End-of-Summer and Fall Travel Must-Haves: Shoes, Clothing, and Accessories on Sale
Happy Monday, friends. Whew, summer is absolutely flying by! I hope yours is going well, and that you’re enjoying some relaxed days with family and friends. If you have any travel planned between now and the end of the year, it’s not too early to start thinking about your packing list. With so many sales on, it’s a good time to fill any gaps or update your travel basics. Here are a few of my picks for end-of-summer or fall travel.
Travel basics on sale
Because I always start with footwear when planning my travel wardrobes, here are some stylish & comfy shoes & boots…
If you’ll be traveling during warmer seasons, these slip-ons have a perforated finish for plenty of air flow, and a cushy sole. Lots of colors and sizes still available.
Yes, you absolutely should bring a pair of sneakers! ECCO delivers comfort in a sleek style for an elevated casual look. Removable insole. This one’s also available in black.
For fall and winter travel, a comfortable and supportive ankle boot is a must! I like the lug sole on these for cushioning and traction on wet or slick surfaces. Vionic is known for excellent arch support, and this style also has a removable insole. Available in black and brown.
And lightweight, layerable clothing…
These versatile pants offer polished comfort for day-to-dinner wear. They’re currently 25% off, and available in several neutral colors in Regular, Petite, and Tall sizes. (Runs true-to-size.)
If you prefer a lighter weight fabric, check out the Brooklyn style. They’re also included in Athleta’s sitewide 25% off promotion!
Vince wool-cashmere blend sweater
The ease of a tee, but more polished, this lightweight sweater is perfect for transitional season travel. In 3 neutrals, sizes XX-Small to X-Large. (Fits true-to-size; I took size Small.)
A lightweight zip hoodie is one of my airport essentials. And in when the weather turns a little chilly, a hood keeps my head warm without creating “hat head.” This one’s light enough to layer easily under a coat or jacket. Available in 3 neutrals, sizes XX-Small to 3X.
J.Crew Gwyneth pleated slip skirt
Per reviews, this pull-on skirt travels well and doesn’t wrinkle. Wear now and well into fall. 5 colors, sizes XX-Small to 3X, all 50% off!
Let’s not forget accessories, outerwear & gear…
BLACK Luxury Accessories cashmere-silk scarf
The one accessory I always travel with is now 30% off (along with many other styles, for a limited time). This scarf is SO lightweight, but warm and soft. And the classic leopard print works with everything in my travel wardrobes! It’s also available in Black/White and Navy leopard.
RAINS hooded waterproof raincoat
A lightweight and packable style that’s truly waterproof! Sizes XX-Small to X-Large. (It’s been my experience this brand runs a little large, but I haven’t tried this particular style.)
Longchamp Le Pliage expandable tote
This lightweight nylon tote expands to a “ludicrously capacious” size. Use as a beach bag, a carry-on or pack empty for a just-in-case bag to bring home souvenirs.
3 colors, included in the Anniversary Sale.
Their Summer Sale include my favorite Pearl crossbody, in several materials and colors. Saffiano leather is structured and durable; Nappa leather is softer and a little more slouchy. Save 30% for a limited time.
London Fog single-breasted trench coat
This water-resistant trench has a timeless and classic look to elevate your travel style. Also available in Navy, sizes X-Small to X-Large (and all sizes still available!).
Need more ideas for your next travel wardrobe? Visit my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub for more suggestions, capsule wardrobes, and packing tips!
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Hey Susan,
I’ve been looking at the Athleta pants for awhile now but had heard they changed their sizing, in particular the waist to hip ratio, so am confused about what order. (My local store closed last spring.) What size do you wear?
Hi Mary, I’m usually a Petite 6.
Thanks for the Vionic Chelsea boot suggestion. I ordered a pair today. I have recently developed plantar fasciitis, and Vionic seems to be the only brand I can stand to wear. I am slowly replacing all of my shoes with them.
Hey- those were mine :! I put them in my wish list, circled back and they were gone. I have recent PF also so good to know you like this brand.
Great selections today, Susan. I bought the Vince sweater and love it- perfect elevated basic for me.
I finally bought the tulip sneakers. They are so comfortable! I should’ve bought them the first time I read about them from you. Thank you!
I’ve been eyeing that scarf in the blue and white color way for a while. How do you care for it, Susan? I don’t like to dry clean scarves if I can help it.
Hi Grace, I wash mine in the machine (in a lingerie bag, cold water, delicate cycle, cashmere shampoo) and dry on a rack. They hold up beautifully!
When you show a scarf I am always tempted to buy it too. Seldom a good idea. Scarves and me, we are not a good match. But they do look good on you. That long blue blazer type coat you wore in Paris is such a good piece.
Greetje
Yes, that jacket has been one of my best wardrobe purchases EVER.
Hi Susan: thanks for these wonderful choices! I look at the long trenches and think they’d be so cool, but I feel like a knee length is ultimately best for me. I see that London Fog makes a knee length trench also–and in olive green–so I might spring for that. I tried the J Crew cashmere tee (cropped) but with the collar and buttons: theoretically this would look good because of the structural elements but I found that it made me look stodgy. I think long sleeves (but ruched for some skin) are better. Lesson learned! The cropped, even sized up, was too short.
I looked at Tibi’s overalls and thought they looked just the ticket for a Gamine but they’re out of my budget range. Fun stuff! Thanks again, Susan!!
Susan, I jumped at the opportunity a while back to add three more pairs of Athleta endless pants to my closet…mainly due to the “divorce diet” & Pilates sessions that have changed my size. I can recoup some money selling the size 10’s that are floating on me. I also recently ordered Banana Republic merino wool short sleeve sweaters in neutrals that will be especially useful for traveling. You had mentioned how good they are. Sale in CAD $ isn’t quite as good ,but a birthday bonus they gave me definitely helped. Looking forward to seeing your travel photos this fall.Always excellent!
I bought 2 of the Caslon knit blazers. What a great price on Nordy’s AS. How do you deal with the hanger bumps? I’ve tried hanging them on several different types of hangers, but they all leave bumps even when they’ve only been hanging an hour. I can steam them out, but I was really looking for a grab & go jacket.
Hi Susan B., have you tried hanging them like this: how to hang a sweater ?
Hello Susan
Thank you for all the wonderful information and tips you send to us. I live in New Zealand by the beach so my lifestyle is very different but I have gleaned so much from your emails and subsequently have changed my wardrobe accordingly to my Spring palette.
Hanging jackets and blazers inside out on their hanger will solve the problem of hanger bumps.
Thanks again, Helen
Hi Susan,
I’m considering both the slip skirt and cashmere hoodie from J Crew. The Lo crossbody and the Le Pliage bag have served me well for travel.
I’ve used so many of your travel tips-thanks very much Susan for all your great suggestions!
Diane
Another great post, Susan. I purchased a version of the London Fog trench coat (I purchased the lined version). I’ve been looking for a real water resistant (waterproof doesn’t seem to exist anymore) trench for years. Also, purchased the Lo & Sons Pearl bag (graphite) last summer for our river cruise last September. Perfect for travel; a bit small for everyday for me. Thank you for your great ideas!
I traveled to Italy this spring for two weeks and it rained every day. I thought I was prepared with a water resistant coat and an umbrella – but I was not! While I was in Rome, I picked up a Rains hooded waterproof jacket which was perfect to layer over my outerwear and keep the rain completely off. My Rains is more of an aline, shorter jacket but can attest that it’s very lightweight and waterproof. I have several gore tex pieces but the Rains fabric is so much easier to wear.
I picked up the Barbour Camilla Waterproof Trench Coat at NAS for my return trip to Italy this fall.
I’m going to try out the Athleta Endless pants. One thing I learned about traveling in the rain (everyday) is that wide leg pants are not forgiving. Slim, ankle pants would have been a much better option.
Hi Susan
I have the Rains olive raincoat down here in NZ. I’m petite and 160cm and I actually sized up, to add layers underneath, but it doesn’t swamp me. It’s very lightweight so it doesn’t add any bulk, and the belt provides shape. Hope that’s helpful
Thanks for all your great travel tips over the years.
Best wishes
Julie x
What color of leopard scarf would you recommend for Autumns?
Brown.
Thank you, Susan, for the tip about Athleta’s Endless pants and the 25% off sale. I just ordered them after trying them on in my local store. The saleswoman told me they run large and they did on me — I ordered one size down from my usual size. Like you, I’ll be in Paris in September and think the pants will be really useful.
I have two of the J.Crew pleated skirts but haven’t taken them on the road yet. Good to know they travel well!
Hi Susan, I have a quick question about the RAINS raincoat. You mention that you haven’t tried the particular style in your post, so I’m assuming you’ve purchased a different RAINS style? Which style would that be? Finding suitable rain gear for travel has been my ongoing holy grail; must be functional, lightweight and not take up much precious space in my luggage. I can’t tell you how many raincoats and jackets I’ve purchased that just never quite work. Thanks so much!
Hi Evelyn, I haven’t purchased one, but did try on a few during my last visit to Paris.