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When you’re traveling carry-on only, it’s important to pack versatile pieces you can wear all day long. Find out how to create a day-to-night look when traveling by just swapping a few items in your luggage!
Best Day-to-Night Travel Outfits
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
“I’m looking for ideas on how to turn day outfits into night outfits when traveling. Besides jewelry, does anyone have any ideas on how to dress up basic t-shirts or long-sleeved tops and dark jeans? Or do you take nicer tops for going to dinner?”
As big proponents of capsule wardrobes, we love versatile clothing pieces we can wear for multiple occasions and to different destinations.
When traveling, we’re often trekking around during the day and then going to dinner in the evening. As much as we want to be comfortable, we also want to look stylish.
Our readers shared their tips for taking an outfit from day to night with only a few minimal changes.
Give Your Makeup and Hair Some Love
Rather than change anything you’re wearing, just change your beauty routine! One reader says, “The biggest change would be to have fresh makeup and styled hair. These two things can instantly glam up any outfit – even a workout look!”
One reader recommends “Bold lipstick or a smokey eye with glowing skin,” while another adds, “Lipstick changes everything! I usually keep a juicy colored gloss in each of my bags. It goes with anything and instantly brightens my face.”
I’ve been obsessed with a tinted lip color ever since my trip to Paris!
Add a Scarf
Sightseeing during the day and going out to a nice dinner at night? One of the easiest ways to transform your look is to add a scarf. One reader says, “A silk scarf can turn even pants and a t-shirt or a simple dress into an evening outfit. And there are many ways to wear it.” Another adds, “Learn how to tie your scarf in a few different knots. It can serve as a bolero, shawl, necklace, scarf, accent piece or halter top.”
We recommend wearing neutral colors, such as black jeans and a white top, and going bold and colorful with your scarf for a pop of color.
Here are eight different ways to wear a scarf when you travel!
Layer with a Blazer
Blazers aren’t just for the office. They’re classic layers and a dressy alternative to a cardigan or jacket. One reader says that a blazer takes a look from “casual to smart super-quick!” while another adds, “It’s a good layering piece and looks a little more professional than a cardigan.”
The other great thing about blazers is the many style options. Go for a wool blend in colder locations or a light cotton or rayon for warmer destinations. Black is always classic, but if you tend to wear dark neutrals like navy, blue, and grey, try a colorful option.
Here’s what TFG reader recommended as the best travel blazer!
Swap Pants for a Skirt
Particularly when visiting Europe, it’s nice to look stylish day and night. But when you need to dress up for the evening, just change your bottoms. As one reader says, “I usually just switch the jeans for a black skirt. Instantly dressier.”
For a day look, wear jeans with a nice blouse and booties. For the evening, pair the blouse and booties with a skirt.
Take a look at these skirt outfits to learn how to wear them in cold weather!
Yosi Samra Samara 2.0 Ballet Flat
Slip Into Different Shoes
Shoes and accessories are the biggest fashion game changers. They’re also the biggest comfort determiners! One reader says, “Slip from sneakers into heels or ballet flats.”
During the day for lots of walking and sightseeing, wear sneakers, flat boots, or Birkenstock sandals with your jeans and blouse. For evening, change out the shoes into a nice pair of flats, heeled booties, or dressy sandals.
Here’s our round up for the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!
Accessorize with Bling
Several readers recommended jewelry, with one saying, “A big dangly pair of earrings goes a long way!” while another says, “Add a necklace and you’re instantly dressed up.”
If you’re wearing your hair up, add dangly earrings. If you’re wearing a more neutral outfit, go for a statement necklace or bracelet.
Not only is jewelry a quick way to dress up any look, it’s also light and easy to pack. Leave the expensive pearls and diamonds at home and stick to costume jewelry or less expensive pieces, just in case you lose them.
Find out how to pack necklaces with these simple tips!
What are your tips on how to create a day to night look when traveling? Comment below!
For more tips and ideas on travel fashion, please read:
- 8 Ways to Wear a Skirt
- How to Wear a Leather Jacket
- How to Wear One Dress, Many Ways
- Different Ways to Wear A Scarf
- Trench Coat Outfits to Wear Around the World
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