Have packed...will travel

LOOK TERRIFIC ON THE ROAD WITH NIKI FLOROS-PRIVETT'S TRAVEL WARDROBE ADVICE

A friend once told me she travelled throughout Italy on the back of a motorbike with a little black dress, a pair of shorts, a tank top, swimmers and key underwear. She couldn’t really fit a suitcase on the bike so she took what she could wash and wear easily from Sardinia to Sicily with little fuss.

In this issue of Fashion Forecast our resident stylist Elena Read gives us some key pointers to packing like a pro no matter where you’re headed.

1. Planning power

There are a few traveller’s checks you need to make before you plough into your wardrobe and throw everything you see into your suitcase. Firstly check the weather. A great website to check whether it’s raining in Tahiti is www.worldweather.org.

If it’s a business trip, it might help to ask for the schedule of events ahead of time. A presentation or conference makes for easy packing decisions (a smart suit and a few tailored shirts will see you through the week). But if your host has planned a golf day as well as a cocktail party, then you’ll need to be prepared with more versatile pieces.

2. Back to basics

To make it as easy as fastening your seat belt, the rule of thumb is to start with basics and work the rest in from there. Pack dark colours in pants, skirt and jacket for business or formal meetings and your favourite jeans, cargos, shorts and T-shirts for pleasure. Then add some key tops that work back with every basic and suddenly you’ve got a few more ensembles. Always pack a few favourites that can also work in with your basics.That way your personal style doesn’t stay at home.

Opt for knits, woollens and wrinkle-resistant synthetics for a travel-friendly wardrobe. Who wants to do ironing when you could be sitting by the pool? Travel clothes should be easy to wash-and-wear or hung out perfectly as soon as you get to your destination. And of course that little black dress should be the first thing in your suitcase: such a versatile item will be priceless by the end of your journey!

3. The finishing touch

So you have a great bag collection but do you really want to hoard all five colours with you…just in case? Well unless you’re off to London Fashion Week (and even then) pack one bag that goes with everything…everywhere. Don’t take your most precious jewellery or risk leaving it behind in the hotel safe. Choose classic jewellery and a few coordinated accessories like scarves and belts that work with most items to give you even more looks.

If you’re a fashionista, then a pair of leggings (especially if you’re heading for colder regions) can be practical and fashionable at the same time. Try Voodoo’s latest range of versatile colours with metallic buttons for that step-ahead look.