Around the world in 36 items

Until we get invited to the five-minute zero-gravity space trip on Virgin Galactic (which costs $200,000 a head), we’re just as happy taking in the sights and smells of large fashionable cities where you can walk off your buffet breakfast. Each place has its own vibe and requires slight variations when it comes to wardrobe planning, but essentials are essentials. Here’s what we’ve learned.

Beauty mustS

1. A good all-in-one face cream: Ponds Age Defense is awesome. 

2. Serious skin cream: Any time of the year your skin will be thirsty. Feed it with Kiehl’s Creme de Corps!

3. Bronzer: Again an instant pick-me-up for wan complexions or to enhance sun-kissed looks, Lancome makes the most flattering shades.

4. Sunblock: A total must.... try Murad’s oil-free sunblock for any destination.

5. A signature fragrance: You never know what will happen next... so you better not smell like grime!

7. Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner: Even if hotel shampoos may be ritzy and chic sometimes, it’s always good to have something tried and tested for your hair. Our choice is Kerastase in travel-size bottles.

8. Red lipstick: Dress your face up in 60 seconds with a hot lip.

9. Concealer: Most of the time you don’t really need foundation but erasing imperfections is close to keeping you looking impeccable. We like L’Oreal Color Blends.

10. Face tint: The Nars multiple stick is your best friend. 

London

The weather is moodier than Russell Crowe but it’s still where kings, queens and punks reigned supreme.

Clothing essentials:

1.Black turtleneck: Perfect foundation piece for any season; make sure it’s thin enough to even wear during summer (and make sure the turtle on the neck is not too much either) and just layer over a thermal and under a chic puffer for winter.

2. Cape: Don’t think Superman. The Scottish store near the British Museum has a nice selection of wool capes/wraps that go with casual or formal clothes. A total must-have! 

3. Dark denim pants: Need I say more about going the distance?

4. A jersey dress: A nice neutral jersey dress will go from day to night, choose a flattering mid-length design.

5. A nice schoolgirl skirt: Worn alone for summer and with tights on colder days, you’ll be surprised by its versatility.

Little extras:

1. A super cool bag: No labels here! A great vintage or one-of-a-kind bag will pop from a super basic ensemble.

2. A fun scarf: Add some color without being insecure!

3. A chic hat: Although you may be tempted to bring some cool headgear to the land of hats, a shaped cap, fedora or even a cloche will go a long way. A thinly woven beanie serves you well, too!

4. A faux fur shrug: It always adds a little quirk or elegance (depending on the shrug) to any outfit. 

5. Boots: Flat boots that hug the leg will embrace your wardrobe for at least 60 percent of the year in muggy London.

Hong Kong

This financial capital is also the fashion hub for the whole of Asia.

Fashion essentials:

1. A hot dress: You will want to look your best when you paint the town red. Normal doesn’t cut it here!

2. A great day dress: You’ll be surprised how far a dress with the right accessories can go. Plus it’s easy to take off when fitting stuff!

3. Tank tops: Just layer when needed but a great basic for day and sometimes even night.

4. Shawl: A nice neutral colored shawl is an elegant way to stay warm and it’s easy to stuff in your bag!

5. Khaki trousers: Fold them up for day and wear long for night.

Accessories:

1. A light bag: Eco bags work when hitting the stores.

2. Great shades: It’s a great accessory to work a plain outfit made for shopping.

3. A baby wallet: Aranaz makes a small wallet that’s perfect for holding credit cards and cash.  So does Valextra. 

4. A cool evening bag: Somehow a nifty evening clutch can transform a day outfit to an HK club-worthy one.

5. Flats: With all the walking and credit card burning, don’t cramp yourself (literally).

Paris

The city’s understated chic means you don’t have to pack a lot, just pack well (leave the bling and the track suit at home).

1. Leggings: In colder months, leggings tucked into boots will be your uniform. Super comfy for plane rides too, as you tend to get bloated up in the air.

2. Oversized cardigan: In a thin knit, it’s a perfect layering piece for transition months, and covers up less-than-perfect body parts.

3. Fanny pack: Say what? Yes, the belt bag is actually your best friend when you’re flashpacking across Europe. Prada and Gucci make some sleek ones that don’t scream “tourist money holder.” I managed with a P800 one from Beabi.

Tip: France is ridiculously expensive, but being the birthplace of fashion you owe it to yourself to drool over couture.

The department store Le Bon Marche houses all the top labels from McQueen to Margiela and is a sight to behold.

Barcelona

Catalans are quite casual and almost hippie-like in their sensibilities. You will find a lot of scruffy, bearded guys who are turned off by the super glam look. 

1. Toms shoes: Uber comfortable for those meandering, cobblestone walks through the Gothic Quarter. Heels are a no-no.

2. Extra clothes: Spain is one of the last few hold-outs where smoking is still permitted indoors (but not for long). Wearing your clothes a second time is impossible if you plan to spend hours inside a club or cafe (and you will) because you’ll come out reeking like a chimney.

3. Umbrella: The weather can be unpredictable around spring, so keep a cute and compact umbrella with you at all times.

Tip: By all means do not shop at Custo, or the more affordable version Desigual, even though their loud crazy designs seem to call out to you. These are clothing versions of tourist traps, as one local told me.