There’s a scene from Sex and the City that has stayed with me for years. It’s about a scrunchie… do you remember it? 

Carrie is reading a novel written by Jack Berger’s ex-girlfriend and can’t get past the fact the heroine is wearing a scrunchie – no woman in NYC would wear a scrunchie!

Then, later, Berger spots a woman in a scrunchie and proudly asks where she’s from only to discover she is from Georgia in the south.

Carrie gloats.

It’s such a funny scene because it isn’t really about a scrunchie.

It’s about the, almost, invisible (dress) codes that make a place feel like itself. The details that locals barely notice but are instinctively engrained.

How to Dress Like a Local

When we travel, whether we admit it or not, we’re all searching for that feeling… because no one really wants to feel like a tourist!

We want to experience a place like a local. To sit in the café without immediately looking like we’ve arrived five minutes ago. We want to feel immersed not separate. That’s the joy of travelling, briefly stepping into another way of life.

Of course, that doesn’t mean buying an entirely new holiday wardrobe to achieve this. The goal isn’t to become someone else. It’s to arrive as yourself, while nodding to the nuance of the place you’re visiting.

Because to be a stylish traveller you don’t erase your style identity but learn to speak the language of a destination through what you wear… using what you already have.

(and maybe some strategic additions)

Ultimately When we feel appropriately dressed, we move through new environments more easily. We are present and we notice more. We feel more open to discovery.

But there’s nuance here.

How do you take your style and make it speak the language of the place you’re visiting?

I took a recent trip to San Sebastián so I’ll use that as a reference

 

Start with the vibe, not the packing list

Before you think about outfits, think about the vibe of the place.

Is the destination…

Urban and coastal, like San Sebastián where relaxed tailoring, soft silhouettes and soft colours feel right

Beachy and bohemian, where linens, woven accessories and nods to romanticism feel right

Creative and slightly edgy, where oversized silhouettes, interesting jewellery and unexpected combinations feel right?

The weather matters, of course. But the mood of a place often tells you more about what you’ll actually want to wear.

 

Notice the colours of the destination

What colours define the landscape?

But also the colours that make you feel most like yourself. The sweet spot is often where the two meet.

For me San Sebastián I built a wardrobe around these colours:

• Navy
• Stone
• Cream
• Soft white
• Light grey
• Muted brown

 

Start with the pieces you’re excited to wear

Lay out the pieces that make you genuinely excited.

For San Sebastian I had a fringed top from Heirlome, and a white dress and relaxed suit from Tibi that I couldn’t wait to have on my body

These were the anchors and I built around them.

Far from being wasted effort, holiday packing can become one of the most creative styling exercises you do all year.

Sometimes the anticipation of a trip gives your mind permission to play and discover new combinations you never would have considered otherwise.

 

And of course the practical pieces…

The raincoat that saves the day

The oversized tote that carries everything

The comfortable shoes that allow you to wander for hours

These pieces are not the heroes, but they often become the most worn .

 

And accessories

I have a no limit policy on accessories 

They are light, take up no space and instantly change the vibe.

And if you were going to rely on one thing alone to feel connected to your destination, accessories can do so much of the heavy lifting

My lobster necklace felt just right for San Sebastián, historically a fisherman’s settlement.

So curate, yes, but there’s nothing like picking up something local so leave some room for discovery. These pieces often become more than souvenirs.

 

The most important step: review

When you return, assess.

Which pieces felt right?

What did you wear repeatedly?

And what didn’t you wear?

 

Don’t skip this bit!

One of the things we do when packing for clients is create complete looks before they leave. Not only for the trip itself, but because those outfits often become inspiration for life back home. We photograph combinations so they can be recreated later.

You will begin to create templates. Especially if you travel for work. Our clients rely heavily on our curated travel capsules to take the guesswork out of packing.

You’re building a personal travel style that respects the places you visit whilst remaining routed in your own style.

Which I guess is always the goal – your style but with an openness, empathy and confidence to live like a local (for a little bit).

You can see what I packed for San Sebastian here.

Happy Summer!

Penny

 

P.S. Summer travel is in full swing, and if you’ve got a trip coming up, now is the perfect time to book a Travel Wardrobe Consultation. Together we’ll curate everything from your existing wardrobe (with a few strategic additions if needed), so you can spend less time packing and more time looking forward to your holiday. Call me and we can discuss.