Part II of my Travel Wardrobe Recap (you can find Part I here). I know that you’ve seen some of these photos before, either here or on Instagram, but I wanted to gather these shots of the various outfits I was able to assemble from one carry-on case during 5+ weeks travel.
Above and below, the (Eileen Fisher) linen mesh pullover, layered atop the (Eileen Fisher) linen jumpsuit — I didn’t wear the pullover often, but I liked having that dose of colour to break up my reliance on navy and olive. . .
I didn’t wear this linen knit tank (also EF) often either (our access to laundry facilities was limited, except for that week on Hvar), but I liked the freshness of the white for a change — I’m wearing it here with a silk scarf I’d bought in Paris. I suspect I’m wearing the tank and scarf with my olive linen skirt, but I might also be wearing the olive cotton joggers.
The linen tank leaves me more exposed than usual, with those bare arms, but it got warm enough that I bared those arms a few times. Below, for example, I’ve taken off the top (that purple mesh pull) I’d layered over my linen jumpsuit, itself layered over an olive tank. . .
A few hours later, same outfit, different sunglasses, borrowed for a moment (recognize these Dottoressa? Oh, that was a meal!! Imagine beginning with grappa, as per custom, honest!!)
That Eileen Fisher dress again — we’re back in Paris in this photo, in our hotel, and I’m trying on a new scarf I bought — by coincidence it’s a brand I’d read about on Passage Des Perles, Inouitoosh. Lightweight cotton, a lovely print. . .
This indigo linen tunic (EF) didn’t get out quite as much as it perhaps deserved, but I wore it at least four days — either with the olive skirt or these olive pants. There were days when I wished I’d packed one more (very light) skirt or pants, but overall, I’d call this a successful travel wardrobe.
And interestingly, whereas I’ve often been eager to wear anything but my travel wardrobe once I’m back home, this time, I find I’m often reaching for these useful garments, although I’m enjoying being able to style them a bit differently.
Below for example, that striped linen shift, worn with ankle boots I bought in Bordeaux a few years ago — and the new bag I couldn’t resist bringing home from Paris last month.
The bare-legs-and-boots is a stretch for me, so I texted my daughter in Rome to ask her opinion, and she gave me a Thumbs-Up.
I have two more Paris (garment) purchases to show you, but those will have to wait. . .
It’s 5:26 AM (!) as I post this, and I’ve offered a ride to a family member who’s crossing fingers and hoping for surgery this morning, so I’m off.
Travel wardrobe comments on questions? Leave them below and I’ll do my best to answer them. For now, Happy August!
I can't believe that I've forgotten the jumpsuit (and I like it very much)! It must have been rakija (grappa)!Nice sunglasses,btw :-)!
Your scarfs and straw bag are lovely. I don't know what would say people who prefer more structured wardrobe,but I like your choice-and the weather approved it,too
There might have been some problems if it were cold and rainy all the time
Your travel wardrobe is too good to stay in your closet while it is so hot
I wish luck to the family member
Dottoressa
If it had been cold and rainy, I'd have had to buy a few things. . . It seemed a reasonable guess that we wouldn't have weather below 20, though, and I could dress for that, but with even less variety.
Thanks for the luck, Dottoressa, the surgery got put off until today, so we're still crossing our fingers. . .
Love this. Assembling a limited, complementary carry-on assortment that can be mixed is my favorite way to travel. I'm out of practice. Soon I hope to challenge myself in this way again. Of the items you show here, I like the linen pants and the horizontal-stripe linen dress the most, but I like it all.
I think those are my favourites as well, although I'm pretty partial to the J Crew linen skirt, despite its near-boxiness.
All I can think that if I saw you on the street I know I'd think, "She looks like someone I'd like to know."
Honestly, that's probably the nicest thing you could say! 😉
I'm thinking that I might go to EF on Granville Street and pick up a couple of things because they are so versatile. I really like your mesh pullover and jumpsuit. They can be layered for so many situations. your carry-on wardrobe worked well.
They really are versatile. I was surprised that I found so much I liked there. . .
What I like best about Eileen Fisher clothes is that they never seem to go out of style. They really are classic. Most pieces mix and match. I would happily wear any of your choices every day. I don’t get bored or tired of my clothes. I wear my clothes, they don’t wear me.
Ali
I hope — and suspect — that I'll find the same thing. I think these pieces will earn their keep.
Scarfage: such a great travel trick and so simple. Plus that little round bag…I picked up a lovely rounded straw bag in Ghent recently and it charms me every time I use it. Ineffably jaunty, the round bag, in some way.
Scarves don't take any space and really add variety — although this trip I found it was often simply too hot to wear a scarf.
More decorative and really functional at this size, my round bag, but I have to agree with you on the charm. Ineffably jaunty — I like that!
I hardly ever wear dresses, but I love that striped dress on you, particularly with that sweet round bag. (I am not sure I would have the courage to wear those boots with it, I'm afraid.)
Hope all your family is in good health again.
I think it's a good dress even for women who scarcely wear dresses because it's such an easy shape to wear, casual but can be dressed up a bit. . .
I hesitated, as I said, over the boots, but in the end it didn't really take much courage to try something that had intrigued me — need to keep those margins of eccentricity alive, right?! 😉
I like that your look in each case is comfortably sophisticated for the journey and the weather. Great basic and versatile pieces.
Thanks, Mary! I love to think I might appear "comfortably sophisticated."
I love this and have taken note. You styled everything so effortlessly, you look calm, chic and ready for anything. I recently ventured into bare legs, ankle boots. A little scary at first but can transform an outfit. Thank you for a ton of inspiration.
Thanks! It's so much easier to style outfits that work when you're choosing from fewer — but well-loved — pieces, imho.
Good for us, trying a new, slightly scary, but potentially transformative look, right?!
I have that linen white EF tank top…its very cool and versatile…I love that blue striped dress and would buy one if I saw it for sale. The jumpsuit is great on you but I am far too short to even consider it!!! The mesh top is a gem…you've perfected the art of packing for travek in a carry on…the new scarf is lovely…yellow and blues with the dress are energizing.
Jumpsuits are tricky for those of us of shorter stature! I think the dress would suit you, although it's a bit long as well…
You always look chic and comfy at the same time, Frances.
Thanks, Sue!
You look as if you might live in Paris as opposed to being on holiday – the former is always more desirable!
I am going to try to adopt your carry on approach when packing for our pre-Brexit champagne/cognac/wine buying trip by car in September. The temptation with taking the people-carrier is upping the amount of luggage, and I really want to avoid that.
Oh, I love to imagine that, me as a Parisienne!
I'm always amused when we do a three or four-day road trip, and I'm carrying more down to the car than I'd take for six weeks in Europe!
Love your casual but put-together appearance.This is a timeless look. EF definitely rules!
We just came back from a 3 week trip celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary visiting our 3 children and 2 grandchildren. The challenge was to pack for great heat: Kelowna, as well as moderate temperatures (Victoria) and occasional cool weather (San Francisco and Carmel). The additional challenge was to pack for supercasual (family time with grandchildren) ranging up to somewhat dressy (Carmel Bach Festival). Click brand gauzy cotton culottes and Cut Loose linen jackets for the hot weather in Kelowna and Victoria (which had a record heat wave) and EF separates for intermediate temperatures – I like Talbots T shirts too, they are indestructible, and 2 Canadian designers – Robert Kitchen and Joseph Ribkoff for somewhat dressier occasions. It all fitted into 1 large suitcase, well within the Air Canada weight restrictions – the gauzy linen weighs almost nothing. Not too many complaints either from DH about the weight of the suitcase!
Sounds as if you did really well with your packing — that's a challenging range of activities and weather!
I can only echo Lisa. You look like someone who would be interesting to have a conversation with.
thanks Mardel! I'd say the same about you.