That scarf has been to almost 20 countries…

I’m one of those people that waits until the last minute to pack. Partially because I procrastinate, partially because I don’t usually agonize over what to wear, and partially because I always wear and take the same things with me on travel days.

This became really obvious when I was flying a lot in December and January – I was putting on the same clothes whenever I was traveling in between places. It didn’t matter what the weather was like at either the place I was coming from or where I was going, I wore the same thing without even thinking about it.

I have my airplane outfit down.

• Dark yoga pants – Because they’re comfortable and I can’t bear to think of sitting in an airplane, or bus, or whatever, for hours in anything else.
• Thin camisole or t-shirt – It’s all about the layering.
• Chambray shirt – I don’t freak out about germs but at the same time, I don’t really like the feel of an airplane seat on my skin. Also, after living in Asia for years, I’m usually pretty covered up.
• Light jacket – Even when I’m traveling within a hot country like Thailand, I (almost) always bring this green jacket with me. It’s loose and light so packs easily, yet big enough that I can put a lot of layers under it for warmth. Also, even if you’re in a tropical place, airports tend to still be very well air-conditioned and cold. The times I’ve flown without some sort of long sleeved shirt, sweatshirt or jacket, I’ve regretted it.
• Shoes – Shoes can be tricky, but I try to wear ones that slip on and off easily that would also take up a lot of space in my bag if I packed them. Sometimes this means I’m wearing boots which can be a pain going through security or if you want to take your shoes off and stretch your feet, but usually I stick with a pair of Keds or ballet flats.
• Big scarf – My friend brought me this scarf from South Africa when we each had lived abroad for the first time and it’s now traveled with me to nearly 20 countries (I’m surprised I haven’t lost it yet…). I love the size since it really helps keep me warm if I need it to, and I can also use it as a blanket or towel, which I’ve done on many occasions. It never looks dirty thanks to the color and pattern, and has traveled with me so much that it’s almost turned into a bit of a security blanket – if I don’t bring it with me I feel like something is missing.
• Sturdy backpack or oversized purse – Normally I carry on my luggage which means my ‘personal item’ needs to fit a lot of goods, particularly since I travel with my computer, DSLR, and a ton of notebooks, cords, chargers, etc. I have a canvas and leather backpack and this bag from Zalora that I alternate between and then also pack a soft, smaller purse to use whenever I get to my destination.

The clothes I wear while traveling serve multiple purposes. Most importantly, they’re comfortable and versatile – I can take layers on and off as needed and never feel stiff or awkward in what I’m wearing. What I choose to wear on the plane goes with everything else that I pack, travels well without getting too dirty, wrinkly, or looking like a hot mess, and also helps me bring more clothes while saving room in my packed bag.

Do you tend to wear the same things when you travel? What are they and why?

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