Fashion Blog » Travel Fashion: Fashion Police

When traveling through cities, foreign or otherwise, it’s impossible to feel 100% safe of your surroundings and safety at all times. Such is the risk we all take when riding the subway, traveling alone, or inevitably getting lost in a new and strange location. Nobody wants to be mugged, and nobody wants to be targeted or approached when traveling. Believe it or not, what you wear makes a strong traceable expression of your personality, style, and even (potentially) how much money you carry around. The goal when “dressing defensibly” are much the same in any fashion scenario: you want to attract attention to yourself, but not in a bad way. A few simple fashion changes can make a huge difference in how potential criminals or pickpockets perceive you as a target.

Think Like a Criminal. Next time you’re walking in a city, try this experiment.  Look around the street and ask yourself: If I were going to try to pickpocket someone, who would I choose and why? A little morbid, I know. But most likely, you might start to consider how women in their 20s and 30s, with bright colored dresses, short hemlines, and propensity to carry around cash in case of emergencies are easy and profitable targets. But don’t let me be the judge for you. Keep a do’s and don’ts list of your own, and follow your own discretion next time you’re getting dressed for a day in the city.

Protect your belongings. Sturdy bags with zippers are a must. Coach makes a simple design called the Carly Leather, available in 4 different colors. I personally like the Brass/ Tan. But in terms of functionality and simplicity, this bag has a simple exterior, strong make, and one zipper to keep track of.

If traveling in a train, bus, or subway, always keep your bag or backpack firmly in your two hands. Backpack on your back? Take it off and hold it in your arms until you get off the train. Suitcase on wheels? Tuck it safely between your legs, and never let go of the handle. Think of it all as leverage; though you may not be the strongest girl in the bunch, pickpockets and crooks are looking for signs of neglect or naiveté. Never plop your handbag, holding your passport, cash, credit cards, checks, cell phone, iPod, etc on to the seat next to you or on the ground.

Keep it Simple. The less layers of clothes to keep track of, the better. It’s not that you want to look uninteresting; you should be aiming to look uninteresting as a potential target. Gap is perfect for finding some basic, simple T’s, like this reversible one:

And a little fashion intimidation never hurts. Your clothes should make you look and feel confident, self-aware, and defensive. In terms of intimidation, footwear is a strong card to play. High-heeled shoes, especially if difficult to walk in, are probably the worst on the barometer of safety fashion for a whole slew of reasons. Sneakers are the middle-ground: not detrimental, but not exactly intimidating.  TIP: Wear boots with a solid heel. Not only do they look intimidating, but if you ever do get in to a tough situation, a sharp kick will do some serious damage. Frye boots are the best by far in the business, inspired by Western and classic English riding boot designs. Complete the look with a pair of skinny jeans and a black T-shirt, and Lara Croft herself couldn’t have done any better.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s t shirts.
                                        Shop through all women’s Frye boots.