How To Travel Stylishly – The Essentials – Part Three

So far in this ‘Stylish Travel Essentials’ series we’ve explored two of my ‘must pack’ items – comfortable shoes and the cross-body bag.

This week, I’m keen to examine a group of items that can take your travel wardrobe to a whole new level – accessories.

Now, many definitions of accessories include both shoes and handbags. But given I’ve covered both those categories over the past couple of weeks, here we’ll be focussing on jewellery, belts and those French favourites, scarves.

Stylish Travel Essentials – Accessories

You really can’t overstate the power of accessories when it comes to stylish travel, particularly if you are a fan of travelling light. Throwing on a statement necklace or choosing an eye-catching scarf can take an ensemble from to ‘ok’ to ‘wow’ in a matter of seconds. And they also allow you to get more from your basics by completely changing the look of your outfits – which in turn, can reduce the style boredom that sometimes arises when you are living out of a suitcase.

Tips For Packing Jewellery

• Choose pieces that not only bring out the best in your wardrobe but that also emphasise your unique features. Longer necklaces can add visual length and can highlight a narrow waist. Shorter neck pieces and longer earrings can emphasise the neck and the décolletage, as well as bringing attention to your face. Pretty rings and bracelets put the focus on hands and wrists.
• Think about whether a particular outfit might need a piece in a complementary shade or whether you’ll get more of a style impact by going with contrast. And don’t be afraid to mix and match your metals – travelling can be the perfect time to try this if you are feeling apprehensive.
• Make sure all the items you pack work with at least two outfits.
• Costume jewellery is your friend while you are on the road. It often comes in sizes and colours that add interest to the simplest of outfits. Personally, I feel like the quality of costume jewellery has improved greatly in recent times. Yet the generally lower price point means you don’t have to worry about losing an earring or leaving a necklace behind.
• If you do elect to travel with your more precious jewellery, be sure to keep it in your carry-on luggage. And remember, for some destinations (eg, Africa) it is strongly recommended that you leave your very best jewellery at home, so as not to attract the attention of thieves.
• Regardless of whether you are packing real or costume pieces (or a combination of both) it pays to invest in a jewellery roll or pouch. A designated home not only makes it easier to transport your jewellery, but it also keeps your jewellery organised, which makes it easier to choose your pieces each day and lessens the chance of loss.

Tips For Packing Scarves

• Scarves are sensational for adding both warmth and interest to your outfits and definitely fit into the category of stylish travel essentials. Given they are worn close to your face think about your own colouring as well as the clothing colour palette when choosing a scarf. Scarves that combine complementary colours can be very versatile while you are travelling.
• If you are keen to add a pattern to your travel wardrobe, a scarf can be a great way to do it.
• Don’t be afraid to combine two scarves for extra interest. A plain wool scarf can be enhanced with the addition of a lightweight patterned, silky scarf. Simply choose two rectangular scarves of similar sizes. Lay them out flat, one on top of the other. Knot the diagonally opposite corners of both scarves together to create your own drapey infinity scarf. Throw the combined scarves around your neck. Both scarves will be on show, adding heaps of interest to your outfit.
• Never forget the practical importance of scarves. Larger versions in all weights can do double-duty as evening wraps, or as cover-ups when visiting religious sites. And warmer weights can make excellent travel blankets.

Tips For Packing Belts

• Look for interesting belts, like leather or fabric tie versions, or chain belts which accentuate the waist.
• Completely change the look of longer dresses, cardigans or shirts. Teaming these items with a belt virtually turns one piece into two. Pop the belt over the top of your outfit, cinch at the waist and you are good to go.
• Think carefully before wearing a belt for plane travel. Belts with heavy metal buckles can become tedious if you have to remove it every time you go through security. Although, this might only be a consideration for travelling Australians who get to navigate airport security multiple times on a trip to just about everywhere!

One Final Thought

Don’t forget about the special accessories you need for specific climates. I recommend neutral gloves and hats if you are headed to a snowy destination. And a packable sun hat – again in a ‘wear with everything’ colour – is a must for a beachside vacation.

Which accessories do you include in your stylish travel essentials? Do you have a favourite piece that you never leave home without? I’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

And until next time – au revoir.