A Guide to Looking Sharp When Living Out of a Suitcase

It doesn’t matter if you’re a nomad, freelancer, a business traveler or simply an adventurer who spends most of their time on the road – there’s no reason not to look your best at all times.

Of course, all travelers will agree that comfort and convenience come before style, but the simple truth is that one doesn’t automatically exclude the other. You can be comfortable AND stylish at the same time.

If there’s one thing you learn during your travels it’s how to get creative with the limited supplies you have available, and that’s exactly what we’re going to help you with in this article.

Follow along to learn some quick tips and tricks for how to look sharp when living out of a suitcase.

Plan Ahead

Although planning your adventures far in advance is often impossible and kinda takes that wanderlust vibe out of the whole experience, it can really help when it comes to packing the essentials.

One of the most obvious reasons for doing this is, yup, you’ve guessed it – the weather. You might be traveling from one hemisphere to the other, but if you’re planning on sticking around in a certain area for more than a couple of weeks, you better equip yourself properly.

Do your research and pack accordingly, as it will minimize the clutter in your luggage and you can avoid overpacking. Obviously, traveling in colder climates will require warmer clothes, but you can always make use of layers, which is something we’ll talk about more in the sections below. It’s always better to fill your pack with a few cardigans or long-sleeved shirts than to occupy that space with one chunky sweater.

For tropical destinations, flowy skirts and maxi dresses are the way to go for women, as they can be styled in a variety of ways and most importantly – they’re lightweight and compact!

Geography is also something to keep in mind when traveling. This will mostly reflect on the type of footwear you’re going to bring with you. Comfort is key, obviously, but you’ll also want something practical and suitable for the occasion.

If you’re off mountaineering and trekking, then you just might want to reconsider those heels in your pack. On the other hand, ankle boots can be quite stylish when matched properly AND they can be very comfortable for long-term traveling.

Another aspect to consider is culture. Every country has its own set of rules and notions of what’s deemed appropriate to wear. Make sure to do your research properly before heading to each destination, to avoid unnecessary hassle and uncomfortable situations. You can use this as guidance when deciding which garments to pack.

Some countries are very strict about their dress code (especially for women), meaning you might want to ditch tank tops and miniskirts and opt for something more conservative.

Staples Are the Way to Go

No, we don’t mean hitting the nearest office supply store. We mean equipping yourself with a few fashion staple items.

What does this mean exactly?

Well, a clothing staple is an essential part of your wardrobe and it usually refers to an item in a block color which can be worn differently depending on the occasion.

Some of these items include a pair of plain black pants, a classic white shirt, a denim jacket and a pair of comfy shoes. Women should never forget the pure magic of an LBD. What’s great about these items is that they’re so versatile and can be combined in a variety of different ways!

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should limit yourself just to these garments. It’s a good idea to pack a few statement items as well and combine them accordingly. You’d be surprised to learn just how much your whole look can change by switching a single piece of clothing!

A white shirt matched with black pants creates a great casual everyday look for women, for example, but if you opt for a skirt and a pair of heels, it takes things to the next level.

Layer Upon Layer

If you’re a frequent traveler, by now you probably already know that layers literally save lives. But aside from their life-saving properties, they’re also a great way to switch up your look while on the road!

The amazing thing about layers is that they allow you to control just how much bling you’re aiming for. A plain shirt with jeans can be deemed pretty casual, but top it off with a leather jacket and you have yourself a nice evening outfit, whether you’re male or female.

Men will want to take different kinds of shirts with them that they can wear for everything from a day out sightseeing to a nice dinner.

Women might want to consider taking a few dresses along, seeing how not only are they a great way to save on space, but dresses can be worn in a myriad of different ways. Take a little black dress, throw on a cardigan and you’re set for the rest of the day; switch the cardigan for a dazzling short jacket and you’re ready to party!

Mixing Business With Pleasure: Versatile Items

Everybody knows that frequent travelers are excused from following strict fashion norms. As such, we’re allowed (and encouraged!) to mix business with pleasure… at least when it comes to fashion.

One of the best ways to look sharp while traveling for women is to make use of versatile items such as scarves, sarongs, and shawls.

These handy garments can find use in different environments and can be worn like accessories, skirts, dresses or tops, depending on the occasion.

There’s also a wide array of convertible clothing items out there designed specifically for travelers who are looking for solutions that are both fashionable and space-saving.

Accessorise it up

Last, but certainly not least – make use of accessories.

Accessories can make or break an outfit. While your first instinct might not be to pack a pair of earrings or a fancy necklace in your backpack, keep in mind that these tiny trinkets can make a huge difference to your look.

And the best part? Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and finger rings are tiny and won’t threaten your valuable packing space. Another great thing is that you can always buy a few inexpensive statement items wherever you are. It’s like buying practical souvenirs.

If you’re not into jewelry, remember that accessories come in all shapes and sizes and you can make an outfit pop by adding a hat, ribbon or a simple brooch.