5 Quick Tips for Travel Style

I originally wanted to title this post, “What to Wear to Niagara Falls,” but I decided that would’ve been too oddly specific…I mean, how many fashionistas go to Niagara Falls, don’t know what to wear, and feel the need to read a blog post about it? Probably not many (sadly). I had totally forgotten to post these photos back in June after my family returned from vacation in New York City and Toronto, but I wasn’t just going to let them go to waste.

I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve come to associate the fall season with fun weekend getaways (road trips to see the leaves changing, vacation to a pumpkin patch, a beautiful location to cross zip-lining off your bucket list, etc.). I’ve been craving a fall weekend getaway so badly now! Even though a whole post dedicated to Niagara Falls attire would’ve been a bit much (hit me up if you need specific outfit advice), a post with 5 quick travel style tips could be used by anyone. I hope I’ll have to use these tips for myself pretty soon, if you catch my drift.

1. Travel with a scarf. On my last few vacations, I’ve been sure to bring a light scarf with me. Not only are they great for those over-conditioned hotels or a sudden windy shift in the afternoon’s weather, but they also make the cutest headband (like in this post, although difficult to see), handbag accessory, belt, or just regular neck attire. Scarves are lightweight and easy to pack/carry, making them the perfect go-to to spice up any travel outfit.
2. Find some super sassy sunglasses. These black and white patterned sunglasses (“cow print” as I like to call it) are my new favorite pair. I bought them from Charming Charlie, and the fun shape and pattern add a little extra something to every outfit with which I pair them. Since travel style is all about being the most fashionable with limited amounts of packing space, a small accessory like sunglasses has the power to make a big difference.
3. Invest in cute sneakers. Athleisure has been all the rage the past few seasons, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find a pair of sneakers that are both sensible for walking long distances but also won’t label you as an obvious tourist. There’s no greater travel style faux pas than pairing your tennis shoes with a cute outfit (and maybe even the traditional fanny pack). These magenta sneakers are from TOMS, but Steve Madden also has these really comfy and stylish quilted sneakers at DSW (you can see me wearing them here and here).
4. Stick to the dark colors, instead of your shirt. I feel like I wear a lot of black on vacation. While it might be a little goth, there are some benefits to sticking to the darker colors—you won’t show sweat marks as you’re walking miles and miles around the city, you don’t have to worry about spilling mustard from the nearby NYC sidewalk hotdog stand onto your white blouse (or maybe more importantly, you don’t have to worry as much about other people spilling their food onto your pretty blouse in the inevitable cramped spaces of tourism, like standing in line for attractions), and should you get soaking wet (hello, Niagara!), you don’t have to stress about your shirt becoming see-through.
5. When you have to wear a red rain poncho, rock it. That’s right—I ripped the hoodie tie off my plastic poncho and turned it into a belt (see below). Something a little oversized can always be fixed with some synching at the waist. So you best believe I strutted my stuff in that red poncho; the boat deck was my runway.

Is anyone else seriously craving a little fall weekend getaway? Or is it just me? Either way, I hope you’ll find these travel style tips helpful eventually. As Aerosmith says, “Dream on.” Have a wonderful Monday and start to your week!

Miles of smiles,

Grace

Black and White Blouse: Nordstrom Rack, $15 // Medium-Wash Skinny Jeans: A.N.A. via JCPenney, $25 // Magenta TOMS Sneakers: warehouse sale, $25 // Watercolor Chiffon Scarf: art fair, $20 // Black and White Patterned Sunglasses: Charming Charlie, $7 // Sassy Red Poncho: courtesy of Niagara Cruises