Transeasonal travel is a peculiar animal. One the one hand you still need some kind of jacket, scarf and covered shoes to keep your extremities warm – but not too warm – but on the other you don’t want to find yourself sweltering in jumpers by day or shivering in sundresses by night.
When travel is added to the mix that’s when it really gets interesting. You can’t just throw in a few extra ‘in-case-of-emergency’ items because you simply don’t have the space, but at the same time you don’t want to rely on good weather to get by with a few light tops & the famous – yet highly optimistic – sundress & strappy sandals combination. After all, when the sun goes down you want to be shivering with delight at the company & surrounds, not because you haven’t brought enough to wear.
So as I strolled the European high streets recently (with enough buds on trees and sea air wafting by on the breeze to lull one into a completely false sense of spring security), I was quite pleased to see that my picks for spring started to form themselves quite nicely into exactly the sort of smart, stylish, practical yet fun capsule wardrobe that would be perfect for a weekend away.
Herewith my choices for the perfect spring overnight bag:
1. BRIGHTLY COLOURED AMERICANO – no, not a long black coffee (although that is actually what it’s called in Spain!) but Spanish fashion-speak for a single-breasted blazer. This old favourite has made a comeback this year in fun, look-at-me colours like red, turquoise, fuschia pink, white – even spots and pin-striped! Okay, and the ubiquitous black or navy for the colour or pattern-shy…
Travel-worthy because: A smart option for in-between temperatures and equally at home by day or night. And because it’s not bulky you can take it on and off with ease as the need dictates – stick it into your overhead locker en route to your destination or pop it on if it gets cool in the car/train/cabin. Then, once at your destination, you can sling it over your arm or the back of your chair as you walk around or enjoy an alfresco lunch, or pop it over your shoulders when you feel a chill in the air…
2. WEDGES – of course no wishlist of mine would be complete without a pair of new season wedges! But they are well and truly with us for the long-haul, and there are tons of options about in everything from pastel suedes to primary patents. For me, I am going for a raffia-trimmed slingback in colour-blocked cream, navy and orangey-red.
Travel-worthy because: Totally comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and perfect for an afternoon spent walking about on cobblestoned streets or for strolling along the beachfront at sunset…
3. SOMETHING SPOTTY, FLORAL or STRIPED – to add some pop to your weekend outfit that will work for day or night, go for big or small polka-dots in a blouse, a striped tee or floral dress. Whatever works for your style and shape and colouring – but make it colourful!
Travel-worthy because: you are only away for a day or two so won’t get sick of something with a pattern, and this smartens up a plain blazer/pant or skirt combo nicely whilst boosting the spirits at the same time…
4. PENCIL SKIRT – Mad Men is back & these sexy babies from winter have luckily not gone away. Great for just about any shape, by day they work really well with flats or wedges, and at night you simply swap the more casual shoe option for a pair of pumps or high-heeled boots – smart and stylish!
Travel-worthy because: very smart & figure-flattering and the perfect ‘what-the-hell’ item – & just because you are away from home doesn’t mean you have to be sensible or casual! And surprisingly easy to mix & match…
5. METALLIC BANDOLERA – this is simply Spanish for a small shoulder bag with a strap that fits across your body. The new season metallics, python and croc prints and studded leather mean there is something out there for just about every taste and budget.
Travel-worthy because: not only stylish and compact but pretty much mugger-proof! And leaves your hands free for almost any short-break activity eg. rummaging through market stalls, balancing a drink and some cheese in each hand in a local bar or whilst wine-tasting, or should you decide to hit the dance floor at night!!
So there you have it – the perfect transeasonal travel capsule wardrobe. Add to this a few trusty basics – a plain tee, a singlet top, your favourite pair of jeans (coloured denim is HUGE this season too!) or denim skirt, a pair of ballet flats or lace-up sneakers (Bensimon-style) & a trusty scarf et voila!!! – baggage handler proof! Will all fit into carry-on or on your person or into the boot of the car…
Happy (travel) styling!
Rubi




























