Packing light advice often seems to centre around lots of black with the occasional splash of colour. While I know it’s practical, I just don’t think I could do it. For one thing I don’t think I own enough black clothes to make this work! But more importantly it’s not how I like to dress. I like a lot of colour and variety in my suitcase, just like in my wardrobe at home.
However, some self-restraint and planning is needed so that you don’t need a different pair of shoes for every outfit!
Monochrome is everywhere at the moment and it’s a brilliant alternative to plain black or white. I’m especially loving all the variations of checks, from 50’s-style gingham to bold large-scale squares.
An injection of black and white check can lighten up a plain black outfit beautifully. It is a look that is both stylish and classic. But it is also the ideal neutral partner for those splashes of colour that I think are essential.
Conveniently it will go with almost any colour you like. It is versatile without being dull. And I think that’s a winning combination in anyone’s travel wardrobe.
A black and white check top will coordinate with almost anything! Whether it’s denim, black, floral for a bit of print clash or even a pair of hot pink shorts! I’m thinking number 2 with some red skinnies and black ballet flats would be perfect for a day out in a new city.
1 Wish Courteous top
2 Target Check print sleeveless shirt
3 Trenery Windowpane silk shell top
4 Trenery Placed checked knit
How cute are these cigarette pants? And what a fabulous alternative to plain black leggings. Wear them with a sleeveless bum-covering top, half-tucked at the front with some casual slides and you’re ready to explore some lovely little seaside village. Gorgeous!
1 Portmans Midi printed skirt
2 Review Romy capri
3 Review Mon Amie check skirt
4 River Island Mono check cigarette pants
A dress is always my first choice and these ones would make wonderful travelling companions. A shirt dress like 1 and 5 can be slipped on with some sandals or worn with leggings, boots and a cardi for more warmth. Numbers 2 and 3 offer different shapes for vavavoom-alicious special occasion wear, but my fave is number 4. Completely adorable and only $81. Wowsers!
1 Target Animal print shirt dress
2 Trenery Windowpane silk dress
3 Review Mon Amie check dress
4 Asos Midi dress in check
5 Trenery Mini checked shirt dress
This is where monochrome really comes into its own. A jacket, wrap or scarf which will go with anything and look classic yet stylish? Yes please!
1 Trenery Double faced checked coat
2 New Look Square check blanket
3 ASOS Oversized Grid Check Square Scarf
4 Seed Woven reverse snood
5 Forever New Melanie tassel check cape
I would be happy to find any of these shoes in my suitcase! How cute would number 1 look with the cigarette pants above? And number 3 looks perfect for sightseeing all day long with leggings, the Target dress above and a great jacket. What do you think of the Senso heels (number 2)? They really make a statement don’t they?
1 Seed Amber sneaker
2 Senso Valleri III
3 Nine West Bachney
4 Senso Ava VIII
5 Seed Ava leather espadrille
Would monochrome work in your travel wardrobe?
Spots, checks or floral?
