13 Things to Always Pack If Looking Like a Tourist Is Your Worst Nightmare
As we gear up for the spring and summer travel season, now is a great time to think about your travel wardrobe before you're faced with a last-minute shopping scramble (I've been there many times, and it isn't pretty). The thing that guides me when shopping and packing for a trip is looking like I live in the city I'm visiting (or at least like I spend a lot of time there). Not that there's anything wrong with being a tourist or dressing like one, but I prefer to blend in with the locals as much as I can. And I find that there are a handful of items that I always gravitate toward to help me achieve this.
Obviously depending on where you're traveling to and what time of year it is, there will be variances in what you pack, but in general, the items I've listed below work for a number of locations and seasons. They're wardrobe staples that will make you look polished and feel comfortable (and that you'll also wear when in the city you do live in). Keep scrolling to shop some of my favorite versions of the chic suitcase-friendly essentials in advance of your future trips.
Loafers
A pair of comfortable flats that aren't sneakers is something I pact for every single destination. Your outfit will never look sloppy when wearing them.
Reformation
Kat Soft Loafers
G.H.BASS
Whitney Easy Weejuns Penny Loafers
Jamie Haller
The Penny Loafers
Black Blazer
For chilly evenings especially, a black blazer is my go-to "jacket", and you can opt for one in linen or wool (or anything) in between, depending on the climate of the city you're visiting.
Open Edit
The Icon Blazer
Aritzia
Wilfred Etiquette Blazer
Tailored Shorts
My advice? Skip the cut-offs and instead pack tailored shorts that'll look appropriate for a wide variety of activities—even chic restaurants if paired with the right shoe.
Reformation
Mason Linen Shorts
Posse
Rosalie Linen Shorts
J.Crew
Pleated Short in Drapey Denim
Silk Skirt
If you pack just one skirt, make it a silk slip skirt. It can easily be dressed up or down and takes up barely any space in your suitcase.
J.Crew
New Gwyneth Slip Skirt in Viscose Charmeuse
Favorite Daughter
The Favorite Satin Maxi Skirt
Trench Coat
For city trips especially, a trench coat is a no-brainer. it'll instantly make whatever you're wearing look posh.
MANGO
Double-Breasted Cotton Trench Coat
Reformation
Matteo Trench
Aritzia
Wilfred Splendor Trench Coat
Black Bikini or One-Piece
I rarely travel without throwing at least one swimsuit in my suitcase, and 9 times out of 10, it's an elegant black bikini or one-piece.
Shopbop
Riot Swim Dax One Piece
HUNZA G
+ Net Sustain Xandra Seersucker Bikini
J.Crew
Claudia Scrunchie One-Piece
White Button-Down Shirt
Pair it with the slip skirt for night, the tailored shorts for day, and the swimsuit for the beach—it's that versatile.
Banana Republic
The Everyday Shirt
J.Crew
Garçon Classic Shirt in Cotton Poplin
Stovepipe Jeans
If you're going to pack just one pair of jeans (and oftentimes that's all you need), make it a pair of stovepipe jeans. They're timeless and work with every type of shoe.
Levi's
Ribcage High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Citizens of Humanity
Zurie Straight Jeans
Agolde
Valen Vintage Straight Jeans
Lightweight Crewneck Sweater
It's always good to have a sweater on hand—even in the summer. A lightweight crewneck one is all you need.
DÔEN
Penrose Cable-Knit Wool, Cotton and Linen-Blend Cardigan
NAADAM
Embroidered Martini Cashmere Sweater
J.Crew
Cashmere Relaxed Crewneck Sweater
Minimal Sneakers
I hate to say it, but the sneakers someone wears can be a dead giveaway that they're a tourist. If you want to play it safe, opt for a sleek, minimal pair.
Dries Van Noten
Dustin Sneakers
Keds
Champion Leather Tone Sneakers
Linen Dress
A linen dress will make you look elegant, keep you cool, and won't require much suitcase retail space. Plus, it can easily be taken from day to night.
Reformation
Aubree Linen Dress
J.Crew
Hyacinth Dress in Striped Linen
Kitten-Heel Pumps or Mules
You never know what terrain you're going to dealing with when traveling, so if you're going to pack a pair of heels, go with kitten heels. Mules or pumps are my go-tos.
Sam Edelman
Bianka Slingback Pumps
Tony Bianco
Zubi Kitten Heel Mules
The Row
Liisa Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pumps
Solid-Colored Boxy T-Shirt
Skip the oversized tees and baby tees and opt for a simple boxy one if you want to blend in with the city's fellow chic residents.
Madewell
Cotton Perfect Crewneck Tee
Everlane
The Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton
