“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert
Accessories are essential when it comes to any season and particularly with travel.
I haven’t discovered any way around it; travelling light is the only way to go.
Practicality and experience with packing makes all the difference and that is where the “accessory” comes in. Accessories, like shoes, are very easy to over pack. How many times have you come home from a trip with the “extra” scarves still folded and all that jewellery still tucked away safely? How many handbags do we really need for a weekend away?
The reason I try and be abstemious with the quantity of accessories is through experience and I have learned from my mistakes, from my over-packing. The same scarf will work as will the same bag for most events. After years of extravagant packing, I am now very strict.
Dressing at home it is an entirely different story and I am all for maximum exposure. What’s the point of saving “the best” for a future date? We invest so much time, energy and expense in our wardrobes, let’s go for it every day and make the most of looking our best.
When we are on the move, it’s different. The aim of the game is to look our best but not to be weighed down (literally) with baggage.
The Top 5 Accessories
- 1. The Tote Bag
- A largish tote style bag is the bag I use on a day-to-day basis. I like one large enough to carry my valuables and computer and then still large enough to serve for everyday once I am at my destination. A tote not only looks elegant but also is generally light and that is a bonus when you are on the move. The Longchamp Pliage is the extra tote I have in my suitcase whatever the destination. Who knows what new treasures may find their way home?
2. The Cross-body Bag
This style of handbag is my go-to. Cross-body bags are so practical and entirely comfortable at the same time. I like a cross-body to hold wallet, keys, phone and a few extras. The beauty of the cross-body is it can be worn with the tote when travelling or on those days when you need to carry more. A cross-body transitions easily through until the evening.
3. The Scarf
I travel with a large silk/ cotton square and warmer but lightweight cashmere.
The lighter weight square can re-work the plain tee at night and the cashmere is a bonus with over zealous air conditioning, which happens a lot with summer travel. Light cashmere is warm enough but looks fabulous draped over a simple black dress.
4. The Jewels
I never pack many jewels; fewer valuables, less to worry about.
I always take an elaborate pair of drop earrings to wear at night and a comfortable pair for the daytime. The rest I usually leave at home. I know many friends never travel without their jewels; I am happy to “bare” it when I travel.
5. The Camouflage Jacket
Not technically an accessory but it is the one item I never leave home without.
The khaki shades work over pretty much everything and the pockets are never empty. I have worn mine with black, with cream, with white, with red and even over dresses when I have been running low on alternatives. I call mine the “lifesaver” jacket.
When in doubt, I throw this one on. xv
Summer Wardrobe Essentials: The Top 5 Accessories
full tote odds
**all saints paradise // tory burch perry // **saint laurent fringe // saint laurent shopping
across body
marc jacobs double percy // **longchamp le pliage // **longchamp paris rocks // valentino rockstud
wrap up
**gucci tian silk // **st piece floral print // cashmere and silk // loro piana cashmere
images, louis vuitton, the spirit of travel, steve mccurry
