by MARSHALL BONE
Slow traveling long-term is the ultimate test of your ability to embrace change, adapt to any situation, and make decisions on the fly. As for your wardrobe: the simpler the better. Starting the journey with a minimalist mindset allows you to focus more energy on planning while also creating looks you’ll love to see in your travel photos. Here’s how to pack light for a long trip without sacrificing style.
Create an Essential Wardrobe List
Unlike a short vacation, slow traveling doesn’t usually involve dining out every day or going from one activity to the next. Any garments you wear should work just as well for casual outings and rest days as they do for planned activities.
Plan for your comfort and peace of mind. Create a list of core clothing that makes you feel relaxed and sophisticated. Ideally, these garments are simple, timeless, and suitable for multiple environments. Choose clothing that can pair well with two or more items in your core collection, such as solid-colored blouses and T-shirts, cargo pants, and casual skirts.
Build the bulk of your travel wardrobe around these must-have items, and use beautiful accessories to elevate your look for special events.
Diversify Your Pant Styles
Depending on the type of trip, it’s normal to need clothing for a range of activities, such as hiking, sightseeing, wine tours, wellness retreats, and nightlife. Bring four to seven pairs of pants in a variety of styles to suit any activities you’re anticipating. For example, casual women’s trousers in loose-fitting or tailored styles are go-to items for running errands or exploring your destination. Afterward, you can easily pair them with an elegant blouse or cardigan to dine out in the evening.
If you’re highly active, pack pants that are comfortable and durable for outdoor activities and workouts. Shorts, leggings, and cropped pants are lightweight and take up minimal space, making them a useful addition to your wardrobe.
Get Creative With Layered Tops
The warmer the weather in your destination, the easier it is to simplify what you pack. Think about ways to create temperature-adaptable looks without requiring several pieces of bulky outerwear.
Lightweight button-down shirts, hoodies, and cardigans can all be worn as “jackets” in moderately chilly weather while serving as the main garment in another look. If cool weather—but not quite wintry—is the norm where you’re heading, bring one to two thermal shirts to wear under other clothing.
Accessorize Like a Minimalist Diva
Being a minimalist doesn’t mean you need to ditch glamour altogether. Accessorize your essential wardrobe with a few eye-catching items that can be styled in more than one way. Chic sheer dusters and ruanas, for example, can drape elegantly over the body or tie up at the front for a more laid-back look.
If you love prints, leave room in your luggage for a bold patterned dress, skirt, or scarves. A dramatic scarf can transform a low-key look, whether you wear it over your shoulders, around your waist, or as a headband. You can also wear scarves on trousers with belt loops to add a pop of color and polished style to an everyday outfit.
Audit Your Shoe Selection
Lugging around too many pairs of shoes is where many inexperienced slow travelers go wrong. Consider how you primarily spend your time while traveling, and be honest about footwear that went unused on past trips. Heels are rarely a good choice, as many popular destinations have cobblestones or rough, uneven sidewalks.
Instead, choose shoes that are suitable for your destination and comfortable after long periods of walking or standing. Bring at least one pair of footwear designed for a variety of terrain, such as hiking books, walking shoes, or sport sandals. Casual slip-on shoes such as sneakers, sandals, ankle boots, or loafers are useful in environments where you’re frequently required to remove your footwear before entering.
If you like to dress up in the evening, pack a neutral style made for all occasions like leather sandals or ballet flats. When you’re nearly done packing, review your shoe selection to make sure all the footwear is necessary, multifunctional, and well-coordinated to your wardrobe.
Pack a Few Expendable Items
The true art of minimalist packing is allowing yourself to let go of items that no longer serve you. As tempting as it is to bring a suitcase full of showstoppers, it’s better to pack a few items you aren’t afraid to lose.
Picking up locally made garments is one of the best parts of traveling, especially when visiting a foreign country. However, expanding your wardrobe will make your luggage heavier, and it could result in fees at the airport. Avoid this challenge by replacing items, instead of endlessly growing your wardrobe. One item in should equal one item out, making it easy to maintain a minimalist approach.
Marshall Bone is a writer, copy strategist and all-around stylish guy who has been following trends in GQ for more than two decades. Voted best-dressed both his junior and senior year, Bone has continued this legacy and can be found covering various topics from men’s fashion to self care and grooming. He enjoys reading and is based in the greater Los Angeles area.
