Travel Clothing Essentials for Your Summer Vacation

It’s that time of year again – summer vacation! Whether you’re planning an active adventure, European city hopping tour, or simply to lounge by the beach, it’s important to  back the right gear so you can be stylish, comfortable, and prepared for anything. Here are some travel clothing essentials for 2017:

The Basics: Casual and Cute

For everyday touring – whether you’re walking around the city or enjoying a wine tasting at a vineyard – a great brand of travel clothing is Yala Designs. Focused on simplicity and sustainability, Yala Designs’ pieces are versatile, elegant, and timeless.

For example, the striped boatneck Adrianna Dress ($84) is slightly fitted but still comfy for everyday wear. The Elise Maxi Dress ($98) is ultra comfy, with trendy details like contrasting side panels and small slits at the hemline. The Peyton Dress ($98) is the epitome of casual-cool with a simple organic cotton t-shirt shape reworked into a maxi dress. Yala Designs also has some great everyday t-shirts, like the Jolie Top ($68) which has elbow-length sleeves and the Ava Top ($68) which is made from organic bamboo and has flattering flutter short sleeves. And they even have kids’ clothing, meaning you can dress the whole family on-the-go!

Another great brand for travel basics – both for men and women – is Aviator. Designed specifically for travel, Aviator clothing is made in LA and consists of pieces that merge fashion with function. What’s great about this brand is that they have built their inventory through pre-orders, meaning products are more affordable with little retail mark up. For example, the men’s Travel T-shirt that would retail for $48 is only $35 purchased directly from Aviator’s website. Made with soft bamboo fiber that helps regulate body temperature and is antimicrobial by nature, this top is a must. For women, the Fly Skinny Jeans ($98) are a great option. Wearing jeans on a plane might sound uncomfortable, but once you try this cotton-spandex blend pair on, you won’t want to take them off. They’re also designed specifically to retain their shape, so they won’t get stretched out and baggy after a long day on the road.

For Adventure: Function + Fashion

KIRA Grace is a collection of made-in-the-USA yoga apparel that also fuses fashion and function – perfect for the adventurous traveler. The Goddess Victoria T-Back tank ($78) is a great pick for curvy girls, as it’s rumored to be “the most flattering top you will ever put on.” It’s made with a luxurious spandex jersey blend so you can be comfy whether you’re hitting the gym, catching a flight, or hiking a mountain.

Similarly, the Goddess Corset Cami ($78) works great for girls with athletic body types. The fashion-forward top doesn’t sacrifice performance – it’s made with moisture-wicking, heavyweight fabric for comfort and compression, and has a built-in shelf bra for extra support.

A pair of black leggings are essential for any traveler, but the Warrior Laser-Cut Legging ($128) from KiraGrace ups the style quotient of this wardrobe basic with wanderlust-inspired cut outs. Not only are these pants figure-flattering and moisture-wicking, they have a hidden pocket for keys, chapstick, or anything else you might need to tuck away while you’re on the go.

For a Punch of Color: Vibrant Prints

Frequent fliers live a colorful life, and while many say basics are the easiest items to pack, you have to add some statement fashion pieces into the mix – especially when traveling to vibrant destinations. artTECA is a women’s fashion label that combines art and fashion so the wearer can be a “walking art gallery.” Each piece is inspired by a specific piece of artwork.

For example, the Allover Pant in Black Mantra Print ($180) is inspired by artist John Zoller’s work “Black Mantra.” These pants are the ultimate travel essential for the woman who refuses to sacrifice comfort for style. They basically feel like pajama pants, but look way more sophisticated.

Another easy way to punch up a bland travel wardrobe is with a colorful printed scarf, and the artTECA Hue Silk Scarf ($85) certainly fits the bill. Made with luxurious Crepe de Chine silk, this oil painting-inspired scarf can be worn around your neck, as a handbag accessory, around your head, and even as a belt.

A personal favorite artTECA piece is the Kinetic Silk Tank Top in Brushstroke Print ($100). This eye-catching top can easily go from day to night, making it the perfect statement piece to pack, since it will barely take up any room in your suitcase!

To Spice Things Up: Accessories

While bold prints have their place, sometimes all an outfit needs is a piece of statement jewelry. One brand that’s great for travel essentials is Due Menti, which means “two minds” in Italian. The line is designed by two women with fashion industry cred, who believe some of the best styles come from collaborating!

Due Menti offers an assortment of great bracelets from hippie-chic to sophisticated urban that can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion. For example, one great statement piece is their scarf bracelet ($60) – sure to be a conversation-starter. Less colorful but equally as chic is the leather, knotted cuff ($60). Due Menti’s beaded wrap bracelet ($70) doubles as a necklace, and provides a layered look with a bright pop of color.

For the Pool

While traveling is supposed to be relaxing, for many women one part is especially stressful: wearing a bathing suit. Fortunately, with Miraclesuit, you can take a vacation from body image woes, too. Miraclesuit’s swimsuits are made with fabric that delivers 3x the control of ordinary swimwear fabrics and designed with strategic shirring and draping for a fit that’s figure-flattering and supportive all over.

For example, the Solid Aurora Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit ($160) is a flirty dress that hugs your curves while offering extra coverage for added comfort. It’s perfect for a pool party where you’ll want to go from the water to cocktails without having to worry about getting dressed! Miraclesuit offers swim separates and cover ups that you can mix and match as well. The Jersey Tennis Skirt Swim Bottom ($74) and Shirred Coverup Skirt ($78) are great for those who want full coverage on the bottom. Or, for something a little more colorful, the sheer Zip Drive Cover Up Pant ($112) will turn heads in a good way!

For a Rainy Day

We always wish for sunny skies, but know it’s best to be prepared with rain gear when you’re traveling. One traveler-trusted brand for waterproof apparel for both men and women is Eddie Bauer.

For men, the Rainfoil Packable Jacket ($99) is a great option as it’s lightweight and folds into its pocket – where it couples as a compact travel pillow! The jacket is completely waterproof, and features a high collar, adjustable hem, and adjustable cuffs to prevent your shirt from getting wet.

For women, the Girl on the Go Insulate Trench Coat ($199) is a figure-flattering trench that works for all seasons. Just like the Rainfoil Packable, it’s fully waterproof yet lightweight enough to not take over your entire suitcase. A built-in liner adds warmth on chilly days, while secure zip pockets keep valuables safe while you’re traveling.