Being comfortable while feeling stylish is the key to fashion; even dramatic clothing needs to hug and support you in the right place. However, needing to dress for the weather – which can be windy, rainy, and cold, or hot, humid, and sweaty – can make it hard to maintain this stylish element. 

That’s no good for your inner confidence, and can taint the memory of any trip you go on. 

So, how do you stay comfortably dressed yet feeling stylish while you’re on vacation? Combine your innate sense of fashion with the weather system and you’ll be just fine! Here are some tips to get you started. 

1.) Pack a Capsule Suitcase

A capsule suitcase keeps your outfits to a minimum, and makes sure you’ve only got the right amount of clothes for as many days you’re going away. If you have more than you need, you may struggle to coordinate your outfits, which can stress you out and make you even more uncomfortable! 

So keep it simple, pack what you want to wear, and don’t put it in anything you’re not 100% sure about. There’s some wiggle room here, of course, but keep the rule in mind. 

2.) Dress From the Toes Up

Never forget your feet. They can get cold and achy or hot and feel very moist – either way, they’re not going to be comfortable by the end of the day if you don’t plan ahead for them! Always make room in your suitcase for at least two pairs of shoes. 

Pack the warmest thermal socks and a pair of walking boots if you’re headed somewhere cold with hard ground, and pack something with a soft sole and preferably an open toe if you’re out in a hot country. The better the shoe situation, the easier it’s going to be to walk without feeling like you need to sit down after a couple of steps! 

3.) Hot? Shorts or Cropped Trousers

They’re better to move in, let your legs catch a tan, and they’re the most comfortable things to wear if you’re not a fan of dresses or skirts. Pack a couple of each if you can; letting your body heat escape out through your legs is a pretty good way to stay cool, thanks to how much of your skin’s surface can be found from the waist down. 

They’re also incredibly customizable, possibly even more than a dress can be, as both shorts and cropped trousers go with pretty much any top or overlayer. Stay in best walking shape with something you can move in – especially without the extra worry it’s going to ride up or lead to chafing. 

4.) Cold? Layer Up

On the opposite hand, if you’re headed somewhere cold, you need to layer up as much as possible. This can look great if you do it right! So, double the socks, a base layer under your actual outfit, and then at least two outer layers on top. For example, a thin jacket you can zip and mold to yourself, then a thick, water and windproof coat on top of it. Stunning! 

Cold weather wicks your body heat away faster than you’d ever think possible. If you already have poorer circulation, it’s imperative to throw the layers on and make sure you’re wearing some for the extent of the trip. Try to make sure the layers are tight to your body; you want to trap as much heat as possible to prevent shivers, which could lead to a full on chill. 

5.) Mind Your Colors

What colors do you like to wear? Make sure you pack them in droves when you’re going on a trip. Or, if you’d like to finally try out a different color to your usual palette, now could be a perfect time to do so. 

Pastels for someone who usually likes dark tones of black and blue, for example, or something more pastel and light for those who have a bright and bold tone about them. 

As long as you like the colors and would like to wear the clothing, put in your case and try out some great looks while you’re on the other side of the world. Think of it as a chance to experiment and be yourself without anyone you know seeing you – sometimes that helps! 

If you want to be comfortable as you travel, don’t think you have to give up on style as you go. You can combine the two and feel great in your vacation photos!