April 21, 2020
A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you one of my favorite blog posts from a few years ago, and then my revision of it in my current favorite colors. I think this an exercise that a lot of you engage in frequent, since there’s no way that the wardrobes that I post here will ALWAYS be your favorite colors!
But I didn’t include many accessories – I just accessorized the initial travel outfit, but nothing else. THAT won’t do…
We started here, with a travel outfit in which I could live for quite a while:
Earrings – Julie Vos; scarf – The Met Store; black cotton cardigan – Eileen Fisher; watch – Olivia Burton; bracelet – Julie Vos; waffle-fabric tee – J.Crew; black pants – Lands’ End; round cross body bag – Talbots; socks – Falke; loafers – Drivers Club USA
And these are the 10 garments that I chose to pack; at the time I said that I wasn’t sure if I was packing for Paris or Dublin (or maybe New York?)…
black jacket – Eileen Fisher; striped tee – J.Crew; black cashmere cardigan – Lands’ End; pink sweater – Uniqlo; black cashmere short-sleeve sweater – Lands’ End; pink oxford – L.L.Bean; floral shirt – Lands’ End; black velvet jeans – Lands’ End; sleeveless dress – Eileen Fisher; black jeans – Lands’ End
My best plan (so far) for making certain that I pack the right accessories is to plan out outfits, and then to accessorize these outfits. I try to include every garment, so that I don’t do something silly like forget shoes to wear with my dress out to a nice dinner. (it’s happened…)
So a half dozen outfit, with accessories:
First, I love a brooch:
Earrings – Kendra Scott; black jacket – Eileen Fisher; flower brooch – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini; striped tee – J.Crew; black pants – Lands’ End; loafers – Drive Club USA
I always pack my sunglasses – EVERYBODY should!
And maybe it’s because I haven’t had a haircut in at least 7 weeks, but a headband seemed like a good addition. If I’m traveling to any place where I might run into wet weather, I make certain to bring my waterproof boots. These are great – highly recommended!
Sunglasses – DIFF; beaded headband – Tasha; floral shirt – Lands’ End; pink sweater – Uniqlo; black velvet jeans – Lands’ End; waterproof boots – Blondo
Yes! Dressy sandals, and an evening bag. (I always pack my jewelry in my evening bag…) This outfit would certainly include a scarf too:
black jacket – Eileen Fisher; earrings – Julie Vos; sleeveless dress – Eileen Fisher; bag – Sondra Roberts; sandals – Sam Edelman
A solid neutral outfit doesn’t need to be boring; just a couple of accessories can make ALL the difference. And yes, I’m a sucker for flower earrings with a floral scarf:
black cashmere cardigan – Lands’ End;black cashmere short-sleeve sweater – Lands’ End; black jeans – Lands’ End; earrings – Banana Republic; scarf – Aspinal of London; tote – Coach
Classic gold jewelry, and PINK LOAFERS! Why in the world not? I wouldn’t go out into drifts of snow in these shoes, but otherwise why would you even try to resist?
Pink crystal earrings – Talbots; necklace – Canvas Jewelry; pink sweater – Uniqlo; pink oxford – L.L.Bean; black pants – Lands’ End; pink loafers – Talbots
Our last outfit is just a variation on the travel outfit – no “new” accessories here, but it’s always fun to have a bottle of matching nail polish…
Earrings – Julie Vos; black jacket – Eileen Fisher; tee – J.Crew; black velvet jeans – Lands’ End; scarf – Aspinal of London; waterproof boots – Blondo; “Dream a Little Dream of Me” nail polish – Deborah Lippmann
After working my way through a half-dozen outfits, I suspect I’ve included more than enough accessories for this (as yet mythical) trip. This is the contents of my closet at my hotel or apartment at my destination:
The nice thing about accessories is that (except for shoes) they don’t take up all that much space in your luggage, and they make a lot of difference in your appearance from day to day.
What accessory is your absolute travel essential? For me, scarves. Lots and lots of scarves…
love,
Janice
p.s. Eight years ago someone asked me about what she might be able to wear with a bright green scarf. I was able to dream up 8 different ways in which it could be worn!
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Like you, however light I pack I always include scarves. Coming to New Zealand I wore a pashmina, packed 4 scarves and bought two more before lockdown and was gifted another lovely pashmina and really glad as it has made the world of difference to my small wardrobe. Thanks to learning from you everything coordinates beautifully.
I usually pack a couple of scarves – one neutral and one or two to coordinate with the accent colours but I always take a heck of a lot of jewellery. This will include pendants, beads, bracelets and rings but only a few pairs of earrings for smart wear. I often wear pendants and strings of beads together. They will be of different lengths so don’t get in the way of each other.
I use a velvet beaded jewellery roll which has separate zipped compartments and a ring holder.
I don’t wear scarves, but I do like to pack wrap bracelets, especially in the summer. They also don’t take up much space. I usually only pack one or two pairs of silver earrings when traveling, though, and wear them all the time. This post made me think (again!) of what my travel outfit should be when flying or even for a long driving day. I wasn’t happy with the outfit I wore the last time I flew and need to figure out some better options.
Do the Blondo boots run true to size?
Yes. I actually ordered my last pair through the mail and they fit perfectly!
hugs,
Janice
This is really pretty except for the Aspinal scarf which I think is too heavy. I personally would swop it for a long wispy scarf in plain pink to wear with the dress and under the collar of the flowery blouse.
Just ordered 2 pair of the Blondo boots and they are 60% off! Two pair for less than the price of one regularly. I’ve been looking at these for a long time but always hesitated because of the price. So glad I happened to check your link today.
Did you have a code for the 60? Thx..
No, it just came up with the 60% off using the link provided in this post.
Janice,
For travel accessories, I plan around a given “ inside column” and then plan on 3 wears, with 2 different scarves, and a necklace on another night . Sometimes I’ll use both a pendant and a scarf, but my primary finishing touches come from scarves, and often, coordinating earrings or bracelets .
Scarves are my essential accessory for Europe. I take a couple and I like to pick some up in Paris. If I’m travelling to Mexico, I take inexpensive and colourful necklaces and earrings that I have bought on previous trips.
I am loving your love of black and pink! I have most of these items, or something similar, but after reading this article I realize I need to focus on better shoe options. When I travel I always bring lots of jewelry and a few scarves. I like pendants and big earrings to accent my outfits, but I also throw in a couple of bracelets. I have requested a beautiful velvet jewelry travel case for my upcoming birthday. I may also ask for that watch!
Bright, lovely, convenient (so convenient : materials, choices of shoes…), smart AND relaxed…
An excellent post, Janice !!!!
And I LOVE these colour proposals : useful all around the year, in fact. And very good for glamour, happiness, comfort…
Very personal, also (why to look like everybody…?).
I often travel with a dark pink/fuscia as my accent color! Brightens up my grey/black basics. Army/olive green is another favorite of mine & it also looks great with pink.
I’m now in love with Olivia Burton watches! The watch you’ve chosen for this post is sold out on the web link but it is available on the Olivia Burton website – oliviaburton.com.
My birthday is in the summer so it will be nice to have a treat for when we are allowed out. I prefer the delicate florals with a rose gold or grey background.
I’m not usually inclined to wear a lot of floral things, but her watches are very tempting! I think they’re nicely subtle – it’s not quite like wearing a wrist corsage. Just a bit of prettiness to bring a smile every time you look at your watch…
hugs,
Janice
Hi Janice:
When we went on an Alaskan cruise in May a few years ago, my travel capsule was black, pink, white, and olive green. I managed to mix and match a 4×4 capsule for a 10 day cruise, plus 2 nights in San Francisco. Layers are the key for a trip w variations in temperature☺
Love and can totally identify with this colour pallet.
I’ve spent the lockdown planning trips and even packing lists. Now, if things would lighten up so I could actually go somewhere. Love your posts
Dreaming of travel is very good for one’s mental health… I keep TELLING myself that…
hugs,
Janice
I love the scarf idea but how would you tie it? Would love to see how the scarf is tied for each outfit….