway. Soon camellia will be blooming.Thank you for linking with Modish Matrons! Happy new year and have a wonderful trip!

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2018 / 3:41 pm

      Thanks, Natalia. Yes, winter is long… but at least the darkest part of winter is over: from now on there will be more daylight every day. But it will probably also be getting colder…

  7. Wonder Cottage
    4 January 2018 / 11:35 am

    beautiful photosWonder Cottage

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2018 / 3:41 pm

      Thank you.

  8. Elegance and Mommyhood
    5 January 2018 / 2:39 am

    I love pashminas and blanket scarves because they have so many purposes and are always classic and easy to style, Tiina. Love the cranberry color of your pashmina wrap. Looking great. But yeah your Winter is mild compared to ours where it is supposed to be -36 Celsius tomorrow and it has actually been in the negative for almost a month.Thank you so much for joining my linkup before. I always look forward to seeing your outfits so welcome by and join this week's Thursday Moda with your fab style! Thanks and Happy 2018!!http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2018/01/thursday-moda-96-currently-january-2018.html

    • Tiina L
      12 January 2018 / 5:05 pm

      Wow, that's cold! Yes, our winter, at least here in southern Finland, is a lot milder. But I still think spring can't come too early…

  9. Emma Peach
    5 January 2018 / 2:11 pm

    I always take a poncho and a pashmina when I'm travelling – even if it's to a hot country because they are handy on the plane. I love the colour of your poncho. Thanks for linking up, wishing you a Happy New Year!Emma xxxwww.style-splash.com

    • Tiina L
      12 January 2018 / 5:06 pm

      I agree, I always take a pashmina or a poncho on the plane, too! Happy New Year!

  10. Shelbee On The Edge
    5 January 2018 / 9:07 pm

    Tiina, I absolutely am in a swoon over this poncho and the color of it! All of my ponchos are patterned. And while I adore them, I am thinking I may need a few solid color ones. Thanks for sharing your travel wardrobe essentials and linking up with me.Shelbeewww.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Tiina L
      12 January 2018 / 5:08 pm

      I have this poncho in many colours, also in plaid. Well, when something works…

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