Once upon a time traveling was a glamorous endeavor. Going on a trip used to be a rare and special occasion. But today traveling has become a necessary evil, thanks to the frequent work trips. Besides, gone are the days of airlines with plush chairs where you could stretch your legs out and enjoy full meals served onboard.
When you need to fly in a cramped chute of no-frills airlines, it is no surprise that men today prefer oversized T-shirts and pajama pants with fuzzy slippers when traveling. In fact, many men (especially the tourists) even extend this casual vibe outside the airport too, wearing nothing but tees, cargo shorts and sneakers for the entirety of their vacation. But they neither look sharp nor stylish.
Men often feel overwhelmed to pack stylish clothes, thinking they need to pack more. This need not be true. You can travel light, yet look impeccably stylish to heighten your experience. After all, you never know who you meet in the journey – a potential business contact or someone (really, really) special. Remember serendipity often brings us things or people we could have hardly imagined and when you are dressed sharp and stylish, you are prepared to tap on these opportunities head-on.
Why You Should Dress Sharp When Traveling
Even if you don’t believe in coincidence or a happy accident, there are several other reasons to dress sharp when traveling. One thing for sure, it makes you feel better. It has a psychological effect on both men and women. Dressing sharp boosts your confidence can help in reinforcing the idea in your mind that you deserve better treatment and success.
Besides, people treat you with respect when you dress sharp. There is a reason why business tycoons and management gurus favor the concept of ‘power dressing’. The next time you are in the airport do wear a tailored suit and see how differently the security personnel or the flight attendants treat you. It only justifies why you were almost invisible to them the last time you flown in your faded jeans and hoodies.
Dressing sharp sends a signal of authority and people assume that you are important, and therefore treat you specially.
Pack Smart to Look Stylish
The following are a list of items you need to have when you’re living out of a suitcase.
A Classic Coat
Depending on the destination weather, include a classic trench coat, a lightly lined windbreaker or a wool overcoat. In cold or wet weathers where layering is essential, a stylish coat is a must-wear. Make sure your coat is water resistant, especially if your destination weather is on the wetter side. The coat must fit well and when it comes to color and texture, opt for something that is less attention grabbing and has minimal pattern.
Suit, Blazer or Sports Jacket
A suit is a sartorial essential, only if you are traveling for businesses or have a formal event in your schedule. Otherwise, avoid carrying them as suits often fail to stand the perils of a suitcase. A navy blazer is a great alternative, especially when it is made from quality fabric and has a lightly patterned weave.
Blazers, when worn with formal trousers, work perfectly for business and business-casual affairs. Besides, you can also wear them with jeans or tailored shorts for a more casual and laid-back look. Seersucker, tropical weight wool and linen-cotton blend are the ideal fabric choice for your blazer. Again, fit of your blazer is important and we therefore recommend a tailor-made item that’s made to compliment your body shape and size.
If you want something even more relaxed, remember sports jackets make great travel companions. You can wear a wool sport jacket on a long flight, check into your hotel and go to a restaurant wearing it and this item also meet club dress code requirements. For a more dressed up look, pair your classic dark colored jacket with a crisp dress shirt and tie.
Dress Shirts
Pack a few dress shirts that can handle wrinkles much better. Something in thicker construction is a better option when traveling. In terms of color, opt for simple, classic and versatile items that can be paired with both formal trousers and jeans. White and lighter shades blue, pink, lavender, green and other pastel shades complement most men.
In addition, you can pack a few semi-solid and lightly patterned shirts for more casual wear. You don’t have to buy designer brands to look sharp and stylish, there are many online stores offering custom dress shirts without compromising the quality and fit.
Comfortable Trousers & Jeans
To travel smart you need to pack items that are both comfortable and stylish. Gray or beige wool trousers are dressier, light weight and a wardrobe staple for a traveling man. Besides, they team well with almost anything, both in the line of formal and informal wear. For warm weather destinations, consider something in linen-cotton blends.
Jeans are again a traveler’s best friend. No fuss, no fading and definitely no sign of heavy wear, you should have at least a pair of jeans in your travel bag. Opt for darker shades as they can save you in various situations. Dress them up with a sports jacket and Chelsea boots or dress down with a light-weight cashmere sweater and a pair of casual leather loafers.
Fuss-Free Footwear
Dress shoes are solid choice when you want to look sharp, especially for business meetings. You can wear them with suits as well as with sport jackets. But the laced versions are too annoying, especially when you need to undo and retie them at security.
A pair of loafers is a better option. They are easy to slip on/off and are immensely comfortable. Better yet, you can wear them with a tailored item for a dressed up look or down with a sweater and chinos/jeans.
Traveling in a creased suit jacket is as bad as traveling in an oversized jeans and tees. So next time you head towards the airport, try referencing our advice. The list mentioned above will help you to have a complete, comfortable and classy travel outfit that can be either dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
