THE ULTIMATE 5-STEP GUIDE TO SHOP FOR AN IDEAL TRAVEL WARDROBE
- Jan 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 2
As someone who loves fashion and has too many shoes to count, I get asked a lot about how I manage to stay presentable and well-matched while I’m traveling. My answer is- it took me quite a number of years to refine my wardrobe purchases to be more travel-friendly. It might seem like the most basic advice, but now that I have the gist of it, I want to share my simple 5-Step Guide of the most important considerations when making travel shopping purchases.
Although I don't follow this perfectly (because sometimes there are items that I just have to have!), it's generally much easier to pack a bag with travel-friendly clothing than to have items that restrict my outfit options because they take up weight or space, or need extra time for steaming or ironing when I'm short on time. So, just keep these 5 Questions in mind every time you go shopping, and next time you pack, you will thank yourself.
WHO IS THIS GUIDE FOR?
This is for the travelers who do spontaneous mini trips with limited time to pack, multi-destination trips that require frequent packing and unpacking, and nomading / long-term /slow-travel when time away requires more days of outfits than the number of items it is manageable to bring. I'd say this isn't so important for the travelers who unpack once and have time to iron/steam, but it can't hurt either.
1 - WEIGHT: HOW MUCH DOES IT WEIGH?
When packing, every ounce counts! When I am deciding to purchase an item of clothing- my first thought is- how heavy is it? in traveling, weight is everything! Although it is possible to pay for extra weight or extra luggage (and yes, I have done both), it is much easier to bring clothing that doesn't put you over the limit (and leaves some weight for shopping and souvenirs).
No one will knock you if you travel and wear the same outfit over and over, but you will likely be happier and feel more confident bringing more outfit options.
2 - MATERIAL: DOES THIS MATERIAL TRAVEL WELL?
Next, I look at material. Is this something that will wrinkle easily? You can have the most beautiful item of clothing but if it is a wrinkled mess, you might as well not have brought it.
In my early travel days, I brought a steamer with me (until I blew out a floor of a building because I didn’t use an adapter and it was the wrong voltage – whoops!). I also have the cutest mini iron -and yes, it is dual voltage so I don't make that embarrassing mistake again. But steamers or irons can take up a precious amount of weight - although mine is only 1lb, that could be 2-3 more pieces of clothing or maybe a pair of sandals! Sure, in major cities, many hotels have irons, but surprisingly, some do not. And the farther off the main grid you travel, the less this kind of amenity is available.
I have found trying to use the shower to steam out wrinkles rarely works. What has worked for me (specifically on cottons and silks) is to bring a small spray bottle with filtered water to spray the wrinkles and rub them out, when an iron or steamer isn't available. Although it is somewhat annoying, it is a simple fix that works.
So when I'm shopping now, I try to buy items that are either wrinkle-proof, cotton, or silk so I know I can always look presentable.
3 - SIZE: WILL THIS ITEM REQUIRE A LOT OF SPACE?
Even if it is light and not a wrinkly fabric, does it take up too much space? For example, when considering a winter puffer jacket, go for the one that will roll up rather than the one that might take up half your suitcase. For purses, buy a soft leather that can lay flat instead of a hard constructed leather that will prevent your luggage from closing, or close but ruin the bag's shape. Save yourself the frustration of trying to cram that one awkward item in your bag by not purchasing it to begin with.
4 - WEARABILITY: IS THIS AN ITEM I CAN WEAR OFTEN?
How often do you fall in love with a clothing item or accessory knowing you don't have anywhere to wear it, but want to purchase it anyways? If you are like me, you've done this often enough to have more than a few items in your closet that have sat for years with their tags on, or were finally donated. Don't get me wrong- I love a good statement piece. But I learned it must be a statement piece I will actually wear. Not just think I will have an occasion to wear it someday.
In general, as trends come and go, it's better purchase items that are more timeless in style.
On the flip side, there are some items with timeless style that also require more thought. For example, many pants are designed to be long and worn with a heel. But if you are thinking about wearing them to travel to places that require flats- such as European places with cobblestones, the longer pants will have to sit home. Realistically, it is much better to buy a shorter pant (or hem a longer pant) that could be worn with flats and heels. As someone who is super petite, this was brutal since I perpetually live in heels at home, but in the long run, it has been helpful for me to buy with flats or a short block heel in mind.
5 - MATCHABILITY: DO I ALREADY OWN OTHER ITEMS TO MATCH?
I used to buy things I liked without thinking about what I already owned. What happened is many of these items sat in my closet because I didn’t have anything to match them. And when I say match - I don't mean color- but in style. Style can include matching color, but contrasting colors or color ranges can also be stylish. And sometimes matching color isn't enough if your fabrics don't go well together. For example, a winter pant won't pair well with a frilly summer top, even if they are exactly the same color. Style is the key- and since everyone has their own style- the question is, do the pieces you are wearing come together to make a look that you are happy with? When you travel, being confident in your appearance can give you the confidence to walk around and feel good about yourself - and that can make all the difference!
So now when I am shopping and something catches my eye, I mentally run through my wardrobe and ask myself if I have a top for a bottom, an outfit for an accessory/shoes and vice versa - that will create a nice look that I can see myself wearing. If the answer is no, then I have to purchase a matching item (if budget allows) or put it back on the rack.
FINAL THOUGHTS
These are just some basic tips to help you to plan for your future travel needs. Over time you will find if you make better choices in the long run, you will have much more to choose from when the time comes to pack a bag!
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