Oops, it’s taken me a while to write this post… But here it is: the ins and outs of the ultimate mix and match travel wardrobe. Well, maybe not the ultimate, but only because there is no such thing as the ultimate travel wardrobe.
No, just as each trip is unique, the travel wardrobe for a specific trip must meet the demands of the particular circumstances during that one trip.
Destination & Weather
OK, let’s not make this too complicated. It boils down to destination and weather. And that, my dear friend, means that there are more than enough variables. It is impossible to plan for absolutely everything. And even if it wasn’t, who has the time?
Well, we both know that my approach to packing is more less ‘toss something into the suitcase and get to the airport’. Yes, a trip like this one requires checked luggage, with room for ‘souvenirs’ (read: the spoils of my shopping sprees). But even I do take into account the destination and the weather.
So, in this particular case, the destination was Germany. But wait, it’s far from simple. First, the journey started with a flight from Luton (London) to Dortmund. Then (a few days later, that is) we took the train to Cologne, then (again a few days later) a flight to Berlin, and finally (and yes, you guessed it; a few days later), a flight from Berlin to Helsinki, Finland. Who says your journey should begin and end in the same place? Anyway, back to business…
The weather… Oh well, that can be anything from very hot to rainy and fresh. So, that means lots of hot weather appropriate cropped trousers + t-shirt combos, linen shirts and a few cardigans to layer over everything in case it gets colder. And maybe a rain-proof jacket and an umbrella
About linen shirts…
a linen shirt is not exactly the best option for travel. I mean, it creases even if you just glance at it, let alone put it in your suitcase. And no, let’s not even think of ironing. Come on, I don’t even iron at home (to be honest I’m not even sure where my iron is… or if I even have one) and I’m certainly not going to do it when I travel.
No, what I do is I unpack my linen shirts in the hotel room and hang them in the bathroom. And when I take a shower, the steam takes care of the creases. More or less.
And Accessories?
I usually pack two or three pairs of sunglasses (= the current favourites), and two bags. But I think I could have done with just the pink/orange tote bag. I also used it as my hand luggage as it’s roomy enough to contain my camera case and a few other items I prefer not to put in the hold.
And on this trip I had three pairs of shoes, to accommodate to ever-changing weather conditions.
And Dresses? What about pretty dresses?!?
Of course, I managed to sneak in a dress, too. It is light-weight (though not crease-free, although easily ‘steamed’ in the hot shower) and can be worn with at least two pairs of shoes, both of the bags and sunglasses I had with me, and layered with a cardigan or a linen shirt for a slightly cooler weather.
So, that’s it, my travel wardrobe this time around. I’d say it worked well enough, but no doubt next time I travel I’ll pack something else. Depending on the destination and the weather, of course.
What’s in your travel wardrobe?
Tiina
PS: for more travel wardrobe posts, click HERE.
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Good travel choices. Elegant and practical. I've learned that hotel-bathroom trick for steaming linen and other wrinkled clothes. It usually works!
Thanks, Ally. Yes, the bathroom steam trick is very good; I even use it at home (too lazy to iron…)
Great pieces. They nicely go together. That's packing light. Have fun in Germany. Thanks for joining the Top of the World Style linkup party.
Thanks, Nicole. I wish I was packing lightly… Maybe I do too much shopping…