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How to Rock an Over 50 Travel Wardrobe Part 1

Welcome to our latest collaboration for Project Design.  Mary Ann , Annie and I are so happy to welcome Celia from After Orange County, Brenda from Brenda Kinsel, Susan from  Une Femme D’un Certain Age, and Heather from Curated Travel. We are all sharing our essential tips for stylish travel. I wrote this post back in 2017 after struggling to find stylish comfortable travel wear. This has been a popular post and many of the items have been discontinued so today I am updating How to Rock an Over 50 Travel Wardrobe Part 1. 
 

how to rock an over 50 travel wardrobe part 1

 

Are you planning a trip this Spring?  Packing, knowing what to take, and more importantly (what not to take) can be a challenge with today’s travel.  No one wants to pay extra to drag an extra suitcase on the plane.  The Huffington Post has some great tips on how to pack here.  Eagle Creek is a great resource for travel products, and they have the best checklist for travel I have found here.

Now that you know how to pack the question is what to pack?  Travel wardrobes need to be small light and portable.  The days of lugging multiple suitcases are over. Packing needs to be taken seriously.  Your wardrobe pieces need to have the ability to work together to create multiple outfits especially if you are going to be gone more than a few days.

5 simple tips what to pack

 

 

It is important to have a few pieces that we will call “Key Players”. They need to have the ability to be worn several times in numerous ways.  Here are some of my favorites.

Over 50 Travel Wardrobe the Key Players

 

I love the Raindrop Jacket from Athleta (I am a big Athleta fan).  It is lightweight and stylish enough to be worn even if it isn’t raining. Michael Stars Shine Tee (my fav tee) can be dressed up or down. Madewell High Rise Skinny Jeans, Michael Stars Shine Tee in black. Basic Wayfarer from Ray-Ban. The Skechers Performance go walk are the comfiest shoes I have ever owned and they look a lot better on than in the pic. White jeans also from Madewell,Black Slim Compression Pant from Ivanka Trump. I have spoken of the virtues of this pant before.  They are like thick spanx. The Blondo  Linda booties are waterproof.  My favorite shirt the Planet Artists Smock Shirt from Artful Home ,can be dressed up or down. Rain hat from Toutacoo comes in multiple colors. Love the versatile stellar crop pant from Athleta. Fits sleek like a legging but thicker and more forgiving. The Neatpack crossbody bag has the coveted anti-theft pocket

A few of these pieces can be considered “Wardrobe Opportunists”.  They can be worn in multiple ways with different pieces, very important if you are to be gone long. On Tuesday I will list the “Supporting Cast” (scarves, jewelry, and accessories) and show you ways to create multiple outfits. Now pop over and see what our talented friends are sharing.

**Editors Note.  The Athleta Rain Drop Jacket sold out after this post.  I have replaced it with their newer version that is a little longer.

You might want to check out How to Rock an Over 50 Travel Wardrobe Part 2 here

Stylish Travel Tips

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janet Arden says

    Great post! I’m always working on lightening the load! Last fall my husband and I spent a month in France; we each traveled with a wheeled carry-on (which we checked) and another, smaller duffle carry-on. I totally endorse your 3-pairs rule on shoes and picking a color scheme. Mine is usually black, white and denim. Failsafe and I don’t get tired of them. I find I don’t want to fuss with jewelry except earrings when I travel and NEVER the good stuff. (One more thing to worry about losing.) I take makeup basics, moisturizer and styling products, but use hotel dryers and shampoo. If there’s something missing, I can find it at our destination.

  2. Susan B says

    Great picks! I find an oversized white shirt is such a workhorse for warm weather travel…it can also be worn open as a light jacket over a tank top. I’m seriously considering packing some white jeans for our trip to France and London this June…this gives me the push I needed.

  3. Mary Ann Pickett says

    Thank you so much, Cindy for all these great sources. I bought the t-shirt in black based on your advice…really want the leggings now. So versatile. Just wish I could stick to the three pairs of shoes plan. I only brought three pairs to San Diego but that’s because I left flipflops and running shoes here already 🙂 Also love your choose a color scheme! I need bathing suit cover-ups for Mykonos to protect the public…would love your advice!
    This was a fun Project Design. And it was YOUR idea. Thanks!

  4. Brenda Kinsel says

    Cindy, I’ve seen Madewell jeans on you and I’m definitely going to try those! On a recent trip I brought two bags but realized I only needed the one (plus an evening bag for a gala). I was surprised but my tote was perfectly sublime for every single day. I like your advice about shoes and wardrobe opportunists. Can’t wait for part 2 next week!! Thanks for sharing your faves.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I have gone the overly expensive jean route, and I have also done Gap. I think Madewell’s hold their shape and they seem to fit my body type, I would like to hear the guru’s review though!!

  5. Sandra Sallin says

    I’ll be back. Can’t wait to read all of these blogs. I will take your advice and create a bookmark folder so I can keep the infor on hand. Goody. So interested in what these smart well traveled woman have to say.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I bet you will have a helpful tidbit or two to offer our readers as well Sandra! Please chime in. You are always a wealth of insight.

  6. Heather Lindstrom says

    Thanks so much for inviting me to join this group of stylish bloggers today, Cindy. I’m learning so much from each of the posts. I agree with Annie, I’ve always loved your style! That white blouse is so classic and versatile. I’m also thinking it goes well with our shared ‘tresses au naturale’ these days. Yours looks fabulous, by the way!!
    Great list of the ‘key players. I’m such a fan of the cross-body bag especially for traveling. I’m definitely keeping this list of your very stylish favorites.
    xx,
    Heather

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Heather are you going au naturale? I am impressed. I probably was about your age when I got tired of coloring m hair. It is a badge of courage and confidence you will wear it well. I may need to consult with you on a trip to France next Spring!

  7. Annie Diamond says

    Cindy!
    I love your style! Such great tips and advice! Need to order that rain hat. I think you’ve mentioned it before and it’s one of those things everyone needs. I love your casual style and you definitely rock your wardrobe..and perfect for any age!
    xo
    Annie

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Annie your post was fantastic. Every thing you do fascinates me, your personal style and your lovely home. You get it!

  8. Taste of France says

    I like going with all black or all beige/khaki, and then a couple of scarves, which pack very small. They make you look more dressed up and add color. The only thing is, I just can’t bear scarves in the dead of summer, but any other time they are a must.
    I have gone through four pairs of Go-Walks. I wore one pair brand-new for a week in NYC and they were the best thing ever for my messed-up feet. I have them in white (twice), tan and black, and I have to admit I don’t like the black ones. They look bulky and not nearly enough like loafers. I don’t know why–the others are perfection. They are comfortable but I wear them only at home because I don’t like their look.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I hear my daughter speaking…she warned me to not wear the black go walks. I am going to have to try the tan per your advice. I also agree scarvews in summer to much but I love the new bandana trend I can do those. Have you tried them?

  9. cherie says

    I am 70 and love to travel. Each trip I learn something about packing — sometimes I remember what I learned, sometimes not. I tend to overpack. Last trip I took a carryon that I checked and a HollyHome backpack (more stylish look than a regular backpack) 2-wheeled backpack I found on Amazon plus a tote for my Travelon purse and airplane necessities. That was it for a 30-day trip — Viking river cruise and then train/bus travels on our own. I will admit I had no room to bring home much in the way of souvenirs or gifts that usually consists of jewelry and small wooden boxes from the countries visited. I still could have pared down the wardrobe, I think. Next trip – black jeans, dark blue jeans and go-wherever black pants. Multi-purpose is the way to go I will tell myself….

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I so agree Cherie. I learn a little more every time I travel. I find on long trips you have to stick to a color palette or else one overpacks. Thanks so much for weighing in with your tips!

  10. Marsha Scott says

    Life is just SO casual now, I’ve had to rethink almost everything about packing for a holiday. Being an accessories girl, as I think those pieces are where one can change things up a great deal. I bought new luggage recently, pieces that all fit together for ease in getting to/from the planes, etc.
    I put plastic bag, like the cleaners use, between everything to minimize wrinkling, I put little things inside shoes, in other words I use every single inch of space. I no longer carry-on a big bag and my handbag. Just the handbag. I also think because I’m often alone the ease of movement is very important, movement of the luggage, etc., my myself !!! Yes, I choose A COLOR to coordinate mostly with black & white. Either red or indigo blue as they both work during any season. I am not a “jeans” girl at all. Oh, I know, I know. But I have very narrow pants or leggings. I prefer a dress with leggings, just so much easierr to pop-over and go. And, I’m definitely over 50 !! Big hug !!!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      You are right Marsh things have changed so much. I do the inside of shoes thing as well. Stuff the shoes with scarves and jewelry. You always have such good input Marsha. We seriously have to meet up one day. I don’t think I will be back to Texas except for Round Top. All of my dad’s properties have sold. You should come visit me!!

  11. Cindy says

    It has taken me years to become a good packer and I still pack too much on shorter trips! It is a struggle for all of us!

  12. Cindy says

    I love booties as well and they are a tad more versatile…excellent point. I love these Blonde boots because they are waterproof!!

  13. home before dark says

    I'm the odd girl out. With so many people picking bags that barely fit bins and then cramming them to the limit and then trying to squash them into any available (and shrinking space), we check our bags. My husband is 6'5" and almost 70. I have had some rather hideous rotator cuff issues. I don't want to re-injure my shoulder trying to heave my bag in the carry on space. We try to fly premium economy (an oxymoron for sure) where you get two free checked bags and my husband can stretch out his old long legs!

    As a 67 year old boomer, I no longer pack jeans. They take up too much room and there are pants out there that are more comfortable and could be washed and air dried if needed. Love Artful Home. I also like Soft Surroundings for tunics, jackets and leggings. My plan is always a black "core" outfit—tunics/leggings, tunics/long skirts and then have fun with lightweight jackets. No matter the season, layers are the ticket!

  14. La Contessa says

    I find this FUNNY!
    I KNOW LOADS of people need HELP In this case but three pairs of shoes is ONE TOO MANY if you are going for a week!TWO IS PLENTY…….WEAR ONE and PACK the other.
    I cannot wait to see YOU PLAYING DRESS UP!!!!!!!

    • Cindy says

      I agree Elizabeth but I have to tell you when we went to Italy a couple of years ago in March I took boots (as it was snowed in when we left) a pair of flats and a pair of flip flops for the shower. It ended up in the 70's so I wore my flip flops most of the time!!

  15. Our French Oasis says

    I love this and I can tell you this advice is not just for over 50's, I feel this is appropriate to anyone in their 40's too! Simple packing and a careful choice of outfits. Now tell me, now that you have the packing perfected, where are you off to on your travel!??

  16. Sharon Lee Johnson says

    I so need this advice. I am a terrible packer – always take far too much stuff which I end up not wearing and promise myself next time I'll pack light but fail every time! Xx Sharon

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