
13 Items to Always Include in Your Luggage If Appearing as a Tourist Is Your Greatest Fear
As we prepare for the spring and summer travel season, it's an ideal time to consider your travel wardrobe to avoid a frantic shopping spree at the last minute (I’ve experienced that numerous times, and it’s never enjoyable). When I shop and pack for a trip, I aim to dress as if I belong in the city I'm visiting (or at least as if I spend considerable time there). While there's nothing wrong with being a tourist or dressing like one, I prefer to blend in with the locals as much as possible. I typically find a select few items that help me achieve this. Of course, what you pack will vary based on your destination and the season, but generally, the items I've included below are versatile enough for numerous locations and times of year. These wardrobe essentials will help you appear polished and feel comfortable (and they can also be worn in the city you call home). Continue reading to discover some of my favorite stylish travel essentials that are easy to pack before your upcoming trips.
Loafers
For every destination, I make sure to pack a comfortable pair of flats that aren't sneakers. They ensure that your outfit always looks put together.
Reformation
Kat Soft Loafers
G.H.BASS
Whitney Easy Weejuns Penny Loafers
Jamie Haller
The Penny Loafers
Black Blazer
A black blazer is my preferred "jacket" for chilly evenings, and you can choose one in linen, wool, or any fabric in between depending on the climate of your travel destination.
Open Edit
The Icon Blazer
Aritzia
Wilfred Etiquette Blazer
Tailored Shorts
My recommendation? Skip the cut-off shorts and pack tailored ones that are appropriate for a variety of activities—even for stylish dining if matched with the right footwear.
Reformation
Mason Linen Shorts
Posse
Rosalie Linen Shorts
J.Crew
Pleated Short in Drapey Denim
Silk Skirt
If you only pack one skirt, make it a silk slip skirt. It's versatile enough to dress up or down and occupies minimal space in your luggage.
J.Crew
New Gwyneth Slip Skirt in Viscose Charmeuse
Favorite Daughter
The Favorite Satin Maxi Skirt
Trench Coat
Particularly for city getaways, a trench coat is essential as it instantly elevates any outfit.
MANGO
Double-Breasted Cotton Trench Coat
Reformation
Matteo Trench
Aritzia
Wilfred Splendor Trench Coat
Black Bikini or One-Piece
I seldom travel without at least one swimsuit in my bag, and 9 times out of 10, it's a chic black bikini or one-piece.
Shopbop
Riot Swim Dax One Piece
HUNZA G
+ Net Sustain Xandra Seersucker Bikini
J.Crew
Claudia Scrunchie One-Piece
White Button-Down Shirt
Pair it with the slip skirt for nighttime, tailored shorts for daytime, and the swimsuit for the beach—it's that versatile.
Banana Republic
The Everyday Shirt
J.Crew
Garçon Classic Shirt in Cotton Poplin
Stovepipe Jeans
If you’re bringing only one pair of jeans (which is often sufficient), choose stovepipe jeans. They're timeless and go well with all types of shoes.
Levi's
Ribcage High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Citizens of Humanity
Zurie Straight Jeans
Agolde
Valen Vintage Straight Jeans
Lightweight Crewneck Sweater
Having a sweater is always wise—even in summer. A lightweight crewneck is all you need.
DÔEN
Penrose Cable-Knit Wool, Cotton and Linen-Blend Cardigan
NAADAM
Embroidered Martini Cashmere Sweater
J.Crew
Cashmere Relaxed Crewneck Sweater
Minimal Sneakers
I hate to admit it, but the type of sneakers someone wears can often reveal them as a tourist. To play it safe, choose a sleek, minimal style.
Dries Van Noten
Dustin Sneakers
Keds
Champion Leather Tone Sneakers
Linen Dress
A linen dress is stylish, keeps you cool, and occupies little space in your suitcase. Plus, it easily transitions from day to night.
Reformation
Aubree Linen Dress
J.Crew
Hyacinth Dress in Striped Linen
Kitten-Heel Pumps or Mules
You can never be sure what kind of terrain you'll encounter when traveling, so if you plan on packing heels, opt for kitten heels. I usually bring mules or pumps.
Sam Edelman
Bianka Slingback Pumps
Tony Bianco
Zubi Kitten Heel Mules
The Row
Liisa Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pumps
Solid-Colored Boxy T-Shirt
Avoid oversized and baby tees; instead, choose a simple boxy one for blending in with the chic locals.
Madew








































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13 Items to Always Include in Your Luggage If Appearing as a Tourist Is Your Greatest Fear
If your primary goal when packing for a trip is to blend in with the locals upon your arrival, here are the essential items to consider purchasing.