Have a fashionable vacay!

Travel is challenging, especially when you need to pack light. Seasoned travellers also find themselves with an over or under packed suitcase that weighs them down or makes them repeat the same outfits a few times. If you have experienced either of these situations, here are some tips to travelling light and still have everything you need.

Look at your itinerary. If you are on an outdoor adventure trip, do you really need a cocktail dress? Make a checklist, visualise your outfits ahead of time. If you're travelling somewhere for three days and two nights, make sure you have a fresh look for each day and a simple way to transition the same outfit from day to night.

Layering
Layering is the simplest way of dressing for any type of weather. Peel off a layer when it’s hot or add a cardigan when you’re cold. Ball up the clothing to see how small it can become when you pack it. Tank tops, light cotton shirts in any style of neckline, cotton cardigans, collared button-down shirts, leggings or heavy tights to layer under a dress or jeans if the weather is super cold.

Colour scheme
Choose your clothes in matching colours so you can mix and match each piece to create multiple styles for different days or different occasions. Neutral tones are always good, and you can mix and match them for new combinations. Pick colours based on where you’re going, a combination of black, white, navy and charcoal is good for any urban destination. Beach vacation or outdoors excursion? Khaki, off-white (or white) and bright hues like orange or yellow always work.

Fly in athleisure
Athleisure is fashionable, trendy and extremely comfortable to wear for flights, especially long-haul journeys. They fold neatly and fit into any bag. Ladies, you can consider compression leggings, along with a long-sleeved cotton top and coat while men can try a pair of track pants and a jacket, or a hoodie.

Flexible outfit
If you have a formal evening or event planned during your trip, women should opt for a slip dress, high-heeled sandals or wedges and a pair of bold earrings, while men should go for a pair of slacks, a flexible, multipurpose blazer, a crisp white shirt, and loafers. Ideally, all of these are things you could use for another evening, a different outfit, or can be packed easily without adding bulk to your carry-on.

Accessories
Accessories can change the look of an entire outfit, always pack some costume jewellery. These small accessories don’t take up tons of space in your bag. A statement cocktail ring and a pair of oversized earrings or a statement necklace that can transform your look from casual to chic. Pack makeup in a sleek pouch that doubles as an evening bag skincare and beauty products are available in travel-sized bottles. These take up much less space than the large bottles and can be disposed of when over, making space for the journey back. People who don’t wear jewellery should consider a few pairs of bright socks in fun patterns, just to add a little personality to otherwise simple, coordinating outfits. A scarf wards off chilly winds and adds style to any outfit.

Shoes
Shoes take up the most space. Most women will require only three pairs of shoes on any trip. Carry a pair of trainers or loafers, flat sandals or comfortable shoes to walk around in, and one pair of block heels or wedges. Men can generally get by with a pair of sneakers and loafers. Opt for a pair of flexible flats or sandals or for brands that make lightweight pairs and take up less space in your bag.

Pack light and choose a few pairs that serve multiple purposes, rather than trying to bring a pair for every look. Remember to select pieces of clothing that layer well, complement each other, and can be easily washed. Your clothes need to hide the rigours of travel, skip high-maintenance clothing that needs to be dry cleaned or ironed. Importantly, these outfits should make you look and feel good

Have a great trip! Share your pictures with us on Instagram tag @thehansindia and @deepikasarode with #THITRAVELLIGHT2019

Deepika Sarode
- The writer is the founder of PikaLove, a sustainable fashion label