The Stylish Traveller

Five tips to travel light and dress well at the same time

IT DOESN’T TAKE A LOT EFFORT

Travelling is challenging enough worrying about looking fashionable while you do it. But Kate Young, A New York-based stylish who counts actresses Margot Robbie and Michelle Williams among her clients, says that it doesn’t take a lot of effort to look stylish on the road.

“Anyone can look chic while travelling, and there’s no need to spend a lot or pack a lot to do it,” Young said. She noted that she travel often and rarely checks in a bag. Here are her best tips for travelling light and looking good at the same time.

PACK CLOTHES IN THREE CO-ORDINATING COLOURS

When deciding what clothes to pack, choose pieces in three matching colours so you can mix and match each piece to create multiple outfits for different days. Pick the colours based on where you’re going.

If you’re headed to Paris or another urban destination, for example, any combination of black, white, navy and charcoal is a good bet. For a beach vacation or outdoors excursion, consider khaki, off-white ( or White) and bright hues. Young likes white linen in particular because it’s cool in warm weather, can be worn during the day and is also nice for evening out. And when it comes to the actual articles of clothing to take, young said that a pair of jeans, a pair of nice pants, a striped button-down, a blazer and a comfortable T-shirt are always good options.

MINIMISE THE SHOES

Most women don’t need to bring more than three pairs of shoes on any trip, young suggests. Exercise sneakers, comfortable loafers, low boots or sandals and for evenings, heeled sandals.

Men can generally get by with two pairs: sneakers and loafers. And a tip for everyone when it comes to sneakers: Many sports- wear brands make lightweight pairs that fold.

FLY IN EXERCISE GEAR

Exercise clothes are becoming increasingly fashionable, and for flights, especially long-haul journeys, the’re incredibly comfortable to wear. They also fold neatly and fit into virtually any bag.

Young suggested that women consider compression leggings, along with a along -sleeved cotton top and coat, while men try a pair of track pants and a track jacket or a hoodie.

ACCESSORIES THE RIGHT WAY

A few key accessories can change the look of an entire outfit, Young said. On her travels , she always packs some costume jewellery. She also puts her make-up in a sleek pouch that doubles as an evening bag. Men, alternatively, or people who don’t wear jewellery, should consider a few pairs of bright socks in fun patters, just to add a little personality to otherwise simple, coordinating outfits.

BRING ONE DRESSY, FLEXIBLE OUTFIT

If you have a formal evening or event planned during your trip, don’t bother with bulky dresses and heavy full suits and jackets.

Young suggested that women opt for a slip dress, highheeled sandals and a pair of bold earrings, while men shouldgo for a pair of slacks, a flexible, multipurpose blazer, a crisp white shirt and loafers.

Story By Shivani Vora