Spending some time curating your own travel capsule wardrobe at age 60 and beyond is a smart move. Not only does it make packing easier and maximize your outfit combos, it also means a lighter suitcase and more fashionable looks when you’re out and about.
“A well-done travel capsule wardrobe is space- and energy-efficient without restricting your personal style,” says Holly Chayes, a personal style coach and consultant at WhoWearsWho. “This means you can travel light, be prepared for anything, and look fabulous the whole time.”
Whether you’re jet-setting to go visit family, explore a new part of the world, or knock a bucket list adventure off of your list, having a list of versatile clothing and accessories to bring can keep the focus where it should be: On the fun stuff.
“Packing the perfect suitcase is an art form that takes time, thought, and curating to master,” says Elizabeth Kosich, certified image stylist and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling. “A trip of a lifetime can be either memorable or misery, so do the proper planning to curate a fail-proof travel capsule that keeps you chic and sensible at once.
Here are the essential travel outfits, including fashionable clothes and accessories, that both men and women over 60 should have in their luggage, according to stylists.
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1 | For men & women: Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant pants
Bluffworks
Jeans are great and versatile, but they shouldn’t be the only pants you pack. “I recommend packing jeans but only one pair that you love because they can be a bit heavy,” says Hailey Rizzo, style expert and owner of the fashion and beauty blog Feeling Good as Hail.
When traveling, wear athletic pants that have a stretchy waistband and wrinkle-resistant fabric (look at brands like LuluLemon). These will keep you comfy on a plane, train, bus—you name it.
“For something a bit more elevated, pack a silk skirt, which is perfect for exploring as well as a nice dinner,” Rizzo advises for women. Men can pack lightweight linen pants and comfy shorts for warmer climates.
2 | For men & women: Lightweight, button-down shirts
2 | White shirtShutterstock
When it comes to a traditional capsule wardrobe, button-down shirts are essential for both men and women—and you’re favorite is a great addition to your packing list.
“Layers are a must no matter where you’re traveling,” Rizzo says. “Pack a lightweight button-down for the days when you need a touch of coverage.”
Kosich recommends women can also choose a cashmere wrap, which can “perform double-duty as a scarf by day and elegant evening wrap by night.” It’s worth the investment, she notes, especially if you get one in a “serviceable neutral” or your “power accent color.”
For either the button-down or wrap, “don’t forget to pack it in your carry-on to use as a pillow or blanket in-flight. You will be so thankful you have it,” Kosich says.
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3 | For men & women: Neutral tops in technical fabrics
lucigerma / iStock
“The advancements in fabric technology over the past 20 years have been astounding, which includes technical fabrics that are moisture-wicking, heat-retaining, or, conversely, body temperature-cooling—all of which are handy after 60,” says Kosich.
“For this reason, they make great travel pieces, so consider separates like long-sleeved tops, turtlenecks, tights, and light jackets that work well for layering. They’re lightweight and fold-up teeny-tiny, making them easy to pack in a carry-all-day bag so that you always feel prepared.”
If you don’t have any performance fabrics in your wardrobe, basic tees and tank tops in neutral colors are a reliable option.
“They can be paired with various bottoms and layered for different looks and weather,” Rizzo says. “Choose tones like black, white, grey, or beige for the most versatile options. If you want a bit of color, choose earth tones like terracotta and olive green, which can make great alternative neutrals.”
4 | For men & women: A lightweight jacket
22 | This denim jacketGap
If you need a jacket, stylists recommend wearing it on the plane to maximize space in your suitcase.
Rizzo suggests a “shirt jacket,” otherwise known as a “shacket,” while petite style coachAngela Foster says you can also go for a lightweight denim jacket (which comes in a wide range of colors for both men and women).
For women, a more traditional option is a trench coat. “Part fashion, part function, the classic trench coat ticks all the boxes—style, utility, and color,” Kosich says. Men can also consider a windbreaker or golf-style jacket.
In either case, “buy one that’s waterproof for all-season versatility and keep it simple when it comes to pockets, buttons, and belts so it’s easy to pack and remains trend-proof over time,” says Foster. “Look for camel for warm undertones, stone for cool undertones, or olive for neutral pigmentation.”
5 | For women: Midi or maxi dresses
5 | Midi dress or skirtNeonShot / iStock
An essential for women traveling over 60 is a dress in a length that either hits the shins or graces the floor.
Kosich favors wrap dresses and calls them “miracle workers.” “They’re flattering, versatile, comfortable, and great to layer. Find one in a pretty accent print that mixes and matches well with your other core basics, or keep it neutral and pair with an accent jacket that brings some drama.”
Kosich recommends finding a dress you love “in a jersey knit that’s lightweight, breathable, wrinkle-free, and has stretch.”
Foster says you can also reach for a maxi dress. “It can be dressed down and worn as a swimsuit cover-up on the beach—or dressed up and worn to dinner,” she says.
6 | For men: Travel blazer
3 | Add a black blazer to your wardrobe.Shutterstock
Packing an unstructured, stretchy blazer for dressier occasions is a must for men over 60 if you want to dress to impress during your travels.
Stylists suggest looking for a travel-friendly blazer in a material that won’t wrinkle, such as polyester or a wool blend.
Brands like Bluffworks or Ministry of Supply sell stylish, modern, and high-quality options that you can pack in your suitcase worry-free.
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7 | For men & women: Comfortable and fashionable sneakers
Pisces: Canvas SneakersiStock / Ales_Utovko
When you’re over 60 and comfort is key, stylists recommend packing a pair or two of shoes that can transition from one occasion to another.
“Footwear is perhaps the most important element when building a travel capsule wardrobe,” Kosich says. “Travel shoes must be comfortable, durable, and attractive at once, which can sometimes be a tall order. Consider a smart fashion sneaker that elevates your look and leave your gym shoes at home.”
Specifically, both men and women can look for a comfy leather or suede flat shoe or sneaker, or shoes with a “subtle tone-on-tone design” that can be dressed up or down.
“Make sure your sneakers are gently worn before your trip so your feet properly mold to the shoe and comfort is guaranteed,” Kosich adds.
To preserve room in your luggage, Rizzo recommends wearing your sneakers on the plane and adding a pair of sandals, boat shoes, or flats in a neutral color, like black, white, grey, or beige, to your bag (they’ll take up less space).
8 | For men & women: Simple jewelry, watches, and belts
saaton / Shutterstock
We can’t forget about accessories, but when traveling, you need to be selective.
Rizzo notes that packing certain jewelry, belts, watches, and other accessories ensures you have options to go with everything—without having to pack multiple pieces that will take up space.
“Keep it simple with waterproof gold jewelry such as earrings, rings, and a necklace that you can wear the entire trip,” she says.
For watches, a classic silver or gold will work with everything, just like a black or brown leather belt complements most outfits. “This is the best way to accessorize your outfit without taking up any space in your bag,” adds Rizzo.
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9 | For men & women: Wide-brim hat or cap
3 | Wide-Brim Panama HatEvMedvedeva/Shutterstock
Skin safety first! Protect your face and neck from harmful UV rays by packing a foldable (or rollable) wide-brim hat or cap.
Stylists suggest sun hats with built-in UPF protection if you’re hitting a tropical or sunny locale and plan to spend a lot of time outside.
For other climates, a baseball hat or crushable wide-brim hat can keep your face and hair out of the elements.
Pair with your favorite pair of classic-looking sunglasses, and you’ll be in the running for one of the most stylish world travelers over 60.
Content shared from bestlifeonline.com.