What Not To Wear Travelling

Have you ever noticed those incredibly well-dressed women at the airport or somewhere else that you’ve been traveling to and wondered how they look quite so immaculate and put together? Well, it’s usually down to meticulous planning of their travel outfits so that they don’t make these common travel style mistakes.

What Not To Wear Travelling: Uncomfortable Footwear

Traveling usually involves lots of walking, and wearing uncomfortable shoes can make a trip quite a miserable one. So packing new shoes that haven’t been broken in is a big no-no if you want to look good and feel comfortable. When considering what not to wear travelling, new shoes should be at the top of the list. New shoes are often quite stiff and haven’t yet been molded to your feet, so it’s very likely they’re going to cause blisters and all sorts of discomfort.

Instead of taking new shoes, opt for comfortable and reliable footwear that you’ve already worn and broken in—your trusty favorites that you know aren’t going to cause you any problems. Just make sure the shoes that you bring match with the rest of your travel wardrobe and are versatile enough to be paired with different outfits.

Taking the right shoes for your trip will mean that you’ll enjoy your travels without worrying about foot pain and very uncomfortable footwear. I know a very well-dressed lady who plans a whole travel wardrobe around her footwear because she just doesn’t want to take multiple pairs of shoes away with her. She says one of the reasons is because they’re heavy in her suitcase, but also because they take up too much space.

To maximize space and to minimize the weight of her luggage, she takes just a few pairs of versatile shoes that can be worn with multiple outfits. She usually takes:

A pair of sandals that work for day to night, usually in a tan color so that they’ll blend easily with everything.
A heeled shoe of some kind, again something that will effortlessly work with everything.
Some trainers that can double for a day-to-day shoe for more casual days but also be used at the gym if she does decide to work out.

Of course, it really depends on where she’s going, but she doesn’t normally take more than three pairs. By carefully selecting shoes that can be dressed up or down and match a variety of outfits, she can save space and avoid the hassle of lugging around multiple pairs of shoes. Plus, she can rest easy knowing that she’s got the perfect footwear for any occasion during her trip.

Pack Light and Smart

It seems to have become fashionable to take multiple suitcases on holiday packed full of wardrobes full of clothes, which I think has a lot to do with Instagram. But nothing is going to get you more frazzled and stressed out than trudging around airports and train stations with big, heavy suitcases.

If you want to look good when you’re traveling, then pack light and only take what you need. When considering what not to wear travelling, overpacking should be a key consideration. Taking too many clothes can make deciding what to wear even more difficult, and you’ll likely find yourself overwhelmed by options and unsure what to choose. That’s when bad outfit choices happen.

So make a list before you start packing of all the items you need to bring with you. This is going to help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. Packing cubes are a great way to organize your clothing and save some space in your luggage. You can separate the items by category like tops, bottoms, and accessories. You just have to try and resist the urge to pack those “just in case” items. You very rarely need them, and they just take up valuable space in a suitcase.

Layering is Essential

One thing you’ll notice about well-dressed women when they travel is they’re usually wearing layers. That way, they’re prepared for any kind of weather, and they can adapt their outfit easily and still look stylish.

Understanding what not to wear travelling often involves recognizing the importance of versatile, layered clothing.

When you’re planning your travel wardrobe, think about versatile pieces that can be layered together:

Start with a comfortable base layer like a lightweight t-shirt or a vest top.
Add a shirt that can be buttoned up or left open.
Include a jacket—a blazer or a casual jacket can add some style and functionality.
Add a scarf or a pashmina to add some color or just keep you warm around your neck.

The best thing about layering is it allows you to create lots of different looks with a limited number of pieces of clothing, and you’ll have a travel wardrobe that’s versatile, practical, and stylish.

Don’t Forget the Hat

Something a well-dressed woman will never forget to put in her luggage is a hat for sun protection. It’s an absolute essential, and quite often she’ll plan her outfits around this one piece. When considering what not to wear travelling, forgetting a hat for sun protection is a common mistake.

If you do plan your travel outfits around a hat, think about color coordination and balance. Choose a hat that complements the color scheme of your outfits and balances the proportions of your overall look. A bright and bold hat can add a pop of color to a neutral outfit, while a subtle hat can complement a bold outfit without overwhelming it.

It’s also really important to consider the practicality of your hat when you’re packing it in your luggage. Look for hats that can be easily packed and won’t lose their shape, and don’t forget to pack your hat last in your luggage so it doesn’t get squished or damaged.

Comfortable Loungewear

Something these stylish women always leave space for in their suitcase is comfortable loungewear. After a long day of sightseeing, she’s going to want to relax in something comfortable. That’s why packing nice loungewear is essential.

It’s the perfect way to unwind and relax after a long day of exploring. Whether you’re reading a book, watching TV, or just simply hanging out, having comfortable clothing will make the experience so much more enjoyable while still looking put together.

Be Prepared for Rain

Well-dressed women are always prepared for unexpected weather changes, so you’ll usually find an umbrella or a raincoat in their luggage. This is usually chosen to meticulously match their outfits and can pull the entire look together, adding an extra touch of sophistication.

Choose one in a color that complements your travel wardrobe. Black, navy, and neutral shades are versatile options that will match with most outfits, or a simple solid color umbrella is a good choice. When you’re packing for your next trip, don’t forget to include a stylish raincoat or umbrella that will keep you dry and looking fabulous no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

Consider Creasability

Women who always look put together consider creasability when they plan their holiday or travel outfits. They ask themselves: Is it going to crease or wrinkle as soon as they sit down, or is it going to involve a lot of ironing? If it does, they may rethink packing it. When considering what not to wear travelling, easily wrinkled clothing tops the list for many stylish travelers.

Instead, they opt for fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant or don’t wrinkle easily, such as knits, denim, and synthetic blends. They also carefully fold their clothes to avoid excessive creasing and wrinkles. By choosing clothes that are easy to care for and packing them in a way that minimizes wrinkles, these women are always looking their best no matter where their travels take them.

Jewelry: Less is More

I think we’ll all agree that jewelry is an important part of any outfit, but it can be a mistake to wear too much jewelry when we’re traveling as it can make you a target for theft, especially if you’re well-dressed and traveling to tourist hot spots or really crowded areas.

A well-dressed woman knows how to strike that balance and choose just a few key pieces of jewelry, like a simple necklace or a pair of earrings that can be worn with multiple outfits. Definitely a “less is more” approach. Alternatively, she leaves valuable jewelry at home and opts to take costume jewelry instead.

Always Pack a Jacket

Even if they’re traveling to warmer climates, stylish women will always take a jacket or a sweater with them for any unexpected weather changes or for those really overly air-conditioned places. When deciding what not to wear travelling, overlooking a versatile jacket or sweater is a mistake to avoid.Sweaters can be worn over the shoulder—it looks chic and sophisticated and can elevate any outfit.

The jackets are usually made from fabrics that are lightweight and breathable, making them really easy to pack but also comfortable to wear. The pieces are always versatile and can be easily mixed and matched with their other travel outfits. In neutral colors like black, white, or beige, they’re a safe choice that can be worn with almost anything.

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