Friday, March 23, 2007 Bernaldez: Lookin chic yet packin light for summer By Joy C. Bernaldez Joy in fashion
GETTING ready for a summer getaway can be challenging because you need to pack things for both formal dinners and casual days, but you simply can’t afford to lug around a heavy suitcase the entire time. How can you be comfortable and chic yet carefree all at once?
When you want to travel light, begin by choosing versatile, easy basics and then load up on color to get maximum impact. As bright and bold hues are big this summer, orange, pink, yellow and green are surefire choices for tops that you can match cleverly with khakis, whites and denims. Bottom basics include shorts, jeans, capris, slim and flared skirts.
Knitwear coordinates are travel essentials, too, because they are practically worry-free. Just wash and wear… mix-and-match and off you go!
At the start of any trip, whether you’re jet-setting or sailing, a pair of white jeans topped with a red tank when matched with a crisp jacket or a light wrap (which can double as a scarf, a sarong, a beach mat, a pillow, or a turban along the way sometime within the week) is a sophisticated yet practical dressing choice.
And who says layering is only for the cold weather? Wearing tanks of different colors is perfect for giving you more coverage in the heat of the sun, or for making heads turn when you’re shopping at flea markets. But do bring a light sweater just in case the night does turn cold.
Another must-have when traveling is a shirtdress for both a relaxed and dressed-up look — a no-brainer that can take you from shopping to dinner. Have fun dressing it up with the right accessories like a metallic belt and shoe or an out of the ordinary clutch bag.
A long-sleeved white shirt is one serviceable piece of clothing for a mini getaway. You can wear it by itself, over a tank, or a bikini. You can roll up the sleeves and pair it with shorts, jeans, or a skirt. You can even wear it to bed!
Take your havaiannas with you but when you need to spice up your look, lacy espadrilles will actually make you look more feminine and cool. A nude-colored pair will go with anything. In the same manner, although you can practically go anywhere in flats nowadays (even to weddings), the kitten heel flip-flops are more girlish and neat without having to sacrifice comfort. Metallic flip-flops can be worn to the beach and casual weddings, too.
When you do have a wedding in your itinerary, throw in a couple of wrinkle-free halter dresses: One in solid color and another in floral print with a matching light scarf for a cool, fresh and effortless look. A breezy sundress will do the job as well, depending on the dress code. And don’t forget the accessories to go with them. They’re all you need to spell the difference between drab and spectacular.
Last but not the least is your swimsuit. A summer getaway is never complete without a dip in the pool or sunbathing at the beach.
As a word of precaution, however: don’t travel too light. It is always wiser to have an extra outfit or two than to have nothing to wear (or worse—end up buying something at hotel shops at prices three times higher than normal)!
