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
Vyjay Rao
Dressing and while traveling is definitely dictated by Comfort. You have a remarkable sense of colour coordination. The way your dresses blend with the backdrops at different places is really wonderful.
Neha Verma
Girl you have got a style!! and you blend so well. I believe style is not just the way you dress up, its the way you carry yourself, you talk, you impress..
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Thank you so much…..I do try to look decent whilst traveling! 🙂
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I’ve been to Costa Rica and actually went through my pictures for this post but didn’t find any that stood out like these. 🙂
Faith Coates
That is just so funny it gave me a bit of a lift this morning. I am’ constantly bored with my clothes when travelling I find it so difficult to pack for 3 seasons in one tiny bag, not to mention being a larger size. I can pack easily for sunny weather that’s a no brainer, but sun and cold lordy.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
At this point, I admit I’m also bored with my travel clothes. It seems I’m always bringing the same ones…lol! It is difficult packing for different weather and then sometimes you have to think about cultural differences also. I can’t say I enjoy packing though but most of the time I find I’ve packed appropriately.
Rashmi & Chalukya
Agree when packing for travel comfort is very important. But I also agree that bit of a blending with the background is neccessary for a perfect shot. Lucky you, you got to click those awesome click without having to working much on what to pack and what not to 🙂 The one in Bagan and one with pigeon is my favorite!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I honestly never think of the background – that would be too much work (packing is tedious enough as it is) but it seems I have a knack for blending in without much effort. 🙂
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Let me know if you find any pictures – then I wouldn’t be the only crazy one! 😉
Aleks&Boris
Haha I love this post! First of all I can totally relate to your choice of style and current wardobe! I really enjoyed reading what you wrote and it’s hilarious how you blend in to all those places! Very awesome!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Let me know if you find any pics! 🙂
Mindy Young @ Farm Fit Living
Cute and comfortable!
Beauty that walks
Glad to see that you are out and about. How was your stay in Jamaica?