seven simple items to create several seasonal travel looks

Happy Friday, friends! Hope everyone has had a great week. I've been asked a lot lately how on earth I packed for 4+ months in one suitcase (especially with seasons changing so drastically from August to December). While I plan to do a post dedicated to long term packing, I wanted to quickly touch on a few items that are great for any traveler to pack this time of year- no matter how long you're traveling. You see- it's not about how much you pack, but how much you can recreate a look using the same items. So today I'm sharing 7 simple items to pack this season that all create unique looks.

1. BLANKET SCARVES

Blanket scarves have been a LIFE SAVER. Not only can you wrap them up several different ways, but you could literally wear the same all black uniform underneath every day and have a totally different look just from the scarf you wear (I do this OFTEN). Pictured above is this from Mango, but this Nordstrom option even gives you TWO prints in one.

2. RED LIPSTICK

I ALWAYS love a good red lip. It creates such a statement that it can make an outfit look totally different with it vs. without it. Some of my favorites include "Ruby Woo" by MAC, "Cruella" by NARS and "Red Smile" by Dior.

3. STATEMENT SUNGLASSES

I bought a pair of classic-shaped sunnies when I was in Paris last September and I can wear them with anything. But when I found these Prada sunnies on a fluke sale in Sorrento last month, I splurged. They're more of a statement pair, but it's been so fun to alternate them into my wardrobe because they create a totally different look (a very similar look-alike pair by ASOS here)

4. SOCK BUN WRAP UP

Sock buns are my best friend. Not only do they create a totally different look than wearing your hair down, but it's great if you haven't washed your hair. Not great at doing a sock bun on your own? Fear not. Kits like this Beachwaver wrap up or this MIA Bun Ease make it incredibly simple.

5. BEANIES

Also great for masking unwashed hair, beanies create a unique look and are perfect for this time of year. Another perk? Unlike other hats, these guys are super easy to pack because you can squish them in any suitcase corner without consequence. Go for a neutral that can be worn with a lot like this or this.

6. CLASSIC STRIPED SHIRT

I've worn my black + white striped shirt non-stop between August and still wear it now. It can be worn on its own, layered with a scarf or under a jacket. It literally goes with just about anything else you pack, so the possibilities are endless. I got mine at J Crew, but you can find them here, here or here as well.

7. REVERSIBLE OUTERWEAR

I LOVE reversible outerwear. Coats are something you need to wear everyday this time of year (depending where you travel of course) but I get tired of wearing the same one over and over (and your suitcase really doesn't allow for you to pack too many!) Enter reversible outerwear. Coats like this or ponchos like this and this let you wear them 2 ways, giving you double the options of looks to wear.

If you have these items in your suitcase, you can mix and match all the above to create an endless number of looks with just a few items. I hope you find them to be helpful as you pack, or even if you're staying put and just need to revamp your current closet.

What other items have you found to be versatile during your travels? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great weekend, and stay tuned for an exciting giveaway I'll be announcing on the blog next week!

xo,

Whitney

Happy Cyber Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. While going back to reality after the holiday is never fun, at least there are some great sales happening online to ease the pain a bit, right? Some of my favorites include:

LOFT: 50% OFF EVERYTHING WITH CODE CYBER MONDAY

NORDSTROM: ADDITIONAL 20% OFF SELECT SALE ITEMS

J. CREW: 20% OFF WITH CODE GETSHOPPING

EXPRESS: 50% OFF EVERYTHING

MACY'S: TAKE AN EXTRA 20-40% OFF

LUGGAGE UP TO 85% OFF AT E-BAGS

And if you're looking for flights or hotels? Priceline is offering:

15% OFF UNTIL 7:59AM EST, 12% OFF UNTIL 11:59AM EST, 7% OFF UNTIL 5:59PM EST & 5% OFF THE REST OF THE DAY (USING CODE: CYBER15

For today's gift guide, I wanted to focus on the "travel uniform" (essentially, those cozy staples every gal-on-the-go should have). I've learned that comfort + functionality is the perfect combination for travel days, and I've rounded up some of my favorite pieces that you can benefit from (some of them still included in these Cyber Monday sales!)

ponchos + wraps

CLASSIC ALPACA CAPE: CUYANA

I love Cuyana and I love a good poncho to wrap up in on a travel day. Combine those two factors and this Classic Alpaca Cape is pretty much a perfect staple for any traveler.

CASHMERE OVERSIZED SCARF WRAP

I've said dozens of times before that cashmere is one of my favorite fabrics for travel. It's soft + warm, but also lightweight, so it's perfect to wrap up in. This cashmere oversized scarf wrap from Macy's is marked down significantly for Cyber Monday.

oversized thermal scarf

Are you picking up on my love for oversized scarves and wraps yet? There's really nothing better (or more chic) than wrapping up in a big comfy piece like this oversized thermal scarf from Shopbop. This textile offers a bit of variety from cashmere if you're wanting to mix it up.

RIBBED CASHMERE MUFFLER

If you're wanting to stick with cashmere but want a piece that's a bit smaller or less overwhelming than some of my options above, you'll love this ribbed cashmere muffler from Nordstrom.

OMBRÉ ALPACA SERAPE WRAP

Another great alpaca poncho, this ombré option from Nordsrom offers something a bit more interesting than a solid print. I also love that it combines two of my favorite neutrals: camel + grey.

CARDIGANS + LIGHTWEIGHT JACKETS

OPEN FRONT LONG CASHMERE CARDIGAN

Again with the cashmere, this long open front cardigan from Nordstrom is the ultimate chic + cozy option to wrap up in a travel day.

LEITH WAFFLE KNIT CARDIGAN

While cashmere is ideal, I realize it can be a bit on the expensive side. If you want something that's still long + cozy but more affordable, this Leith Waffle Knit Cardigan from Nordstrom is a great find.

TRAVELER WRAP JACKET

Stay stylish while keeping cozy in this French terry hoodie from Nordstrom. It's fashioned with a draped open front, leather cuffs and smart thumbholes to keep your hands warm. Lightweight jackets like this are clutch while traveling because they're not too bulky, but still help keep you at an ideal temperature.

comfortable jeans or leggings

Whatever pants you choose to wear on a travel day should be comfortable. If you opt for jeans, go with a boyfriend pair like these (or these). I tend to wear black leggings like these (or these) because they're a bit more comfortable but still look chic and can be styled the same way.

comfortable chic footwear

I've shared these shoes on previous blogs, but I love the simplicity of these lifestyle / athletic shoes. Not only are the comfortable, but they pair well with both workout clothes and everyday street style.

So there you have it! chic cozy neutrals that are comfortable are what you want on travel days (although to be honest, I want these everyday really...) I hope you found this to be helpful and that you can score some travel staples of your own with these Cyber Monday sales! And in case you missed it, be sure to check out my other posts from this weekend- lots of those items are still on sale too!

Whitney

7 Simple Products That Create Totally Different Travel Looks.