Fashion Blog » Travel Fashion

To keep in the spirit of last week’s international travel fashion inspiration (thank you for existing, Oktoberfest!) why not take a look at some other European styles? While the vintage shopping elite may be able to date a vintage dress to it’s exactly year and make, why not test out their discerning eye on some geography as well?

Okay, I’m going easy on you. Tartan Fashion Show? Scotland anyone? Here are some fun, sophisticated ways to wear a difficult fabric and not feel like you’re going to get it all stuck up in yo’ bagpipes:

                                                                      D&G Plaid Stretch Wool Dress

It may be a little bit Christmas-y, and made in Italy (How unauthentic!) but surprisingly, a lot of the best tartan dresses I found online were sold out! This is a popular trend, my friends. Get on it!

With the cold weather starting to work it’s way on to the weather channel, it’s time to consider what type of message you want to send with your winter coat. Why not try some fun pattern that works well with jeans or dressed up, like this?

                                                             Semantiks Square Plaid Jacket: $158

And don’t forget the rainboots, which will look great paired with some black tights and an oversized sweater:

                                                      Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Tall Rain Boot: $59.95

To top it off, let’s compare: Which country has a head covering more indicative of their cultural heritage?

1. Oktoberfest enlarged elf hat from last week, complete with beer n’ bratwurst?

2. Or, Scottish tammy, strip of plastic orange hair included?

Image Source: BBC.co.uk

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more plaid rain boots.
                                        Shop for more plaid jackets.

Christmas in Paris has become such a cliché…and when it gets to that time of year, you’ll be hearing from me about exactly what to pack. But why wait for some international festivities when Munich has you covered until October (or should I say, Oktober) 5th. Leiderhosen, for all it’s unmarketable crotch-cruelty qualities, is the answer to another dressy fall occasion (ahem, Halloween), not your first trip to Deutschland.

With the opening ceremonies this past weekend, there are an abundant of fashionable beers and inebriated fashionistas to discuss, and mimic. Maybe book a trip for next year?

I love the loose cotton undershirt with tighter vest look, it’s very hippie and organic. Corsets are a little much for the every day, but they certainly add an authentic German milkmaid quality.

Find that Look:  Victorian Black Velvet Lace Up Top: $119.99

I am absolutely fascinated by this hat. Try as I might to look up “elfin hat” on Amazon.com, I decide my best bet to mimic this look is to take a trip to the fabric store and sew this pretty little thing on my own. This was the closest I could find without jingle bells.

(Kinda) Find that Look: Robin Hood Fancy Dress Hat: £7.99

Knitted leggings are colorful, fun, and warm. Though your legs may need a bit more protection than these provide amongst many a-drunkin’ fellow, the patterns are fun to copy.

Find that Look:  1st Fantasies Hot Link Over the Knee Thigh Highs: $3.49

Image Source:  Boston.com

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more black corsets.
                                       Shop for thigh high hosiery.

My mother used to tell me the only proper shoes for traveling were Adidas sneakers, and for the longest time I believed her. Those of us with unsteady arches are familiar with the pains that accompany a day of walking in heels or flimsy flip flops, even if it’s just around the office or boardwalk. The problem is, so many of the fashionable shoes of our time are not made to properly support the arch and roll of the foot, so after thousands of steps (which is quite feasible in a day of touring a museum or even bar-hopping) our feet are screaming for relief. To find well-made, supportive shoes ready for serious walking require a trip to a totally different type of store: usually, the hiking or heavy-duty mountaineering departments. It may sound strange, but these designers have started to develop shoes with the same support of a hiking shoe, but lighter materials and a more fashionable look. Give them a try, and your feet will thank you for it:

Some Favorites:

The Merrell Zodiac: fun, flirty, and lightweight, with a good grip and the sturdy Merrell hiking tradition to hang your hat on ($80).

The Athleta Siren: a funky take on the sneaker: not your ordinary lace-up ($80).

The Chaco Women’s Intersect Sandal: A little bit more of an investment than your normal kick-around sandals, but they’re totally worth it ($30).

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Merrell gear.
                                        Shop for more Chaco gear.

There’s nothing like falling asleep to the rumbling of a storm…but waking up to one, (especially when you’ve been too caught up in planning a job interview/career switch-a-roo/shopping spree/wedding to check the weather channel) is a nightmare. While I might not be able to give sound advice on the superstitions of white gowns and drenched boutonnieres, I will tell you one thing: plodding around in sweatpants and Grannie’s gardening clogs is not the answer. If you can’t change the weather, change what you wear!

Obviously, waterproof is key. For when first-impressions and poise really matter, wear your finest and cover up with some heavy duty protection, like the LL Bean H20FF DX Trench Coat:

Don’t forget to pair it with a pair of heavy duty, up to the knee rain boots and a large umbrella—you can always switch to the heels when you get on location, without soaking your dainty pumps in the muck and soiling your stockings before you get there.

Have something to look forward to. Rainy days, unbelievably, always seem to get people all depressed, and moody…why? Maybe if we all had a little fashion item that was only appropriate for unfair-weather conditions (for me, it’s totally my pair of polkadot wellies)….

…getting out the door wouldn’t be such a drag. This one of a kind, kick-ass Bloomingdale’s raincoat will never feel like you’re wearing a trash bag. The tailored fit with slightly ballooned skirt and high neck are chic, and keep you dry too!

Last but not least…An umbrella that is large enough to fit you and at least three shopping bags (or a friend, you pick) and will not break under heavy wind pressure is a MUST, repeat, MUST. While I’m usually in favor of function over form for this particular item, I was drawn to this fascinating piece of ingenuity, the Southern Plus Pink Ribbon umbrella. When the umbrella starts to get wet, the iconic pink ribbon appears on one of the panels!

What a way to stand out, and stand up for a great cause at the same time!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s trench coats.
                                        Shop for more women’s rain boots.

Being a guest at a wedding requires a certain refined attire…day or evening ceremonies each dictating their standards, as well as the signification of your relationship status. Stuck at the singles table doesn’t mean wearing the low cut dress to attract a dance from the dashing fellow across the way…it will only spark more rumors about why you are at the singles table in the first place. Why I felt this was vital for a travel fashion column is in the inevitability that you will be invited to a wedding outside of your comfort, age, relationship, or geographical zone. Therefore, it is best to put the most respectable foot forward, and leave the forward fashion at home.

Best Place to start looking: Lily Pulitzer

Lily Pulitzer, for all it’s pinks, frills, icons and fashion giggles, is the perfect place to search for a demure, respectable, guest-of-the-bride-or-groom dress. Inspired by prim and proper Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, this pink dress ($268) is a bit on the playful end, but works well for sunsets and breezy outdoor receptions.

But the truly successful, beige-wedding classic has to be this A-line frock ($248) in the not-so dashing color, Camel, but nevertheless an easy wear.

Just remember, the best way to wear “Wedding Guest” is neutral, respectable, and season/location appropriate. Accessories should be calm in color, shape, and size as well. Though we all enjoy a fun outing in our funkiest fashion gear, weddings (where we are the guests) are not appropriate, they are like traveling into different countries. One must respect the different boundaries and customs. When it’s your wedding, you can set the rules, but until then…obey them, for just this one day.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s dresses.

So, these two girls walk in to a rest stop along the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  How do people know that they are from the city? 

A) They make a beeline for the Starbucks coffee stand, order a double shot nonfat cappuccino and grande mocha java chip;
B) Cappuccino is wearing high-waisted shorts, while Java Chip is donning matching gold accessories, down to the buckle of her shoes;
C) wafts of Chanel No. 5 replace the usual roadkill-leather stained odor;
D) All of the above.

Quite an easy answer…don’t you wish you could be this glamorous? In the city it’s all about making a 2 second fashion statement before another gal comes strutting down the street in something bigger and better than your threads. But, the country is a whole new frontier of fashion. Here’s some easy tips on how to look fabulous while traveling to the country, and not get kicked out of Amish country:

1. Accessorize. Nothing says “class” or “well-kept” like matching accessories. Go for the gold on this one, like model Lindsy Ray while traipsing through a field of cornstalks. Even down to the buckle on her purse, it’s all about thought-out additions to an already glamorous you.

2. Anticipate your surroundings. Traveling through the countryside makes for some bumpy roads and uneven footing. Get ready: pointy heels and ballet flats are not the best choice if you want to avoid the dust, muck, and field mice. Try some thick boots like Lindsy does…proper footing makes you more likely to look up and enjoy your surroundings, instead of staring down at your ruined heels.

3. Enjoy the greenery. In all of your efforts to maintain your city fashionista aesthetic, take a little time to wind down and enjoy all the green that surrounds you. Wear some fun and flirty fabrics and designs that wouldn’t fly on the subway. Bust out the shortie overalls and take the tractor for a spin. Enjoy some fresh cow’s milk and corn hand-picked from the stalk, and for (two seconds) don’t think about the calories. Sometimes, the understated fashion is the best of all.

To get Ms. Lindsy Ray’s looks, try the pink strapless dress from Forever 21,

A pearl chain necklace from Charlotte Russe…

…and a golden yellow clutch from Guess.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more strapless dresses.
                                        Shop for more gold necklaces.
                                        Shop for more clutch handbags.

Images by Colleen Brogan (Check out more work from Lindsy Ray here).

Combining where you are with where you are going is a difficult task in all facets of travel: different languages, different currency and different time zones are just the tip of the iceberg. What about the difference between how guys pick you up in bars? I’m just kidding, there’s far more important things to be concerned with, like how your clothes represent the country you are coming from, while also respecting the country you are visiting. This goes far beyond the question of “proper and practical” clothing, such as athletic footwear and windbreakers, and instead, questions the social implications of what we chose to wear.

Rules of a Dignified Thumb:

1. Be Humble. We’re all proud to be Americans, but that doesn’t mean every time you whip out the passport at Customs, it’s a re-enactment of the Spanish-American Wars. So, if you’re feeling patriotic, consider a subtle red, and white stripe dress with a blue-jean jacket (if you must), instead of wearing your leather jacket with the blazin’ American flag on the back.

2. Do not make fun of the host (country). Just because you’re not exactly neutral when wearing a billion American flags tied together to make a dress doesn’t mean overloading on culture riff-raff makes you any better. Let me be frank: a sarong while visiting India or a pair of galoshes and a long pea coat while traipsing through Europe. But please, stop about 2 pit stops short of the train wreck sequined beret that Sarah Jessica Parker whipped out while on a trip to Paris with her “loooover” in Sex and the City. You’ll look almost as out of place as SJP did at the World Premiere, with yet another interesting choice of headwear.

There is a fine line between swan and peacock, Parker…and you just crossed it.

The idea is subtlety, novelty and neutrality. Feel free to incorporate cultural cues for the country you are visiting or the country you represent, but make sure you do not regret the first impression you give to the world.

Ah, the opening ceremony of the Olympics. What better way to gauge international fashion faux-pas than to press your magnifying glass up to the television screen to check out the labels and designers of each country’s Opening Ceremony garb. Following their lead not only on the racetrack and swimming pools, Olympians lead the way dressed with decorum and refinement…two lessons we should all learn when representing our countries in international waters. They weren’t always so respectable: the original Olympians wore nothing at all. Let it not be said, I wouldn’t mind a couple swimmers taking off those questionable speed suits and donning their birthday suit instead.

What we Can Learn from Olympians:

Top the Blazer. Yes, the dinner jacket works for men and women alike, but the look is only defined by the hat. Ralph Lauren topped his classic navy blue blazer, designed for the United States, with a white newsboy cap to complete a preppy, athletic look. The key to pulling off a refined, boarding-school look yourself is to only use solid colors. No funny patterns or pins! It’s all about sleek and elegance.

OR, you can go for the gangster, edgy look like these spy-inspired caps like the French Olympians. COMPLETE THE LOOK: Find a solid colored hat with a tilted brim. It gives much more personality to the look, like the mischievous schoolboy or damsel-who-causes-distress, rather than Sunday-school proper.

Since you may still be shocked by the comment about Olympic swimsuits, let me just say I admire them, a lot, and want to incorporate them in to my own fashion as well. Want to follow suit? Here’s a picture of what Natalie Coughlin and Michael Phelps choose to wear when they shoot for the gold. All I can say is load up on spandex, preferably all black (it’s much sleeker) and let ‘er rip!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for women’s blazers.
                                        Shop for men’s blazers. 

Image Source: The Preppy Princess, Abc News

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.

Nothing says beach like boating, nothing says boating like thick blue and white stripes and a sequined anchor (or two). Picture sipping margaritas while steadying the main on Daddy’s darling, the Sea Breeze. Summer speaks a different language, and part of the fluency comes from knowing how to pretend you’re on vacation when you actually aren’t. Is the inner city the best place to sport your nautical side? Not necessarily. But that doesn’t mean, while waltzing around the shore or taking a lazy afternoon in the park, you can’t dress as though you just stepped off the boat.

The Fabric. Think light and breezy…you might not be picking up the North wind, but you can always make sure your outfit is ready, just in case. Think linen and light cotton, nothing thick and woolen. A few careful light layers can look charming while keeping you cool. In terms of color, don’t feel obligated to the navy blue and white combo. There are plenty of beautiful pastels to experiment with!

TIP: keep your eyes peeled for lightweight fabrics with thick hems…it will keep your skirt or shirt from catching more wind than the sail. This sundress by J-Crew is a good example of what to look for.

                                     Cotton Interlock Cross-Back Jumper -J-Crew: $118.00

The Shoes. This is a little tricky. Motorboats should be fine barefoot or with sandals, but sailboats are not as stable and sometimes require some grip from your footwear. Go for the classic boat style shoe with a twist, like these flats inspired by the original sailing shoe designer, Paul Sperry:

                             Sperry Top-Sider Womens Largo Ballet Skimmer: $59.00

The Accessories. Sunglasses are absolutely essential, as is sunscreen and the biggest straw hat you can find. Summer heat may be unbearable, but the sunburn after a day on a boat with no protection will be even worse. Every good sailor knows sun reflects off the water and hits you from more than just the top, so be extra mindful to protect all exposed skin. My personal favorite are those bright headscarves that have come in fashion recently.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for scarves. 
                                        Shop for more Sperry shoes.
                                        Shop for women’s sunglasses.
                                        Shop for sunscreen.

Image Source: OnlineAthens & Shawls-Scarves-Fashion-Jewelry.com