Travel clothing? Ok or just wrong?

[EllenRose]

I can't quite believe I've agreed to it but family and I are holidaying in Paris, Rome, Lake Como and Zurich but travelling by train - which means travelling light as the prospect of lugging enormous suitcases is not good.

Dh set off on a review of all travel clothing websites last night and starting flagging zip off trousers and such like for me.

Opinions from those who know best please - where best to shop for wrinkle free, comfy clothing and shoes but without making me look like I've entered my later years in life too soon (no offence meant to fabulously stylish well travelled ladies)? We'll be gone for about 10 days or so and staying in apartments or hotels - don't need to be wildly glam but I'll be in Italy and Paris so effortless chic would be marvellous

Sounds like an amazing trip! I assume this is in summer? How about pairing leather flats (office do good ones) with dark capri trousers www.thewhitecompany.com/clothing/trousers-jeans-and-leggings/slim-capri-trousers/?twc_source=gprod&twc_cat=Clothing&twc_sub=New+Arrivals&twc_kw={keyword}&gclid=CJnQxPfT4q8CFaYJtAod5nWbDQ and www.thewhitecompany.com/clothing/tops/flutter-sleeve-white-cotton-top/, adding a straw hat www.hm.com/gb/product/98325?article=98325-A and oversize sunglasses www.johnlewis.com/231422995/Product.aspx. I have only worn zip off trousers once - on the Inca Trail and that was because a lot of the time there are no bathrooms available to get changed in so zip-offs are handy.

Yes this summer - must stop fretting about comfy shoes and book some travel . Love Capri trousers so they will definitely feature. I do need to think about clothing the dc's at some point too!

The kids are easy - t-shirts, long shorts and fleeces :)

go for

nice flats
good quality leggings
scarves
good quality t shirts and shirts
shift dresses

you will REGRET not having nice stuff in Rome/Paris I tell ya

I'm a big fan of travelling light - there's a whole website One Bag dedicated to the philosophy. I use a Patagonia Maximum Legal Carryon Bag because it fits more stuff in than a wheelie case while never ending up too heavy to carry on my back. And I have learned to bundle fold so that my clothes don't crease (but you can always bring a travel iron; I often do, and a travel kettle AND a radio!)

No need to buy stupid expensive travel-style clothes designed for Himalayan treks. Take layers in cotton jersey in no more than three colours, one of which should be black. Make sure you have at least one outfit - a dress is best - that you can glam up with some light sparkly heels or flipflops. Scarves are your friends. Take a lightweight semi-structured jacket and/or nice cardigan. A couple of skirts and tops, or dresses (or a mix), a pair of light trousers and a pair of dark jeans. Unless you're trekking, wear a pair of good-quality and sturdy but elegant flats. 9 pairs of knickers including the ones you're wearing.

Oh there's more...but check out One Bag. I've developed most of my ideas from reading him and experimenting.

And this:

"Don't go for a rucksack - lightweight wheeled suitcases are the way to go."

Is just SO not right. Check out Patagonia MLC - if you buy one you will never take a wheelie case ever again.

hmmm the One Bag guy suggests that a tankini top can double up as a camisole/bodysuit sort of thing under a jacket. That's a step too far for me!

Yes, but remember he's a guy, and you have to tailor what he says. And he's actually right - the right tankini top would easily double as a camisole.

I do alot of travelling ( and especially since arrival of children) I pack like a spartan. Two most useful things I have found are: a cashmere jumper/cardi in a colour that goes with everything. It is lightweight and will be warmer enough in many circumstances. A large-ish scarf/wrap that makes you feel happy and can be worn to liven up an outfit or even as a beach sarong. Also remember that other than the people oh are travelling with NO ONE ELSE WILL KNOW if you are basically recycling the same 2 or 3 outfits.

Bloody typos. Sorry. Should say "Other than the people WHO you are travelling with.....

Have a great trip.

You could go into Primark, or last day of M&S sale and buy clothes and leave them there.
Somebody apparently did this on a trip to India