Getting my bearings on the European backpacking circuit didn’t teach me much about travel fashion. The purple 70 liter behemoth on my back was packed in preparation for nights on train station floors. Day dreams of functionality saw a bulky rain coat, yoga pants and wrinkly t-shirts in my wardrobe that ended up being a hefty sum of nothing I wanted to wear.
Weary of photos showing off international landmarks framed by frizzy hair and a dumpy figure, I traded in the bus station hobo look for bohemian chic. Like a true magician, I made more out of less and found which items to pack for my new travel persona, the fashionable minimalist. Here are my essentials.
2 Bold Lip Colors
If you have to bring anything along out of that dusty makeup bag, let it be bold and on your lips. Orange, red, purple – whatever color spectrum it comes from, it’s going to make even your sweat pants and t-shirt look intentional. Plus, women with fierce lips are said to look more confident and confidence is fashionable these days.
1 Scarf
Oh, the scarf in all of its versatile glory. Make it big and not too wooly and you might crown it as the most important item in your bag. The scarf has a bit of a mixed personality and can serve you as a beach sarong, airplane blanket, chilly weather accessory, hot weather hair piece and a stylish add-on to a boring outfit.
1 Bra
It better be versatile if it’s going in your pack. Save the sexy lingerie for another day and choose the bra that isn’t constantly reminding you of its presence by a metal jab on the inside of your chest. You can always use a bikini top for a change, wear a shirt with a built in bra or just let those babies free.
1 Pair of Closed Wedge Shoes/Sandals
Cold or hot? Check the weather of your destination before packing your kicks. While first instinct may have you reaching for the best walking shoes, your fashionable inner self might make you think twice. Settle for sturdy and small wedges or boots that will shout “I’m prepared to walk around Paris all day, and I’m going to look damn good doing it.”
1 Bathing Suit
If the destination calls for one, don’t forget it or you will be sitting on the sidelines while your travel partners explore that hidden waterfall they stumbled upon. They dry fast and get a solid washing while you swim.
1 Long Vest
The long vest may just revolutionize your wardrobe. Knitted, shear, waist length or knee touching, it can transform any outfit into a Bohemian wonder. They work in winter or summer weather and can make your go-to outfits look completely different.
2 Dresses
A dress will go far in the minimalist travel world. Leave it be during warm weather and adorn it with some leggings and a jacket when it gets cold. Double it as a nightgown for bed or stick a crop top over it to change it all together. Dress it up with jewelry, dress it down with sneakers and don’t forget that it plays well on the beach too.
1 Pair of Leggings
Leggings can go oh-so wrong if you let them. Shy away from the movie watching/potato chip eating look and put them to better use. Wear leggings under dresses to keep warm, pair them with a crop top and long vest for a little sass or use them when you take that free yoga class that pops up in the park.
1 Crop Top/ 1 Shirt
This duo will give you the freedom to ditch the dress when the time is right. Wear the crop top or shirt with leggings and a vest or put it on for bed. If you want the dress to stick around, a crop top can fit right on top to make it appear as if you just picked up a new little number.
1 Hat
Even un-washed, un-straightened and sans product, a hat can create a style out of that mess of tangles on your head. The unruly knot it succumbs to after a ride on the back of a motorbike or the impossibly sticky nest that’s left after a foray in the sea, a floppy hat on there can salvage your look.
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With some wedges on your feet, fierce lips and an outfit that checks both practical and fashionable off the list, you will be left with just a carry-on. Just remember that looking stylish while traveling isn’t the only reason for this. When people look good, they tend to feel good and traveling when feeling your best can leave you more open to all of the great adventures coming your way.
This is a guest post by Shannon Ullman.
Shannon is an American travel blogger who writes about educational opportunities, workshops, classes and volunteering abroad. She also throws in a good dose of destination guides, personal stories and helpful travel tips. At the moment, she is living out of a van while traveling through New Zealand. You can follow her adventures at Lives Abroad or on Facebook.
What a fantastic article with great information!! Everyone asks me how my husband and I did Italy for 3-weeks with just a carry on. Love your tips! Trying to figure out what to bring/not to when we move to Italy this year. Thank you so much!!!
Thanks Ilene! Traveling with just a carry-on is the dream! No waiting at the airport and a lot less money too! Have an awesome time living in Italy!
I honestly could use a pack like a minimalist makeup edition, seriously. This is really helpful however, have never owned a long vest but next time I come across one I like, I'm going to give it a go! Just found you guys and already in love!
Erin | http://www.erinelizabethmiller.com
I used to travel with a purse sized makeup bag! It was ridiculous! I've just learned to love the bare essentials, especially my bold lip colors!
-Shannon
Great article!
Though I have to disagree with the 1 bra point. I'm a D-cup - there is no way I can use a bikini top or 'go free'. My girls need lots of support, so I bring at least 5 bras. ;)
That's fair enough! Sometimes different bodies just need different stuff!
Great advice!
Abigail Alice x
Thank You!
Packing light is always a struggle for me. Thank you for this article!
<3
http://messyhairandpinkpajamas.com/
I hope it helps!
Great post! I always struggle with what to pack and always end up taking for too much, half of which I don't wear anyway!
You're so right about only needing ones of things. Great post!! www.styleonedge.net
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I thought this was fine until I saw the one bra..LOL I would not be able to handle that.
x
This article just came at the exact time, while i'm preparing a 2 weeks itinerary :) thanks a lot
with a nude make-up.I think make-up can be very helpful.