Traveling in Style: Clothing, Part 2

Before we move on to tops and sweaters/jackets for travel, I wanted to add my own thoughts to a couple of common themes that seem to come up whenever travel wardrobes are discussed.

I don’t want to look like a tourist!
Having expressed this sentiment myself before our first Paris trip, I have sympathy for those who post to travel forums asking what to pack for a European vacation, often concluding with “I don’t want to stick out/look like a tourist.” There can be such a negative association with the word “tourist” which often conjures an image of a loud person in loud clothing, wearing a fanny pack and behaving in a generally clueless manner. But the truth is if you’re traveling for pleasure, you’re a tourist, and will be identifiable as one the minute you whip out a camera or consult a map, or even just stroll and look around you, taking in the sights. Even if you don’t do any of those, remember that the locals will probably be dressed for work and not for leisure, so trying to “dress like a local” is pointless. My goal is to be a *stylish* (yet comfortable) tourist, and a gracious guest wherever we’re visiting.

Buy what you need when you get there!
This is one I see often on various websites that offer advice on packing light. While this might work for some, I’d be cautious about over-reliance on this strategy, especially on a first visit to any given locale. First, one must consider how much time you will have. This was brought home to us after we’d spent the better part of one precious morning in Paris trying to locate and purchase an electrical adapter when the one we’d brought with us bit the dust. Shopping for clothing can be tricky too. You need a warm sweater but it’s early summer and the shops are full of linen and sun dresses?  You’re 5’1″ and need every pair of pants hemmed before you can wear them? You have a wide, hard-to-fit foot but need a pair of walking sandals?  Probably not the best idea to count on finding clothing you need to wear on the trip while *on the trip.* I’m not saying don’t shop, I’m just cautioning against assuming that what you need will be immediately available. (This generally isn’t a problem at resort destinations, which will carry clothing and other items for use while there. Which brings up another point: be careful when shopping at resorts. The prices tend to be high, and you might wind up with clothing that will never be worn back at home.)

Topping it off

My very favorite tops for travel are my Eileen Fisher silk jersey tanks and tees (long and short-sleeved).  These are lightweight, breathable, washable (and dry overnight), and can be layered if needed for warmth without bulk. (When we visited the glacier in Alaska two years ago, I wore one tank and three long-sleeve tees layered underneath a fleece vest and was plenty warm.) Bien sur, I’ll be bringing my new Babette tops on this trip as well.

I love cardigans for travel, especially cashmere which provide warmth without a lot of bulk. But the weather in Italy in late May might be too warm for cashmere, and if so I’ll be bringing a longer lightweight wool EF cardigan, and possibly an elbow-sleeve EF cotton lace cardigan for warmer days. (We’ve been advised that women need to have shoulders covered when visiting many churches/cathedrals in Italy.)

I no longer pack or bring woven jackets when I travel as they take up too much space and often require pressing/steaming. My new Babette cream shirt will also work as a lightweight jacket worn open over a tank, and I have another black Eileen Fisher knit silk/cotton 3/4 sleeve jacket from last year that should work for any other circumstances.

As we get close to our departure date, I’ll put together a Polyvore on the Floor with my final travel wardrobe selections.

Next installment, some clothing care tips and tricks for the road.

Please share your favorite tops, sweaters or jackets for travel. Do you pack everything you need, or shop once you reach your destination?


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37 Comments

  1. As for looking like a tourist: Americans have a distinctive carriage/posture. We look like tourists no matter what.

    That white Babette shirt looks great on you, btw. usually white shirts make people–me anyway–look heavy. Not so for your new one.

  2. All your trvel tips are wonderful, but if there is one piece of advice that is universal is to avoid shopping for items like walking shoes or even sweaters. Not only does it eat up time, with inflation and a weak dollar, ordinary items are super expensive. On our second day in Rome, I lost my umbrella. I had paid $6 in NYC– replacement cost at a drugstore 20 Euros which was almost $35. I want to keep my shopping for something wonderful.

  3. I love reading these travel tips.:) It has always interested me what is it exactly that makes someone stand out as a tourist? I think Europeans on a whole have a certain attitude, maybe a unique confidence so that whether they are dressed elegantly or simply in jeans, tee, scarf and cardi, they are naturally at ease in whatever their surroundings. Maybe that sounds like nonsense. It’s hard to explain even though I know what I mean in my head.:) I think it’s a very European brand of confidence.

    Enjoy your trip! It sounds absolutely wonderful!

  4. I like layers too…that EF Tee is a great choice.
    I have a similar one by Elie Tahari in black.

    I always pack a pashmina and a cashmere cardigan
    and a pair of cashmere socks just in case the weather is cold.
    Black and white are my travel basics and a few scarves for colour.

    Your trip must be soon.
    How exciting!

  5. Great advice! I LOVE the EF cardigan link- and that neckline on the T is perfect so I will be checking those out pronto.

    As for Looking Like Tourists/Americans: My in-laws are meeting us in Italy this September and my father in law is pretty much adamant he’s going to continue to wear his running shorts (mid-thigh, but not the split seam shorties) and sleeveless tanks, and Croc flip flops. No matter how much we tell him he won’t be admitted into churches or some restaurants like that, he wears that stuff year round and refuses to adapt. I don’t really care about how he looks, but am worried he’ll be more of a target. It’s his loss if he can’t see David in Florence!

    I hope he realizes on his own that it’s pointless to spend all that money going somewhere if he limits himself to the sites by being obstinate.

    They are also going to Paris, so la fourchette, my inlaws will be one of the Americans that stand out! 😉

  6. Hello:
    Such sound advice here for anyone proposing to travel, either at home or abroad. There is, as you say, nothing wrong with being a tourist per se, but there is, in our view, a need to be a discriminating one. A vist to St. Mark’s Square in Venice at any time is proof of the necessity of this.

    And yes, we agree, it is not always possible to buy at one’s destination the requirements for the visit. We oppose travelling light – pay for porters is our mantra!

  7. Hi Deja pseu! Since there are thousands and hundred thousands of tourists visiting Vienna, I had analyzed the appearance a bit: Mr Paula and I wonder, if the people who walk through the streets wearing printed T-Shirts in the colors red/blue/yellow/green/black, with some Logos or Slogans and really washed-out in colour and shape would wear those T-shirts also on their home country? In Austria T-Shirts are left to students, mostly those who study physics, mathematics or organic chemistry 😉

    So to make a rambling comment short: in our eyes it is the washed-out T-shirt with a print which shout out “Tourist”, at least in Vienna.
    And of course the sport-sandals.

    In Tokyo, it is the huuuuuuge backbag, with a wet towel attached to it, on the back of a person walking through a temple-district.

    Yesterday two tourists asked me for the way, I guess what I liked about their appearance was that it did not scream out anything. Quiet = polite = very welcome :-))

  8. I don’t see as many Americans looking like tourists these days – which make the few who *do* stand out a bit. But bless their traveling souls for 1) being in that embarrassing small percentage of Americans who even have passports and 2) moving about the world with them. Bravo!

    Your tips here are fantastic. I, too, spread my wardrobe choices out on the floor before packing…and then try to cut the number in half!

    You, my dear, are going to be looking *fabulous*!

  9. I love the silk jersey tanks option! So versatile and easy to wear. I love to layer breezy, flowy cardigans over them. I am not a fan of cashmere, I prefer cotton.
    I love to wear shirts, they can look very polished, but travelling with a mini iron isn’t always an option, so I absolutely applaud your latest Babette purchase, what an ingenious design.
    I suppose the final category ais fine knits: always better than a cotton or viscose jersey top but since the apparel market is flooded with various knits it’s difficult to come across genuine quality, smart looking knit tops.

  10. I try to pack everything I will need, but then again I travel very, very light and plan on hand-washing things as often as necessary. (I always pack a clothesline & a few clothespins. Travel tip: baby shampoo is an excellent clothes soap — rinses out easily, lifts out grease & smells nice — plus you can of course shampoo with it.) So there’s always room to pick up the odd nifty piece of local jewelry or clothing. As you say, layers, cardigans, and stuff you don’t need to iron is the way to go. And I get asked for directions wherever I go! So much that I now make a point to learn “I’m sorry, I’m not from here” as much of a standard in some of the most useful languages as “Excuse me, where are the toilets?”

  11. Many Italians go to Venice – they are ‘tourists’ too, but they don’t stand out as such. Even on holiday Italian women seem to wear neutral colours. I think chocolate and taupe look very elegant in summer. Or black and white. It can be very hot there in May – in the 90s, so I take sleeveless shirts or dresses in cotton with a touch of silk or lycra, and little cotton knit cardigans to knot around the shoulders; Agnes B are my favourite. Low-heeled sandals and a chic straw hat. Perfetto !

  12. Brilliant. Your Babette shirts are stunning. Imagine the white one with a ball skirt, wouldn’t that be out-of-this-world.

    I owe you a shoe story.

    I’m getting more exited by the day. Also hoping the weather continues like this for you. Definitely bring your cashmere cardigans.

  13. I have enjoyed the Traveler’s line at Chicos…you really can roll the items in a ball and they still look good! But I am going to check out these tops…I really like the look of the one you pictured here!!

  14. Best advice I’ve read for not looking like a tourist (in France): wear neutrals and nothing more then 2 years old. (It’s not that you need to look trendy, but the clothing is in better shape when it’s newer.)

    Also, in many countries air conditioning is not a given, so fibers that breathe are even more important.

  15. Those Eileen Fisher tanks and Ts are very tempting :-).

    I never count on shopping while on vacation.

    You’re right that tourists stand out no matter what they’re wearing!

  16. I always get the giggles when I read about the “not look like a tourist” comments. When I travel, I am a tourist. Why would I try to be what I am not? I find the quiet,polite tourist is almost always treated the same in return.
    I saw thousands of colorful Crocs in Florence 2 summers ago. Mostly worn by tourists who were not from the US!
    I love your travel clothing posts!

  17. Jane and Lance Hattatt – Porters, heh! I wish. Maybe I over-romanticize, but sometimes I’d love to know what it was like to travel with steamer trunks and valets.

    Paula – they dress like that at home. Really. At least in LA they do. With flip-flops.

    la fourchette – I agree, kudos to people who at least have some curiosity about other countries and cultures! Thank you! I keep trying to mentally cull my choices, as my tendency is to get everything out on the floor and then *add!*

    Tom – that’s a good point about the walk. And thanks regarding the Babette shirt. It’s such an amazing piece!

    coffeeaddict – these silk tanks and tees are fabulous, and combine so well with other pieces.

    Parthenope – that’s a great point, and when we were in Paris we saw many European tourists, not all of whom were dressed to the nines either. I agree that sticking with neutrals will go far. Your ensembles sound so chic!

    Pam – I have a Chico’s travelers skirt and jacket that have gone on several trips. But I’m afraid they’ll be to warm for this trip. You’re right though, that they pack and travel well.

    Deb – yes, I was also going to mention the weak dollar right now. And yes, it’s so much more fun to shop for non-necessities!

  18. Colleen – thanks! I think most of us tend to feel more comfortable and confident on our own turf; tourists might be a bit more hesitant and not taking the environment for granted.

    Susan Tiner – I’ve collected quite a few of the EF silk jersey pieces over the last few years, and tend to wear them quite often at home too.

    Hostess – I’ve been inspired by your black and white ensembles and will be mostly packing a black, white and grey wardrobe. My feet tend to get too warm in cashmere socks, but am taking a cashmere cardi for the plane and cool evenings.

    denise – that EF cardigan is a favorite piece of mine due to the peplum in the back which gives it wonderful shape and movement. And it’s washable! I hope you’re able to talk some sense into your FIL…

    Tabitha – oh, I envy your hat which I’m sure is fabulous. I have the worst time finding hats and I *know* I need one. But my head is so small! Maybe I just need to find a child’s hat…

    Mme K – great tip about the baby shampoo! Clothing that can be washed and hung to dry is a must for me.

  19. Tish Jett – oh yes, wouldn’t a ball skirt be fabulous?? I will bring a cashmere cardigan on your recommendation, but do hope the weather is nice.

    WendyB – that’s not a bad strategy…they go with everything and don’t show stains!

    Duchesse – that’s a good point about clothing that doesn’t look too worn or out-dated.

    martha – Crocs! I’ll never understand the allure of crocs. As a tourist, I’ve never been made to feel unwelcome, but I do try to be polite and respectful.

    RoseAG – well yes, sometimes we need to do some solo shopping!

  20. I don’t shop for essentials when I travel — where I go, there’s little in my size that I want to wear at my price point.

    It’s much more fun to shop for accessories, IMO.

    As for looking like a tourist when I’m on the road, I just aim to look like me. Given my natural sophistication and good taste, that’s enough to keep me from sticking out too much. 😉

  21. I try to arrive with everything I need.

    Sometimes a bit of strategic mis-packing can be an excuse to get a break from your traveling partner.

  22. Love your ideas. My husband insists we all only carry on so I do pack light. We have 4 boys and to see us roller bag around Venice – we looked like a line of ducks! I love Ts, black skirt, black slacks, jeans and a jean skirt. No one has mentioned a jean skirt – not sure if it is dated or only American but I found it very practical for hot days.

  23. We got asked for directions several times by the French, so we figure we were doing something right, but we also know that we must have looked like tourists just by virtue of walking together. Middle-aged couple together in the middle of the day in the middle of a work week? And, as you say, walking at a leisurely pace, occasionally wielding a camera, dead giveaway.
    But if you get spotted as a tourist, it will be as a stylish one, and I suspect you’ll be directing the odd soul to turn “droit” or “gauche” for the Jardin du Luxembourg. . .

  24. long (34+ inch), sheer “vests” are among my favorite things, especially for travel. they can add warmth without weight, cover my bum, and make any outfit a bit more dressy if needed. they look good under or over “shackets” (those wonderful shirts we find that can act as jackets), can instantly change a dress, and draped correctly, can fill in a neckline like a scarf. i’ve collected them several places, but, believe it or not have found the best on QVC (“Susan Graver”) and HSN (“M. Wynne”). i’m surprised they haven’t caught on. i am usually the only one sporting them at conferences and always get tons of compliments. if you find a reversible version, c’est magnifique!

  25. Rubiatonta – I agree, accessories are much better shopping bet. And I’m sure you stand out as a stylish sophisticate wherever you go! I do agree about wanting to look like oneself.

    roatanvortex – thank you, I’ve just learned about a new place I’d never been aware of before. Is your new home dependent on tourists to support the economy? Or are they an unwelcome nuisance?

    Patty – I think a jean skirt is a good option, just haven’t personally found one I like.

    materfamilias – I’m sure that after all of your visits to Paris, you probably had the look of people who knew their way around! I did get asked directions by a German couple on our last visit, and fortunately it was to a place I’d actually been the day before, so knew what to tell them!

  26. as for Babette, the only “con” is they don’t sell online as they believe you need to see the merchandise to make a wise choice. that chaps my hide. i like their designs, but i just look for Babette-like fabrics/clothing. that attitude is just a bit too precious for me.

  27. Anonymous – “shacket,” love that! I agree that the right vest can really dress up an ensemble. I’ll keep an eye out for those you mention.

    Re: Babette and not selling online, I get that and it’s frustrating, but also get why they prefer to sell in person. The sizing is less important than the cut and shape of the garment. The items I bought ranged in size from an XS to M.

  28. The golden rule of packing for a trip is: Don’t pack clothes that you never wear back home. People have a tendency to take “just in case” outfits, but once they’re there, find themselves reaching for the most comfortable ones.
    I personally prefer to pack only what I need. As for shopping I establish a budget before I leave and stick to it.
    There’s a video on YouTube where a stewardess shows how she packs a weeks worth of clothing in a very small bag. It worked for me.

    I wish you a great trip,
    Sandy

  29. Very good advice. Most people who live in tourist destinations can not only identify you as a tourist at first glance, but throw in with the first glance a very good guess at nationality too ;-). Hoping to pass is totally unrealistic. Passing as a polite person who’s appreciating what they see is already just fine.

    I also second the advice to not count on what you’re going to find locally. There is good stuff everywhere, but their location is usually something only a very kind local will pass on. And I once spent 3 entire days in Paris trying to buy pantyhose for my sister’s wedding, because I had unaccountably omitted that part from my carefully prepared outfit. I almost gave up and took a train to Amsterdam. And I’m only 5’8″..
    And let me add that hobbling along in the heinously uncomfortable shoes that French women have spent decades training for will for sure mark you out as a tourist, and make you much less of a nice one.

    For you specifically femme, the weather’s been very unusually warm since early April, the blustery usual April weather was more a broiling late-June 30o. Bring one cashmere cardigan for the plane, and in case there’s some instability, but otherwise plan on full-on summer garb.

  30. I would never again travel with a white nightdress. The maid changed linen and so it was gone.
    The Hotel offered me a bathrobe for the night.
    I spent much time to find another cotton/sleeve one and ended up in a small lingerie boutique in SoHo, spending a huge amount for a sleeveless silk one, because most nightdresses materials were synthetic.
    That happened at the beginning of our travel and when we went from NYC (hot) to Martha’s Vineyard (cool and windy) lodging in one of that beautiful old, but drafty houses, I missed my nightdress.

  31. I felt pretty poorly dressed on our trip (Italy; just returned the day before yesterday). The clothes I’d thought well-fitting when I packed, just looked a bit loose when compared with the clothes Italian women were wearing, even when these were loose-fitting clothing. I know I always lose weight travelling, but I think it was mainly the cut. Mine didn’t have that special sophistication.

    I also noted in both Venice and Florence, and elsewhere in Italy, that for the most part it was only the women tourists who dressed up for dinner, rather touching, I thought (I include myself, one night). The locals were in their stylish tight slacks or jeans, leather jackets, scarves, and frequently heels. I in my JJill Wearever shirt and loose pants felt so…gauche and new. That’s one thing: don’t wear too many new clothes. It’s one way to spot a tourist. Italian womens’ clothing never looks too new.

    By the way, I did see a few Italian women wearing, of all things, white running shoes, but the rest of their outfits were well-fitting and stylish, so the shoes didn’t ruin the look–it was obvious that they were a concession to comfort, but they weren’t going to give up altogether.

    Then, scarves. They’re even bigger in Italy than in 2009. Everyone wears them, including the men, and they really do add a touch of elegance and panache to whatever one is wearing.

    But at least one thing made me feel better: it was generally not assumed that we were American. Not only did a British couple tell us that we looked European, in churches and museums we were asked if we needed the German guide cards, and at the train station, an Italian woman actually came up to my husband and asked for directions–a dark sport coat, even with jeans or simple khakis, plus a leather man-bag, do wonders.

    I’m so looking forward to hearing about your trip, Pseu, and seeing photos.

    One restaurant recommendation for Venice: La Zucca. You have to make reservations. Of the 2 seatings, choose the 9 PM; the 7 is at least half tourists. Food is very good, and remarkably reasonable.

    Marie

  32. By the way, of course we’ll look like tourists; it’s the kind of tourist that matters. Saying you don’t want to look like a tourist is, I think, shorthand for not wanting to come across like a barbarian, for not wanting to project “la brute figure” rather than “la bella figure”. I was thinking about this while on the train in Italy. The attitude you don’t want to have is one that sets yourself up as the standard and projects yourself onto your environment. It’s also self-defeating for toursts, as you’re closing yourself off to the very things that you’ve travelled to experience. By the way, it’s not just obnoxious tourists who do this; obnoxious locals do it too. On one train, there were a group of young men playing loud music instead of using headphones, which was quite annoying. On another, a young man kept up a loud nonstop conversation on his cellphone; etc.

    It seems to me that the attitude that most makes sense for tourists is one that is open to the sights and experiences and people in the places you visit, and that’s why you make a effort to accomodate yourself to local customs to a degree. Now, regarding dress, there’s an another incentive for me: I just think Italian women look much more stylish and interesting–they have panache–than most American or British women I know, and that’s why I aim to adopt what I can of their look.

    Marie

  33. Sandy – oh yes, I’ve made that mistake on prior trips. Now I pull from clothing I wear frequently at home.

    Marie-Christine – Thanks, and I’ve been watching the weather forecasts pretty obsessively these last few days. Does look like it’s cooled off a bit, non?

    barbara – oh what a shame! It must have been so frustrating.

    Marie – great points and we’ve taken note to reserve La Zucca. I’d heard from a friend that few venues in Italy required really dressing up beyond “smart casual” so am packing accordingly. And your comment about the *kind* of tourist one is really gets to the heart of it. I’m so looking forward to the sights, smells, sounds, tastes of a new place!!