Essential travel clothes for girls on the road
That dream you have to see the world with nothing but a notepad, pencil and small cloth sack will probably never come true.
Let's face it, only the most ascetic of travelers can happily get robe-and-waterpot simple. But there are ways to make the most of a little when on a trip.
Here's how to combine cute, comfy and functional in 10 packable items.
1. Pashmina
Superior to plain old knit scarves, pashminas have the power to turn a sloppy backpacker in a sundress into a respectable visitor.
You’d be surprised how big your pashmina opens up when it’s not around your neck. It's the perfect width for covering shoulders or heads when visiting mosques or temples in conservative countries like Pakistan or Malaysia.
Wound up in a fancy-ish restaurant? Wrap a pashmina around your chest or shoulders to smarten up that ratty tank top if you want decent service.
Buy pashminas at www.mypashmina.co.uk or just go to any street market in the world and someone will try to sell you one.
2. Boyfriend’s T-shirt
No, this isn't just for smelling because you miss him so much. A large T-shirt makes a great pillow case if you’re ever caught in a dodgy (or dirty) hostel that charges for linen.
Despite your efforts to be loyal, you might wind up in a co-ed dorm room and nothing says “Don’t watch me sleep” like a girl in a man’s shirt.
Cheap Monday Zahl V-Neck Solid Tee; US$35; www.urbanoutfitters.com
3. Oversized button-up Oxford shirt
Avoid buying this shirt in a wrinkly material like linen. If you’re daring, try chiffon because it dries quickly, doesn’t wrinkle easily and breathes well.
Worn with a belt, this works as a smart dress. Tucked in, it can make you look professional -- useful for that waitress gig you'll need if you run out of money.
Get it in white and it makes a great straitjacket get-up if you're unexpectedly invited to a costume party.
Oh, and it makes a great beach cover-up.
Chiffon oversized button-up; US$58; store.americanapparel.net
4. Thigh socks
If you’re flying to a hot country, it’s a pain dragging around those pants you wore just for the air-conditioned plane. Especially since those itchy napkin-sized blankets aren’t doing your feet any favors.
So, save space and roll up a pair of purse-friendly thigh socks under your skirt or shorts to keep your legs warm.
If returning home with too much stuff, these act as huge elastics, so they are useful for tying on extras to your backpack -- or if you find yourself at a crime scene and need mittens.
Long Ribbed Angora Mix Sock; £10 (US$16); www.asos.com
5. Cargo shorts
There are two annoying things about sitting in a bar when traveling: worrying about where to put your purse so it won’t get stolen, and getting hit on by creepy men.
Cargo shorts are a two in one, because they don’t scream “look at me!” when you’re drinking at a bar, especially when you’ve stuffed your pockets full of passport, lipstick, gum, or whatever else we put in our purses, making your butt look like a Florence flask.
True Religion cropped shorts US$77; www.shopbop.com
