Six simple ways to look like a jetsetter
MANILA, Philippines - Travel is becoming the big lifestyle definer these days. The more you travel, the more you've arrived. The way you do it, or the way you pretend to, is what separates the experts from the posers. Learn to trot around your destination without flaunting that you’re a first timer. Here are six time-tested tips to donning the travel chic look.
Wear an intelligent wardrobe.
Pack neutrals only. Choose black, gray or camel as a base color and create ensembles from there. The globetrotting Angelina Jolie has mastered this, and often wears gray or black, not to mention low-heeled shoes or flats, when traveling. This makes you look smart and sensible and not so desperate, revealing your newness to the experience. A tip from my mother: When checking in, look upgradable. Think luxuriously simple when dressing for your flight — choosing knits or fabrics that won’t wrinkle — and see who gets offered the business class seat on an empty plane. Yes, that’s you.
Check the weather. Dress appropriately.
Inappropriate clothing for the season screams inexperienced traveler. First, ditch the comfy resort wear from home (assuming you’re flying to a colder climate). Leave your light frocks and flip flops at home. We know you’re from a tropical country but those pieces obviously have have no place in temperatures below 30 degrees. Hotels always have travel slippers anyway. Next, edit, edit, edit your shoe selection. Extra shoes are just that, unnecessary, and add serious bulk to your load. Stick to sensible heel heights and closed shoes that are easy to remove. And when you get to your destination you might score an invite to a posh club opening or an unexpected beach club, it gives you an excuse to go shopping for a “souvenir” purchase, which will always make the trip more memorable.
Watch your weight. Pack light.
There’s nothing that screams amateur — and wa-poise — more than having to unload personal belongings in front of the check-in counter. I’ve thrown away various guidebooks, French Vogues, toiletries and even a long gown, just because I blatantly ignored baggage limitation guidelines. Check the airline website because each has varying rules. Smaller carriers are especially stricter with limits. Everyone hopes to get away with it… and you won’t. Pay the excess in euros or pack smart and have a weighing scale on hand.
Adorn your wrist. Wear a watch.
Time is of the essence. From your plane to your train schedules, be attuned to the time. Jetlagging sometimes keep you tired and confused, so double check your time zones the minute you make touchdown. Call me old school, but do not rely on your iPhone, which can run out of juice at the most inopportune moments (it will happen, believe me). Mistakes of this nature can be costly, and especially sad (read: amateur) when you’re traveling alone.
Ditch the branded suitcase. Go for low-key quality.
Screaming logos on luggage make you look like a wanna-be. Keep the “it” bag on your arm and choose luggage that’s low-key and well-designed. Function takes precedence over looks in this arena, when you risk waylaid luggage or damage en route. Go for a lightweight titanium hard case and one with those four spinning wheels. Your back will thank you for it.
Leave the paper. Get your tech.
Instead of buying guidebooks which are guaranteed to get outdated (an exception can be made for Wallpaper’s city guides), read up on websites instead which are more current and can provide invaluable traveler insights. Get your fill of targeted city guides like Monocle, then make mad notes and leave the publications — no matter how inspiring they may be — at home. A friend recently turned me on to What’s App, a cross-platform mobile messaging app that works across iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia. Downloading maps and info on the iPhone is a way to avoid burdensome folding maps. It takes a while to get used to a small screen, but at least you’ll look cool while getting lost.
