Dust off your passport and dig out the rollie: It’s time to turn those dreams of traveling again into a reality. During our 18-month hibernation, some of us may have forgotten exactly how to be a chic traveler (or maybe it was never a forte, to begin with!). So we enlisted some experts — super-travelers who mastered annual pilgrimages to Europe’s fashion month and global press tours with the likes of Lupita Nyong’o and Glenn Close — to share their trusty tips for stylish, easy travel.
Organize Yourself
If you can help it, “Don’t leave packing to the last minute,” says Lorelei Marfil Day, a New York-reared, London-based fashion journalist who has spent time touring Europe and Africa. Keep a packing list on your phone or computer that you can adjust for each trip you take (particularly helpful when traveling with children).
When packing, celebrity hairstylist Derek Yuen, whose work with clients like Constance Wu has taken him to Vietnam and South Korea, lays everything out so he can evaluate what is necessary. If there’s space, then he’ll pack extra items. “Otherwise, you just overpack.” Laying it out allows you to see what will work together and what won’t go with anything. Edit it out.
Pick a capsule wardrobe, an edited collection of clothes that work well together, both in color and feel. Erin Sumwalt says a capsule “Keeps me from overpacking. I started packing like this when I was an editor, traveling to Europe for the fashion shows.” She packs pieces that “can be worn multiple ways by adding different jewelry, belts, bags and shoes.”
Marfil Day says, “Sticking with a color scheme helps you easily coordinate your look.” Some classic color combos: Navy plus tan; black and gray; brown with beige; and denim with any above. Stylist Chloe Hartstein, who works with Glenn Close, Chris Rock and Melissa McCarthy, “Gravitates towards a few colors — black, white, brown.” Then add some excitement to your neutrals with colorful accessories, which are much smaller in your suitcase. Think bright bangles, coral and turquoise scarves, dramatic necklaces.
Pack multitaskers, both in terms of fashion and beauty. Think: a swimsuit that can be worn as a bodysuit-like layer but also at the beach; a scarf can double as a sarong; a denim blouse can be a jacket over a dress or a top on its own; throw a top over a black dress and you have a black skirt. The more versatile each piece, the less you need to pack.
Makeup artist Nick Barose, who counts trips to Benin in western Africa and visiting an elephant sanctuary in Kenya with client Lupita Nyong’o among his most memorable sojourns, says, “I try to take things that can double duty like a contour palette that can also be a bronzer and eyeshadow” (like this from Kevyn Aucoin), stick blush that can also double as a lip stain (try Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick), colorful eyeliner “that can be smudged as eyeshadow” (see Lancome Khol Eyeliner) and “Armani Eye and Brow Maestro, which works as eyeliner, brow filler and to create a smoky eye.” Or try Sunday Riley Juno Face Oil, which not only hydrates the complexion it moisturizes dry hair ends and nail cuticles.
Minimize where you can. Instead of bringing a whole bottle of foundation, put enough in a contact lens case (or cases for longer getaways). This works for skin care, but remember to label the lens case if formulas look alike. Decant hair products into smaller bottles — this is a great way to reuse empty travel-size bottles you picked up on your last getaway.
Dressing for a Plane (or Train)
“It’s always about finding a balance between cozy and put-together,” says stylist Hartstein. She opts for layers and “fabrics that are soft and won’t wrinkle too much in-flight.” For instance, “A great trench coat or a great blazer for your outer layer, then maybe a chic cotton shirt with a cashmere sweater or a vintage sweatshirt. If you get too warm, you can throw it around your shoulders. A pair of loose-fitting trousers with some cozy socks (my faves are Comme Si) and cute sneakers.” Yuen adds that “Instead of packing a bulky jacket, I bring it on the plane to use as a blanket.” Because you never know what the temperature will be inside a plane or train, airport or station.
A few other hacks to keep in mind when you’re en route: Wear a cross-body purse to keep your hands free for luggage and your ticket and passport, ready for inspection, says Marfil Day. Check out these stylish and functional cross-body options from Matt and Nat.
Keep skin hydrated mid-flight and when you land with eye cream (try Sunday Riley AutoCorrect Eye Cream) and moisturizer (like Sunday Riley Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream). Still a bit puffy, post-flight? Marfil Day slides on oversized sunglasses to look instantly chic. (Check out these from Pala.) Also, instantly liven your face with Chanel Healthy Glow Lip Balm on your pout and cheeks.
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Research Your Destination
“Getting a good sense of the climate before you get to your destination, especially if it’s hot, is key,” says Hartstein. For warm climes, “Natural fabrics, linen and cotton let your skin breathe a little more and you will feel more comfortable.” The stylist is also sun smart: “I always like to have a nice linen or cotton shirt with me to protect my shoulders and arms from the sun, in addition to SPF. And a great hat goes a long way when trying to put a look together.”
Remember the skincare you might need, especially if it’s a multi-stop trip with different climates, says Barose. “I always make sure I have the right skincare, like rich, hydrating ones if I’m going somewhere cold and lightweight for the heat.” (Sunday Riley ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream is ideal for cold climes, while Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream is a go-to for warm temps.)
Google “clothing rules in [your destination]” to see if there’s anything else you need to consider. For example, heels are forbidden at ancient monuments in Greece; in Spain, you’re forbidden to wear sandals while driving; and camouflage is a no-no in some Caribbean nations.
Pack for Fashion Mishaps
Hartstein packs a mini steamer “that will work in whatever region of the world I’m going to,” adding that “you can order one online and have it delivered straight to your location.” Keep this in mind for destination weddings — you don’t want to be the wrinkly guest in the photos.
Sumwalt always takes “a little pouch filled with a few items that can fix any vacation fashion malfunction,” including a Laundress Wash and Stain Bar (“for getting out stains or for hand-washing”), deodorant and makeup removing sponge (“lifts both instantly from clothes”), double-stick tape, lint removal sheets (“rollers take up too much space”), safety pins, a black permanent Sharpie “to touch up anything,” an instant shoe-shine sponge, and baby wipes “because they can be used to clean dirty shoes and so many other things.” Marfil Day agrees: “They are great for freshening up. You never know if there will be toilet paper in the bathroom or if there are accidental food spills during your travels.” Yuen also does BYO on TP: “I always bring my own toilet paper and hygienic wipes — I’m picky.” And well prepared.
