As Spring Break approaches, people get excited at the thought of trading in the 9 to 5 office or school days for a vacation. However, although vacations can be fun, relaxing, and adventurous, they can also be stressful and overwhelming as many people worry about planning, packing, and prices. Putting together outfits can be a major vacation stressor, leaving many to wonder what kinds and how much they should bring. They are left to ponder what they will or will not wear, what the weather will be like, what activities will they be participating in, and if they need to do laundry, will there be access to a machine? Regardless, there are numerous popular vacation outfits to choose from, although it’s important to take note of any variations of color and layering based on the location and seasonal weather of the destination.
The first steps anyone takes before arriving at their destination includes packing and physically traveling to the location, whether that be by driving a car, taking a bus or train, or going to the airport for a flight. When preparing for their vacation, many people prioritize comfort while they are traveling – often considering soft clothes such as pajamas, athleticwear, hoodies, t-shirts, sneakers, and other casual, comfortable options. Versatility is important to consider when traveling since many pieces can be restyled, washed, and reworn throughout the trip. For example, pajamas can be slept in and worn around the hotel, apartment, etc. for multiple days at a time, while athleticwear and sneakers are great for more athletic and outdoorsy activities. Other casual and comfortable options can be used for most everyday-wear such as shopping, going out to a casual restaurant, sightseeing and other casual events.
Certain outfits are also important for specific vacations, but remember to take into account versatility so that clothes can be restyled / reused throughout the trip. This might mean packing more simple pieces such as plain shirts, jackets, and pants or shorts that can be mixed-and-matched or dresses and button-up shirts that can become elevated or casual outfits with the use of combining different pieces and accessories. Packing quick-drying materials and wrinkle-resistant fabrics make good options for keeping clothes durable during more active travel days and also keep clothes in tack when they inevitably get left in luggage for hours or days at a time. Having easy access to a washer and dryer on vacation would also allow travelers to pack a little lighter since they would be able to wash and rewear clothes more frequently.
Travelers must also consider the season of where they are traveling to and plan around the typical weather patterns with regards to what activities they plan on participating in. For warm-climate vacations, focus on wearing light and breathable materials involving less layers or coverage. This includes outfits such as dresses, shorts and skirts, and short-sleeved shirts, especially if there are many outdoor activities planned in the sun. But remember to bring one or two warmer pieces such as long-sleeved shirts, jackets, and pants, as they might be necessary if it is expected to be cold at night or if the temperature drops significantly during a portion of the trip. Swimsuits would be important to bring if a pool or a beach is planned, but a light cover-up can also be a comfortable and stylish way to lounge near the water or when exploring the destination on a warm day. There are many practical and stylish ways to accessorize during warm-climate vacations including wearing sunglasses or hats, and comfortable sandals or lightweight and breathable sneakers.
On the other hand, for cold-climate vacations, warmer clothes and clothes that can be layered are top priority. Underlayer pieces like undershirts and tights or leggings can be comfortable and stylish enough to be worn on their own on warmer days while still being a good base layer under long-sleeve shirts or jackets and pants – as there are a wide variety of thicker/thinner or warmer/cooler materials to choose from. Sweaters, blouses, vests, and jeans would be a good second layer since they can be fairly warm and comfortable, and come in a variety of styles and colors, all which can still be considered stylish or dressy when going out. Coats and jackets would usually be the top layer, however items such as down jackets or puffer coats can be bulky when traveling. Meanwhile, waterproof or water resistant socks and shoes or boots would be the best option for colder and possibly tropical climates, but should still be comfortable, especially when keeping walking and other activities in mind. Warmer outfits can also be accessorized with items such as scarfs, gloves, and hats or beanies.
There are many practical and stylish ways to pack and wear different outfits regardless of the type of vacation. Although clothing choices will vary based on the length of the vacation, the weather or climate during the stay and other factors, there are always vacation staples that hold up in most general destinations. Clothes are an important part of comfort, self-expression, and adhering to proper attire for certain events, especially while traveling and trying out new experiences on vacation.