Pants Wide Open

Perhaps as a reaction to the ubiquitous skinny of last season we see the resurgence of the wide leg jean. Can I just say, “Yay!” I do own skinnies but it takes some advanced styling to make them work when you aren’t quite so skinny yourself. The new wider cut of jeans helps balance out most body types and is a more forgiving silhouette.

The new wider cuts come in several versions. A trouser cut jean will skim the hip and end in a wider width than usual. Dramatic, sweepingly uber wide cuts are also springing up. Find a happy medium because the uber wide variety will increase the bulk of your suitcase and may be a little less than utilitarian while traveling.

If you decide to sport the wide leg remember to keep your tops somewhat slim to balance the look. For example, don’t pair wide leg jeans with a trapeze top because volume + volume doesn’t work. A fitted tee, slim-cut blouse, structured oxford, or slim cut cardigan work well.

Dress Deals

Dresses can definetly be a workhorse in a travelers wardrobe. Especially if you choose a versatile and flattering one. They can be worn on their own layered over tights or leggings, or in the case of mini dresses layered over pants for a completely different look. Look for quick drying, travel friendly material blends.

The fabric of this dress makes it perfect for travel-all synthetic materials. The shape is flattering as well with an empire waist. $49.50 at the Gap.com

This Isaac Mizrahi matte jersey dress made of 100% polyester ensures that it will take little room in your suitcase. The flattering cut will make you glad you packed it. $29.99 Target.com

The looser cut of this dress skims over any problem areas and makes for a comfortable dress. This would also look great belted. $128 Banana Republic

These dresses were made for layering over turtlenecks or tees, or throw a cardigan over them. $95 Rails International at Shop Intuition.com

Simple details make this dress a standout, 3/4 sleeves and a keyhole neckline, all in a travel worthy knit. $29.99 Target.com

A classic and versatile black dress that will get you through just about any occasion with ease. $49 Jcrew.com

Frock and Roll

I must admit I’ve become a fan of the ease a dress provides. Dresses still made an impact on fall runways. Dresses with opaque tights were the pairing of choice for many designers.

The dress has been drawn in with a narrower cut. Less of an exaggerated trapeze shape was evident this season. The silhouette has tightened up a bit with the shape approximating more of a shift or sheath style. Swingy styles still made an appearance, just less prevalent than last season.

Fall travel wardrobes can include dresses with just a few styling tricks. Throw a structured blazer/trench over your dress or a long cardigan then add tights, flats or flat boots. Layering dresses over black turtlenecks modernizes and winterizes your favorite dress as well (and don’t forget the black tights). Another option is a lightweight sweater dress.

The dress should conform to Travelista travel clothes guidelines and be a lightweight, washable material. The dress should also work well with your travel footwear. Black footwear blends in with black tights so there is less emphasis on what should be functional footwear (leave the platforms at home).

Fall European Travel Outfit Ideas

Here are some ideas for Fall Travel Outfits. Remember when assembling your travel wardrobe: lightweight layers are key, dark neutrals work best, accesories keep your look from being plain, don't forget your scarf.

As I've always said you can't go wrong with black. In this instance the black trousers and a black jacket allow extra color brought by the patterned shirt. A simple black coat and pants lends itself to any number of easy to put together and pull off outfits. Flats complement and are comfortable. Smart looking trainers would also easily work for a comfy, funky look that is totally Europe appropriate. Don't forget to add a scarf of some sort.

Black pants and top keep the look clean lined. The jacket adds a necessary break from the black and the bag adds texture. All she needs is a silk print scarf around the lapels of the jacket and viola ready for chic Euopean travels. Flats or other comfortable walking shoes ensure comfort throught out the day.

Dresses for Fall travel can definetely be pulled off. The long cardigan (in a thin, not chunky knit) and the tights makes this look seasonally appropriate. Add the accessory of the moment gloves and you've got a look. Forego the stacked pumps as she is wearing here and opt for something more foot friendly. A dress that also works layered over pants or leggings gives you more bang for your buck.

Layering at its best. A turtleneck layered under a cardigan make a perfect pairing in cooler weather. Special details such as the ones found on the cardigan give outfits extra interest. The scarf adds European appeal and can be used as a further warming layer. The gloves are functional and on trend. Simple flats with a thin trouser sock complete the look and are comfortable for long days of sightseeing.

My favorite look! A loose cut ,short pea coat is sophisticated in that casual sort of way. The coat layered over a blouse and cardigan combo looks comfortable yet pulled together. Opt for darker neutrals and this is the perfect travel outfit. A wide cut denim trouser adds casual elegance as well. Comfy flats are a must and don't detract from the look. The scarf tied to the handbag adds the required European flair.

Black pants with an interesting jacket make for a chic travel look. The leather handbag in blue takes it a step up by providing some added interest and keeps the outfit from looking too simple. A silky print scarf worn in the hair would complement the outfit and give a flirty European look.

The Fine Print

Animal prints will certainly add personality to a neutral travel wardrobe. Use the print judiciously, a little goes a long way!

This head scarf is a simple way to introduce an animal print into your travel wardrobe-gives a Bardot sensibility and good for bad hair days too! $6.99 Target

A cute and subtle way to sneak in an animal print, embedded crystals add sparkle. $40 (Betsy Johnson) Nordstrom

A soft animal print blouse layered under a cardigan, blazer, or coat adds subtle interest to dark travel neutrals. $68 Banana Republic

This oversize cocktail ring adds glamour to your dark travel neutrals. $90 Shop Intuition

For the tiniest sliver of print try this beautiful headband by L. Erickson, 1/4" Silk Print Ultracomfort Headband. $18 France Luxe

Animal Print Tote

This animal print PVC tote can be carried either as a tote or as a cross body messenger bag during serious sightseeing. $64 at Macy's

Kenneth Cole Animal Print Tote

This cute nylon tote has a zippered top to keep your things secure and multiple pockets for maps, metro cards, etc. Macy's

Animal Prints - Not Endangered

Animal Prints do not seem to be dying out anytime soon. Keep animal prints in check though and limit to accessories. An animal print scarf looks chic and slightly Bridget Bardot retro when tied as a headband. Animal prints are even showing up on jewelry, a low cost, low commitment way to give a nod to the trend. Grrr…

Adventurous souls can give an animal print blouse a shot. Seen on the runways, the animal print blouse will definitely be making appearances on the streets. A subtle print works best in integrating with other travel neutrals.

Sweater Scores

Sweaters are easily one of the most functional trends of the season. Look for sweaters with unique detailing or in different cuts (such as a longer cardigan).

Special details update this not-so-basic cardigan. The empire waist and loose silhouette should flatter most body types. The material is hand washable making it suitable for travel. $78 at Banana Republic.

Lean and long cardigan in cotton/modal blend. A longer length sweater looks good
belted as well. $73 (Splendid) Nordstrom

The oh so perfect sweater dress. Simply styled but wonderfully refined in an extra fine (washable) merino wool. Would be at home over tights or pants. $98 Banana Republic.

The au coarant lantern sleeve is found on this belted cardigan by INC found at Macy's for $69.

$29.99 for this fab long belted cardigan from Isaac Mizrahi for Target.

Knit to It

Knits appeared on the runways in a multitude of forms, from ultra-fine cardigans to chunky, cocoonlike concoctions. Knits are an essential layering piece in a fall or winter travel wardrobe and this season's knits look especially cozy.

For this fall, lengthening the standard cardigan gives a nod to the trend as well as being a functional piece of travel clothing. Now that can mean slightly past the hips or longer for a sweater coat effect. V-neck sweaters layered over blouses also provide an easy to achieve runway to reality look.

The key with knits is that they must be lightweight, especially when layered over other clothing items. This will prevent you and your suitcase from appearing bulky.

Another option is the sweater dress, as long as it consists of a fairly light knit. This can be worn on its own or over tights, leggings, or jeans. Resist the temptation to pack the knit ponchos and capes that will also undoubtedly be popular this season. These are not as versatile as cardigans and they add much bulk to your packing. Plus, I’m still not over the poncho craze of a few years ago.

Blouse Buys

Consider packing a blouse for your European trip. They are silky and therefore lightweight and quick drying. Not to mention they add instant style and can even dress up jeans.

Pure Silk Tie Neck Blouse for $29.99, it doesn't get much better than that. I love the drapey shape. LaRedoute.com

This take on a blouse is a bit more refined and tailored with small scaled ruffled embellishments on the front. $58 at Banana Republic. Fabric content is travel-friendly with 72% cotton and 28% silk.

This satiny top captures the feeling of a blouse without the high pricetag. $20 at Old Navy. Plus the material content is 100% polyester, meaning it will take up little room in your suitcase and if you need to hand wash it during travel it will dry quickly.

Blouse elements (Shine, detailing) can be found in this tunic. Great for skimming over problem areas, could also be layered over a turtleneck.

$14.99 at Target.com

All the details of a blouse in a soft, comfy knit. The fabric content is travel friendly with only 60% cotton 40% modal. On sale now at Old Navy for $12.50

On the Blouse

I always associate blouses with the frilly, ruffly, "powersuity" kind of eighties look. Oh no wait, the best blouses of the season do have some frills, ruffles. Even that eighties airline stewardess staple the tie-neck has made a comeback. However, the shapes do appear slightly more modern and feminine.

I think this trend can make a significant impact on your travel wardrobe. Most blouses are in thin, silky, or sheer materials and right away that is a big advantage in packing light. As long as the blouse is not “dry clean only” the material content makes it ideal for travel.

On the other hand the design can really make it a versatile piece in your travel wardrobe. A blouse can dress up a pair of jeans and also gives extra interest when paired under a cardigan, v-neck sweater, blazer, or trench. The silhouette can also be more forgiving than a structured oxford because some styles skim the body rather than clinging to it.

I think the blouse replaces the billowy tunic for fall. The effect can still be the same if you find a longer one. If you can't stomach a full-on blouse, look for blouse details. Anything with a bit of shimmer comes off as blousy, as do small feminine details. A cardigan helps ground a frilly blouse and keep it from looking too frothy or ethereal. A jacket also lends polish to a blouse.