Holiday Travel Style
To be honest, I avoid traveling at the holidays as I am not ‘good’ with airport crowds and delays. But I do LOVE getting to my destination- whether its short like a trip up to New York City to see the holiday windows on 5th avenue. Or a tad longer flight such as Christmas in Rome in the Piazza del Popolo or walking the holiday markets near the Seine in Paris.
Airlines charge so much these days to check your luggage that it’s become a challenge to pack the optimum outfits in one small bag?! Below are my suggestions (for women and men!) for the Top Five items you need in your luggage- and they flatter every shape and size that you can dress up or down and no one will know you didn’t bring a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk wardrobe 😊
WOMEN:
Here are my Top five items you should have in your wardrobe to take you from the airport -to- dinner or drinks on the town. Add some accessories (take up very little room!) and you are on your way!
Camel coat. Jennifer Lawrence recently rocked the Camel coat trend. I love a button free (or single button) wrap style best as you can leave it open when indoors and it will look like part of your ensemble (think a sophisticated wrap). You can wear the camel coat with denim or leggings (see below) or over a LBD (Little Black Dress) with tights and boots.
As an option I love the ‘teddy bear’ coat look – Max Mara has one of the best but you can find them at all price points. Its cozy chic- but will take up more space if you try to pack it.
(Faux) Leather Leggings- black/noir or dark brown. I prefer a side zip style (from Zara) as you get a more sophisticated look. This pair from Zara are under $40 USD.
Chunky sweater- cream would be my recommendation as it can be dressed up or down. I like the ruffled mock neck version pictured as you don’t need to accessorize. However, another great option is a ribbed slim fit (not tight to flatter all body types) that you can wear with chunky gold chain(s) or single charm necklace and bracelet for daytime. For evening tuck the sweater in a ‘half- tuck’ where you only tuck the front section in. Another great option is a V- nk version like the one below from my fav French brand BA&SH that can be worn ‘front or backwards’ to give you a stunning v-back detail or deep V depending how low it goes on you). Load up on rhinestone necklaces or gold necklaces and earrings for evening.
A great investment piece is a cashmere turtleneck sweater that will last for years given proper care. I bought three cashmere t-necks two years ago on Black Friday at Bloomingdales for under $100 and I recently pulled them out for my Paris trip- I simply ‘refreshed’ them using Fabreeze for fabrics and let them air dry and they were as fresh as ever. Also, a good sweater pilling rock or electric trimmer is worth having around.
LBD = Little Black Dress. A knit or sweater knit version is most versatile and packs wrinkle free! Swap out casual booties for evening with heeled boots* Choosing a version like the one below with decorative buttons eliminates the need for excess jewelry.
Python boots or booties. Animal and snake print NEVER go out of style. I tell people to never get rid of them- I have held onto some of my pieces (blouses, shoes; handbags) for over 20 years and can still put them out every year and my wardrobe is fresh again! The mid calf boots below (great option for short and taller women) are from Boston Proper.
Options/Alternates:
2) MEN:
Not to call men ‘basic” but these are the ‘Basics” everyone should have in their closet to go from weekend warrior -to- workplace Boss!
Theory neo-stretch trouser: I’m pretty specific here, as in my career as a Personal Shopper I have successfully dressed a variety of body types and heights in these pants. They come in Black, Navy, Brown, Tan, Grey- stock up! They are an investment at $195.00, but with proper care they can last for year(s) and won’t go out of style. You can wear them casually with a t-shirt (nice t-shirt not an old faded one!) or throw a sportscoat over them for dinner or drinks out.
A second option would be a mid-dark wash denim 5 pocket jean. NO rips or tears or distressing. Favs are Paige, Joe’s and Seven. AND yes everyone can wear Slim fit- it’s a matter of trying on a few different brands to find the one that works best for you. NOTE: all denim brands are 34” in inseams (with exception of Euro brands like D-Squared…) so remember you will need to hem when reviewing fit.
Merino wool or cashmere crew or v-neck sweater: Navy or grey would be my recommendations as they will work well back to Denim or patterned dress pants. I like ‘house brands’ such as Bloomingdales for men’s private label or Saks private label.
Patterned Sport Jacket: I like something with a subtle pattern such as those from Robert Graham or Pyscho Bunny (yes that’s a brand! And a very popular one with all age groups). A bold plaid or tonal floral pattern in something with a navy base works great back to denim or the above mentioned Theory trousers.
Camel overcoat- as opposed to women this version needs to be a button down style. Preferably single button (double breasted can look ‘mature’ and dated).
Brown loafers- forget the old adage about wearing brown with black or navy. The right shoe will absolutely work! My favorites include Kenneth Cole, Paul Smith or Ferragamo.
my 2nd choice for footwear is a pair of clean white sneakers. As much as I love and own Golden Goose distressed and worn looking sneakers, this is not the ‘essential’ you need to wear with jeans or suits. And try and avoid over “logo-ing” them (i.e.: Gucci). Stan Smith
