PACKING FOR SPRING TRAVEL
New things I'm adding to my core travel wardrobe.
I’ve collected pieces over the years and built a core travel wardrobe. I refer to it as the starting point of any packing strategy with slight tweaks here and there. Having a selection of tried and true pieces takes the stress out of packing and allows me to quickly assemble a suitcase filled with pieces I know I’ll be comfortable wearing. It’s nice to have that jumping off point when I getting organized for a trip. Key pieces anchor the looks, then I have fun with the freedom to be creative with additions relative to the season and destination. In this post, I’ll talk about some of those new additions I’ll be layering in.
My mind is currently focused on what I’ll pack for an upcoming trip to Portugal. I’m in the early stages but know whatever makes the cut needs to adhere to a couple of rules I apply when making the selection. Everything needs to pack efficiently - no bulky sweaters or shoes that take up precious space in my suitcase and each piece must work with at least three looks. I always bring a lightweight bag (if it converts to a clutch even better), a pair of simple wear-with-everything earrings (can’t be bothered with keeping track of lots of jewelry changes), and a stylish but basic dress like the cotton poplin styles above. Comfortable sneakers, relaxed pants and a chic jacket are musts and are the additions I’m having fun updating this season. The little tweaks to these staples will make all of the other basics feel fresh.
AN UPDATED JACKET: What feels newest is a bomber, or blouson style jacket. The focus here is on a short piece with volume. It pairs well with everything and instantly boosts a look. I’ve got my eye on a few to try including this denim style from Marni, this nylon look from Helmut Lang, and this semi fitted style from Sportmax.
Other contenders are an updated trench, a lightweight parka shell, or a classic field jacket. A classic trench will always have its place, but for a more casual trip I’d look at a cropped style or a simple silhouette that reads less urban. Weekend Max Mara has a straight shape option (would leave the belt at home) with bracelet-length sleeves that makes it worthy of a second look. Or, the cropped shape on Max Mara’s water repellent short jacket honoring trench details from a contemporary perspective. The simplicity of a Barbour straight coat caught my eye too. Bonus points for being reversible.
Field jackets, once reserved for very casual looks, are another option. I prefer them with a little structure and a contrast collar versus beat up and worn in. Look at these from Rag & Bone, Vince, Mango, and Theory. The style has elevated to a point where it can be appreciated worn with anything. A lightweight parka or shell is always relevant. Moncler is a reliable go to for me and has plenty of good picks right now. I have this one in navy. Love the details on this one. I am tagging several others in a variety of price points including this cropped style with removable liner (perfect for travel) and this from Frame. They’re all linked in my LTK Shop.
CASUAL PANTS: Looking specifically at two categories - cropped styles with volume and a loose drawstring waist shape. These two silhouettes will add an element to my travel basics that could use updating. For a cropped style, I want something that sits on the waist to wear with tucked in shirts or layered with a short sweater. I just ordered the Free People Rylee in green and these from Max Mara. The style pairs well with sneakers or sandals - the two musts for spring trips. I can also see dressing them up with a fitted knit, shrunken jacket and great jewelry. A drawstring waist, loose pant is my other pick. I have these from Vince and they’re incredibly comfortable for travel and look good all day. Also these from Citizens of Humanity were a fabulous go-to last summer in linen. A pair in a cotton or denim would be a good addition. Great fit, easy to style, lots of compliments. They run big. If the drawstring is not your thing, look at the Tiny Dancer pant from TWP.
SNEAKERS: There’s a new mood for sneakers. It leans retro in style and adds a cool vibe to everything, including dresses and skirts. I like so many of them and have ordered a few to try on. The styles with mesh or nylon look the most interesting but really, they’re all good. Comfort is the ultimate decision maker and of course they have to look good on. For anyone with foot issues - there’s a pair above that’s in the comfort shoe category. Usually a hideous dead ringer but I think it blends in with the other styles. See if you can quickly spot it.
In the next week, I’ll add more details to packing ideas. It’s always been a subject so many of you appreciate and I haven’t done a thorough round up in awhile.
Everything above, plus additional styles, prices, and options, is linked in my LTK Shop. You can see it all HERE.
I selected every item in this post from the vast selection of goods at Nordstrom. I like to shop an array of price points and see designer, contemporary, shoes, bags and beauty all in one place. Nordstrom has it all and I’m happy to have them as a partner for this post.
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pack fro warmth. I took an end of May trip to Portugal and it was freezing....Lots of wind and cold weather...bundle up!
Beautiful list, so good for Portugal. I was there last May and layers are key. Some days were hot, others cool and windy. Of course, it depends on where you are, too!