I haven’t taken a real lie-back-and-enjoy-yourself vacation since my trip to Disneyworld with my family in December (and trust me, that’s not exactly my idea of a relaxing time), but Neslihan’s tips (styleseeking_nesli ) have motivated me to turn my one-week respite in between school and work into a chic little vacation. Thanks, girl!

xoConnie

During the last months I did several city trips – to rainy London in August, hot and sticky Barcelona in September, cold coldy cold Vienna in February and just two weeks ago, I packed my bags for a short trip to unpredictable Istanbul. One should think I knew what to pack for vacation by now, but I still find this a little challenging since you want to look your best during several days or weeks and have to be prepared for anything. I hope the tips I assembled will make it a little easier for you so you can enjoy your vacation in a chic manner.

Check the weather forecast
This one is probably a no-brainer , but first of all you have to inform yourself about the weather of your destination. It’s crucial to be prepared for the hottest and coldest temperatures. To keep warm when it gets chilly I find it best to pack clothes you can layer, so you can wear them on their own when it’s warmer.

Picture every day of your vacation in your mind
I find that it helps when I pick an outfit for each day (when I’m going on a short vacation), then lay it on the bed to see what I already have. It’s a lot easier to choose seperates in neutral colours like black, white, beige… you can combine easily, because on vacation, mix&match is the key word to travel light as possible. When you bring enough seperates that can be coordinated, you can create as many outfits as you’ll need. Basics like tees, cardigans or jeans go almost with anything. Since I’m not an expert in mixing patterns, I don’t take many printed clothes with me and try to make my outfits more interesting by adding accessories.

Unlimited accessories
I never limit myself when it comes to accesories such as scarfs or jewelry because they don’t take up much space in your suitcase and add that personal touch to your outfits and let’s not forget, can help you make little changes from day to night. I usally take a neutral coloured scarf with me because it’s always a bit chilly on the plane and another dressier one, say in animal print, to spice up the mentioned outfits. Belts can also transform your outfits but only bring so many with you as the number of your shoes.

Handbags and shoes
Probably most Chictopians have an addiction, be it handbags or shoes (or both, for that matter). Unfortunately vacation isn’t the right time to indulge in your passion because shoes take up so much space in your suitcase, especially high heels. They say you shouldn’t pack more than two pairs of shoes but I raised the number to three: I pack one pair of sneakers and one pair of ballet flats because most certainly the vacation will include long hours of sightseeing or walking, and 1 pair of high heels to go out. Pick shoes that will go with multiple outfits to avoid crisis. When it comes to handbags I try to limit myself to two or three. For daytime I find it best to carry larger bags such as totes, bags with shoulder straps or even backpacks. You can fit everything you need into it, including your camera to take outfit pictures for Chictopia. At night, a clutch for dinner or small shoulder bag to go dancing will be enough.

How much to pack
Always keep in mind that you most probably will be buying stuff on vacation too, especially when travelling to a foreign country with all those shops you don’t have in your hometown. I have to admit I usually pack too much and don’t get to wear everything on vacation but I just feel safer when I bring enough with me.

And one last suggestion, why not buy souvenirs for yourself that remind you of your vacation in form of rings, bags or sunglasses? I find this much more useful and satisfying than having traditional toursit souvenirs that only sit on a shelf gathering dust. :)

-Neslihan

Vacation pictures of myself, but only the first one is new, the others are old.
Spring day
Summer day
Summer day
Fall day

Vacation pictures of other Chictopians:
Spring day
Summer night
Summer day
Summer day
Winter night