How I blended in without really wanting to was funny even to me. I don't consider myself a fashionista nor a fashion victim (the 80's don't count). I don't have a distinct style but I do have a personal style that ranges from a little bit bohemian to a lot casual with a dash of pretty.
When I travel comfort comes first but that doesn't mean I pack an endless supply of shapeless t-shirts and multi-functional style-deficient safari trousers (look full-length pants! look cropped pants! look shorts! all in one!) the color of dirty water. What I mean by comfort is clothes that don't cinch my waist (ahem belly), ride up my crotch or strap in my breasts like a bustier straight out of medieval times. Loose (stylish-ish) clothing is the way to go and cotton is my best friend.
What I'm getting at is that while wanting to be comfortable, I still like to look somewhat decent while I travel. I always pack a pair of going-out shoes (no heels but they're usually shiny) to turn my daytime clothes into acceptable evening-worthy outfits.
A scarf or two to dress up my outfits day or night always find a place in my backpack. My pants range from skinny jeans (with a high percentage of spandex) to fun-patterned elastic-waste harem/gypsy pants to versatile black leggings (a must-pack item). My tops are casual with lots of potential. My dresses are flirty and flowing. My shorts are worn-out denim.
Read also: Mishaps of my Trip in South East Asia
Smart, efficient mixing & matching is the best policy when packing. I make sure every top and every bottom are compatible enough to create a variety of different outfits. My last-minute (day before or day of departure) packing process is well-thought out (with about a dozen edits). But one thing that never, ever crosses my mind is matching my outfits with the places I visit. That would just be crazy.
And yet.
It's happened more than once.
Sometimes I notice while I'm in the midst of exploring a new place (that wall should have told me it would be wearing the same outfit as me!); other times I gasp when I go through my pictures (I did it again?!). My friends even mock me by commenting on how my outfits unbelievably match my surroundings....again.
Sometimes it's downright obvious. Sometimes it's more subtle. Either way it's crazy how often it happens.
From Southeast Asia to Central America to Europe and the U.S.A., my travel style and I have blended in....without really wanting to.
See for yourself!
BLENDING IN WITHOUT REALLY WANTING TO
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33 Responses
Lydia
Exactly! No reason for looking disheveled while traveling – mixing & matching is the way to go! 🙂
Lydia
Thanks Victoria – glad I made you laugh! 🙂
Janine Good
What a great piece! I find your blending quite stylish and it has also brought out my yen to travel! Mynamar looked amazing, not to mention South America 🙂
Lydia
Thanks Janine! I wasn’t trying to blend in but at least it worked! 😉 (P.S. Myanmar posts will be up soon and more on South America also).
Michelle Adams
Wow! It looks like you’ve really traveled everywhere — I’m so jealous. I love to see the world, I wish I could do it more often. But ah, life calls. Thanks for sharing!
Lydia
I really hope you get to travel more – it really is the best gift you can give yourself! 🙂
Ima
Lol this is so cute!
I loved every single picture (and I think the lemon yellows and leafy green colors looked best on you 🙂 )
Lydia
Thank you so much! Green is one of my favorite colors to wear (maybe I should wear more yellow)! 🙂
Amber Myers
Lovely post! I enjoyed all your different outfits. I tend to blend in, only most of the time I want to. I’m a bit of an introvert.
Lydia
Thank you! I’m also an introvert but that’s a whole different blog post! 😉
Sheri
This is such a great idea and what a cool post! I loved it. You are a real chameleon, so much fun. My favourite is Bagan, Myanmar!
Lydia
Thank you Sheri! I enjoyed writing it although it might confirm that I’m a wee bit crazy…lol! A crazy chameleon perhaps?! 😉
Rebecca - BecciAbroad
Hahaha! Oh my! This is such a great idea for a post!! 😀 Really enjoyed myself with your photos and small comments!
Lydia
Thank you so much Rebecca! I really thought I was slightly crazy when I was going through my pictures for this post….lol!
rachel
LOL — that’s too funny!
Lydia
Funny….and a little crazy…lol!
ninaframbuesa
Wow, this is unbelievable, hahahaha!!!
Lydia
Crazy isn’t it?!