We’ve talked before about how to pack like a boss, but here are six of my go to outfit formulas for summer travel. Last month I traveled to Northern Michigan for several days and this is everything I wore while I was away.
Formula 1: Girly on the Go
Chore jacket + black sheer top + black soft pants + loafers
Execution Notes:
I wore my favorite white tee and sweatshirt on the plane with my black pants.
At my destination’s airport bathroom, I quickly pulled out my sheer black cotton top (that doesn’t need to be steamed) from my carry on bag and switched out my shirt.
I brought my Jamie Haller leopard loafers (a new in stock version here) to switch into, but opted to stay in my Birkenstock clogs.
Why It Works:
All black works from day to night and can be easily dressed up (jewelry, nude lip and leopard accessories) or down (a chore jacket and clogs).
There’s no need to change as you move throughout the day which I find is very unlikely when I’ve traveled. I’m more interested in just going straight to dinner for a drink and a hearty meal then having to go back to my hotel room to change or freshen up.
Where I Wore It:
On the plane.
Exploring the lakeshore villages (small boutiques, coffee shop, book stores).
Dinner with a wonderful friend at my hotel.
Formula 2: The Funky Daytime Dress
Printed Maxi dress + trendy sandals + big colorful bag
Execution Notes:
Pack a travel steamer so that your dress is fully steamed, otherwise you’ll just look sloppy. I have this one.
Keep the shoes fun to elevate the look. I’m loving simple black thongs and funky fisherman sandals.
My big bright Goyard brought contrast to the look while holding all my stuff as I bopped around all day (first month of Vivrelle free with code KATELOWMAN)
Why It Works:
The first full day after travel, I always wake up feeling sluggish and bloated. A loose printed maxi dress hides all that bloat and tricks my mind into feeling fabulous. (Use code KATEL10! for 10% any Natalie Martin purchase).
Where I Wore It:
Exploring the lakeshore villages (small boutiques, coffee shop, book stores).
A quick stop at the beach to dip my feet in.
A sit down lunch by myself.
Formula 3: Fancy Girls Dinner
Oversized button-down + silk shorts + sleek heels + sculptural jewelry
Execution Notes:
I had a fancy sit down dinner event with all my friends so I wanted to look and feel my best. Unsure of which direction to head in, I went back to my Outfit Guide and followed my tried and true Creative Event formula.
Must be steamed to perfection.
Why It Works:
It’s appropriate for the environment but more unexpected than a dress. Feels a bit more fashion-y, in a good way.
The long silk Bermuda shorts serve as a cooler version of a skirt (I love this color too).
The tie dye print keeps it fun and playful, but the silk signals “I know this is a dressy occasion”.
Where I Wore It:
A four course sit down meal hosted by my friend at a beautiful local inn and restaurant (The Terrace Inn).
Formula 4: Early Morning Movement
Oversized crew + white tee + biker shorts + sun hat + hiking sneakers
Execution Notes:
I wore this for a morning of exploring and it motivated me to get some extra steps in.
Lots of layers are important for early morning walks.
Why It Works:
It’s not overly athleisure and works just as well for breakfast at the hotel as it does for a workout.
You never know when you’ll need some casual clothes throughout a trip so I always ensure I have one outfit packed that works for movement (but also travel, down time at the hotel, etc.)
Where I Wore It:
A walk with my friend.
Working from the local coffee shop.
Working from the hotel.
Formula 5: Casual Dinner Out
Coordinated shorts set (new version top and shorts) + fisherman sandals + chore jacket + bucket bag
Execution Notes:
My last night was a casual dinner with two of my friends and their families. It was very casual yet a Friday night so my coordinated short set fit the environment perfectly.
I love a fully coordinated look: the set, the shoes and the necklace all connect and match. It shows I really considered each piece yet overall still reads very casual.
I had my trusty chore jacket with me in case the night air turned chilly (common in NoMi). My white color is old but I also have and love the straw color).
Why It Works:
Coordinated sets are the easiest answer for almost any situation on a trip.
Saving a coordinated set for the end of the trip takes away from the decision fatigue that is usually present as you prepare to head home.
Reads as both casual yet well styled. Win win.
Where I Wore It:
A local taco restaurant with two friends and their families.
Formula 6: Travel Day
Oversized button-down + soft pants + clogs + scarf + oversized tote
Execution Notes:
For the flight home, I still had quite a bit of great items that had not gotten worn so I decided to wear a normal everyday look for myself rather than an athleisure travel look.
The button-down continues to look good despite creases and wrinkles but I did give it a good steam the night before I wore it.
Why It Works:
Just trust me on this: the better you dress for travel, the better the day goes. You look like a real person moving through the world and things just go better because of that.
Full pants keep my legs from touching the seat (plane germs gross me out), yet they are cotton and breezy so I don’t overheat.
The scarf gives me an extra layer if it gets chilly on the plane but was easy to tuck away once I landed.
Where I Wore It:
Two flights home.
An early dinner with my family after picking me up from the airport.
A quick errand to the local mall on the way home from dinner.
If you enjoyed this format, I highly recommend my Outfit Guide. It follows a similar structure but is much more in depth!
You can explore all the looks here.
Hope everyone is having a great week xx
Kate
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