20 Tips To Keep Looking Cool & Stylish While Traveling & Packing Light
Sick Of Looking Like A Tourist?
With so many airlines charging loads extra for checking bags, packing light is a necessity for most travelers. With the image of a fashionable traveler always traveling with multiple large bags in your head, you might assume you can't be stylish and pack light, but think again. Here are 20 hacks for looking cool and stylish while traveling and sticking to only a carry-on.
1. Pack Versatile Basics
Basics are your best friends when it comes to packing light. Invest in high-quality, versatile items that you will look equally acceptable in on a hike or in a nice restaurant.
Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
2. Layer Smartly
When it comes to dressing for cooler weather, opt for light layers like cardigans and scarves as opposed to bulky pieces. This adds style and warmth without taking up too much space in your luggage.
Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash
3. Choose Neutral Colors
When it comes to style, your color palette matters. Sticking to neutral colors will allow you to mix and match everything you bring without unsightly clashes.
4. Bring Multi-Use Beauty Products
Pack beauty products that double as other things. For example, tinted lotion with SPF can work as an all-in-one instead of bringing sunscreen, foundation, and primer.
5. Bring Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a magical product for when you're traveling. It can take your hair from embarrassingly greasy to luxurious and voluminous in the blink of an eye.
Internet Archive Book Images on Wikimedia
6. Plan Outfits Ahead
For both packing light and looking stylish, it pays to plan your outfits ahead of time. Don't just pack individual pieces, plan out your ensemble for each day so that you know how you'll look.
7. Accessorize
Don't underestimate the power of accessorizing. Accessories like sunglasses, hats, and jewelry elevate even the simplest and most basic outfits.
Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
8. Use Packing Cubes
Every seasoned traveler knows packing cubes are basically magic. They can help you squish your items down to manageable sizes and organize your luggage better.
9. Roll, Don't Fold
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them allows you to fit more in your bag. You'll be surprised at what a difference it actually makes.
10. Invest In Comfy & Stylish Footwear
Comfortable footwear doesn't have to be ugly. Ugly hiking shoes are a dead giveaway that you're a tourist. Instead, buy some versatile shoes that are comfortable for walking in.
11. Bring A Belt
A belt is a powerful accessory that can transform an outfit. It can make a single dress look like two different outfits when worn at the waist or completely transform a top.
12. Pack Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics
Wearing a wrinkled top instantly makes you look frumpy, but it's not as if you always have an iron or steamer at your disposal when you're traveling. Investing in wrinkle-free fabrics can make you look instantly more put-together.
13. Pack Lightweight Outerwear
Luckily, gorpcore is in. This means windbreakers, fleeces, and beanies are in style. Brands like North Face and Patagonia make cutting-edge outerwear that can squish down into nothing for easy packing.
14. Buy Stylish Luggage
Unless you're backpacking, you don't need to buy one of those ugly backpacks. Invest in some good quality, stylish luggage so you'll look fashionable even when you're lugging it through the airport.
American Green Travel on Unsplash
15. Pack Dresses
How do you look put-together and stylish in an instant? Throw on a dress. Dresses are light and don't take up much space in your bag.
16. Pack Scarves
Scarves are one of the most versatile accessories. They can double as beach towels and blankets, you can wear them on your head for a glamorous look, or around your neck when it's cold.
17. Pack A Sunhat
Whether it's a baseball cap or a bucket hat, a sunhat on vacay is a game-changer. It keeps the sun off your face, ensuring you keep your youthful glow, and many of them squish down into nothing in your bag. Just don't make the mistake of buying a ridiculous hat you'll only wear once on vacation.
18. Pack A Sarong
It sarong is like a scarf that you can tie around your waist and wear as a skirt, or even a dress or top. A highly versatile and lightweight piece, it's a necessity on any beach vacation.
19. Bring A Tote Bag
Tote bags are great because, when you're not using them, you can simply fold them up and stick them in your luggage. You can pack a stylish tote instead of a bulky purse.
20. Bring Smart Toiletries
Even though they're small, toiletries can end up taking up a lot of space in your bag. Focus on miniatures, dry products, and multipurpose items.
