How to Maximize your Style While Traveling :: Rove Magazine

Earlier this month, I was asked to write a small article for ROVE magazine's blog all about maxamising your style whilst travelling. The article mixed my two favourite interests, Fashion and Travel, so of course I jumped at the opportunity. Here is the article...
10 versatile items that no fashion conscious Female traveler leaves home without.


Ladies can relate. It isn’t easy keeping up with fashion under the best of circumstances, but doing it while living out of a backpack is a whole different story: it isn’t impossible but it does take planning. When you are living on the road anything that takes up too much space quickly becomes a burden, so packing light and packing smart are an important part of looking your best while abroad. Multi use items, compact items and wise choices on necessary items can make your trip around the world one where you wont be ashamed to show anyone your photos. This top ten list can be your inspiration while you pack, because who says you need to look like a backpacker even though you are one?


1. A Pashmina Scarf- not only can you use it as a scarf to keep you warm, protect your neck from the sun and finish off an outfit, it can also be used as a shawl in the evening, it can be wrapped around your shoulders to keep you warm and it can help stop you burning when around the shoulders and neck area when you are sight seeing. Also, if you want to smarten up your beach wear, it can be tied around your hips and worn as a sarong. There are hundreds of uses for scarves, plus they don’t take up much room.

2. A pair of blue jeans or denim shorts-This is a fail safe way to ensure you are always going to be comfortable in what you wear. They are versatile- what can’t you wear jeans with?- and can be smartened up when worn with a nice top or dressed down with a pair of trainers. Plus they are soooo comfortable.


3. The classic LBD is always a winner. If you take a really plain little black dress made from jersey then you can wear it for informal occasions in the evening when dressed up with accessories or if you find yourself needing to be dressed smartly you can wear this and accessorise it accordingly. Little black dress, every woman has one for good reason.

4. A sun hat and sunglasses- not only are these a practical choice to protect yourself from the sun, but when worn correctly they can really make an outfit. Just think, where would Victoria Beckham be without her big black sunglasses?


5. Flattering swim wear- Swimming isn’t just something you do on beach holidays. Hotels have pools, Ski holidays have hot tubs, and you might even come across a lake or two. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination desperate to dive into the crystal clear, refreshing pool, only to remember that you didn’t bring a swim suit. I find it useful to always pack a bikini that fits me really well so that I can avoid any embarrassing or frustrating Janet Jackson type ‘clothing malfunctions’ whilst on my travels.

6. Jumpsuits-These have been going in and out of fashion for as long as I can remember but I like to think it is not what you wear but how you wear it! So, with that in mind, I think a jumpsuit is the perfect outfit to travel in. Not only is it super comfortable but it also reduces the need to pack too much as it is a whole outfit in one. Be gutsy and be bold and you can pull it off and save some space in your bag.

7. Jewelled Sandals- I bought my first pair of beaded sandals last summer, only saving them for special occasions at first but as the summer progressed, I found myself wearing them all the time. They look great with denim shorts and I even wore them to parties as they are really easy to dance in. Perfect compact footwear for clubs, bars and those nights where you need to be a little fancy.

8. A Trench Coat-It is vey hard to try and fit a winter coat into your suitcase and it is very annoying having to wear it on the plane, and the taxi and everywhere else because it wont fit in your luggage. So, by packing a trench coat in your suitcase you are providing yourself with a versatile, lightweight and fashionable coat that you can always wear layers under if it is still a bit chilly.


9. A Small Handbag-This is a must if you want to look stylish when out and about. By carrying a smaller bag instead of a day bag or backpack, you are stopping yourself from looking like a tourist and making your life a lot easier. Just make sure you take it for a field test before you leave so you know it’s still big enough to fit the essentials in.


10. A Smile-If you don’t agree with any of the above, at least agree with this. A smile is the most important thing. It makes you look warm, friendly and approachable but it also gives you confidence which is key to looking stylish. It will also boost your mood as people will be more inclined to be helpful and polite to you. After all, if you are on holiday, why wouldn’t you be smiling?

Photos from Pinterest.com