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Do you feel self conscious about a bodily “imperfection”? It could be the reason why you overpack! Learn styling solutions that could help the way you pack, dress, and feel!
What Clothes Look Good On Me?
Travel Fashion Help!
Reader Asks:
I always overpack and feel like I could have made better clothing choices! My husband and I go camping, take short weekend jaunts, and occasionally longer trips. From hiking with our dogs, to a long weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Paris, I never know what to take.
Also, I’m limited in showing my legs as, while the shape is fine, I have very bad broken veins and don’t like to wear shorts, capris, or dresses (I can use leg makeup for night time but not day).
This always limits my choices on what to pack, especially on warm weather getaways. Can you help me figure out what clothes look good on me?
Research, plan, and prepare
The first thing you should do is: research, plan, and prepare. Check the weather, plan which activities you’ll be doing, and then prepare your clothing based on those two things.
This guide on how to stop overpacking walks you through the step-by-step process about how to choose the right clothing and only pack what you need every single time.
Pinpoint your styles
Don’t focus on what doesn’t work, determine what does. Sometimes we struggle with what to wear because we’re not happy with how things look on us. When we say “I have nothing to wear” this really means: I don’t have anything I feel good wearing.
In this case, since you’re not comfortable with the appearance of your legs but do like the shape, spend time testing various bottoms to find the best types of items you find flattering.
Pinpoint those specific styles that make you feel confident. I guarantee: when you find those certain pieces that make you feel amazing, then it won’t matter if you can’t wear shorts or skirts, because you’ll want to wear those new styles that do make you happy, every single time.
Some department stores like Nordstrom offer complimentary personal stylists to shop with you and help you find pieces you may have never considered. Book a free appointment here!
Keep an open mind
Before you even plan for a trip, go browsing! Visit a department store, shopping center, mall, or somewhere with a large variety of stores. Don’t go to the same places you always shop. Walk into as many stores as you can handle in one trip and try on various bottoms.
Don’t let the price tag scare you away! If you only own one pair of pants that make you feel like a million bucks, it’s much better than owning twenty $10 pants that you don’t like.
Once you discover your signature brands take advantage of sales! Autumn is around the corner, and shops are getting rid of their summer merchandise and replacing it with cold weather goods. It’s a good time to start looking at what they have to offer for both seasons.
If you want to save time, head over to the website for the retailers that are close to you so you can get an idea of what they have before you visit.
You can find a full listing of the best online shopping sites here!
Eileen Fisher Jacket, Dress & Pants
Find pieces to suit your taste
Please try to keep an open mind and check out different brands. I’ve found great products in places I would have never considered by shopping with friends or stylists. This encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. Try on pants in various fabrics and shapes.
For hot weather weather, Athleta has breezy comfortable fabrics for trousers. Also consider long skirts and long dresses. No two pieces are the same and you might be surprised with what you find.
For mild to cold weather, Europeans love pairing tights of different thicknesses with skirts and dresses. This could be a great option for you. Take a look!
Sometimes I don’t feel like showing my legs so I wear a short dress over jeans or slim fit trousers instead. Dare to create your own style!
It’s important for us to learn to work with our bodies, no matter the shape or size, because it ensures that the clothing that we do own, for home or for travel, works every single time.
What are your tips on how to dress around an imperfection? Share your tips below!
For more travel fashion tips, please read:
- How to Rock a Plus Size Carryon Wardrobe
- New Mom Fashion Tips
- The Secret to Travel Fashion Over 40
- The Best Travel Shoes for Women Over 60
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I so love this article! I discovered long ago that the fashion trends I dared to try in my 20″s and 30’s do not work for my 60+ year old body! Rather than frustrate myself, I pack what not only looks good but feels good also. Committing myself to a minimal travel capsule wardrobe demands that every item in the capsule gives me a thrill. If anything feels unflattering in any way, I leave it at home. I absolutely look forward to dressing while on the road…just so I can luxuriate in my look of my day. Thanks Alex!
Great reminder to find pieces that really work for you Deborah! Happy travels!
Packing what you already feel comfortable in is good advice for everyone, worrying about imperfections are not. You don’t want to be walking through Rome worrying if that skirt makes your butt look big! (Which I’m sure it doesn’t 🙂 )
Ha! Thanks for reading Wesley! And yes, feeling comfortable is the most important thing!
You are so right about going outside your usual styles! Plan a fashion”makeover,” and spend a few hours trying on items you might not usually gravitate toward. I’m an apple shape, and it took me only a day using this method to discover a more flattering style for my figure. Now, I love everything in my closet, and I’m ready to travel in a snap!
That’s awesome that you’ve been able to find so many products you love Lonne! Happy travels!
Totally never even thought about this reason for overpacking! Really great insights!
Thanks for reading Emily! Totally understand! It’s a sneaky overpacking reason! Safe travels!
Thanks for the reminder to wear what makes you feel confident – a good reminder that the things that make you feel good at home are the same things that will make you feel good on vacation!
Couldn’t agree more Jen! Thank you for reading and safe travels!
Wonderful article! Thank you!
You’re welcome Rochelle 🙂
I think all of this is so important to remember when traveling! I’ve definitely tried to take clothes with me before that I know we’re good clothes from travelling but not my style and I ended up hating and pictures I was in and wearing them very little. Then they were just a waste of space! I believe in only putting travel pieces in your bag that you truly feel great in and won’t regret bringing them along.
Yes! I totally agree Natalie! Comfort and style!