Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Choose light-weight clothing that is fun and versatile. Popular fashion magazine, "Marie Claire," advises women to "Pack the Classics." Their choices include a pair of tie-up shoes in breathable light canvas; a large washable cotton denim bag, handy for carrying camera, beach towel and paperback; a long-sleeved shirt; and dark blue cotton shorts with pockets for carrying small items. They also suggest long-sleeved cotton sweaters, a short- and long-sleeved tee-shirts, a straw boat hat and lightweight pants that won't wrinkle badly.
Pack breathable fabrics that are easy to care for, in styles and colors that mix well together. Neutrals such as brown or khaki are a good versatile choice for bottoms. Fabrics with a bit of stretch in them tend to wrinkle far less. Shorts and lightweight pants for men; skirts, shorts and dresses for women are classic choices for a warm climate. For a very hot climate, add sun-protection clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating.
Bring at least one pair of long pants and a long-sleeved shirt or light jacket, in case of rain or from protection from sun and insects. Though the cotton tee-shirt is an old classic, knit shirts in crew, V-neck, polo and boatneck styles will suit more situations. Fitness tops and other workout wear are best left for beach, sports and informal locales, such as southern California or Florida.
Pack one outfit for every two to three days you'll be traveling. Travel journalist Arlene Bleeker advises bringing light and comfortable shoes and just one bathing suit, even for a cruise. She says silks are ideal, wrinkle-free clothing and comments that the key to packing smart is to bring clothes that mix and match well, including the more formal pieces. She also advises travelers, "whatever you planned to take, cut it in half."