Mix and Match for Travel by Lu Sobredo

 MIX AND MATCH FOR TRAVEL

By Lu Sobredo

The years of travel have taught me not to overpack. 

I continue to learn to trim more from my suitcase. 

This spring/early summer travel to Spain in 2024 was different as I had to travel solo from California while hubby traveled from Asia via the Middle East to meet up in Madrid. I had tcheck in a duffle bag that contained hubby’s backpack and other essentials for his planned 5^thike on the Camino de Santiago (his fifth), items from our home in the U.S. Outside of that, I usually travel light with a carry-on roller suitcase and a small backpack housing my prescription medicines and other health-related supplies. In previous travels, I carried a tote bag to hold my medicines. I dropped that, realizing a reliable backpack could also hold my laptop, a convenience when going through airport security check.

I travel in discomfort not because I choose economy air travel. My incurable, autoimmune illness comes with constant pain especially in my joints, modulated only by effective prescription drugs, thanks to my doctors. Thanks for the return of sufficient functionality, I still get to travel. 

Dressing well during travel makes me feel good. It is a distraction from any obstacles and pain I inevitably feel during the course of a day. This essay focuses on a few essential pieces of clothing that I like to wear together or by itself with accessories that give it a different look. That’s what every mature woman should aim for, I suppose: a few pieces that create multiple looks. I suppose the idea applies to men for their own wardrobe.

1.     Dress. Priority wear is a full dress, midi, short or long. I prefer long. It works for all kinds of weather. I often have two: one for going out; and one useful for going out or staying in. Add leggings and scarf and/or sweater or vest when the weather turns unexpectedly or expectedly cold. This spring travel 2024, my color theme was blue. Previous years included green as foundation color. Other times, I’ve opted for black and white with bright colors for accessories. 

2.     Pants/Trousers. Two pairs of black pants; one dress pair or something that could pass for dress, and leggings or leggings-like that’s stretchable. Black color gives the wearer flexibility of solid or printed tops of any color. I stick within my color theme or a complementary to it.

3.     Shorts. One or two pairs of shorts or skorts that allow for mobility, perfect for warm weather and casual appearance. For the spring travel, one light blue in linen, and one black in blended cotton gave my travel wardrobe versatility.

4.     Sweater. This past spring, I opted for a loose, light cotton crocheted pullover I wore outdoors and indoors depending on the temperature. The unexpected side trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland this Spring where weather is cooler, and more damp, required layering. I had a second sweater for warmth if needed. The lightweight white cropped swing sweater was perfect for casual wear but I could also use as a cover when going out to dinner.

5.     Vest and Jacket. I opted to bring a black down vest that I wore on the plane as the temperature predictably got cold in flight. The outer wear could be compressed and put away when not in use. The lightweight navy raingear I stuffed in my backpack came in handy while in Ireland and Northern Ireland where the weather is on the cool side.

6.     Tops. Brought three tops in varying colors, two solid black and a sky-blue women’s button-down shirt with subtle stripes. A light cotton/linen blend for potentially warmish weather. I purposely take less tops to allow room purchase of more during the trip. Three new finds are featured in photos below: salmon pink top with unique ruffles around the collar; white linen blouse which is easily accessorized, and long linen blue dress.

7.     Accessories. Keep it simple. One light item that could pass for dressy pashmina/scarf. This time, the floral patterns had light blue, pink and white colors. One hat for rain or shower or cold breezy day.

8.     Purse. In keeping with the color theme, I opted for a smallish crossbody purse. I chose an older purse, worn-looking enough not to attract attention but passable for going to dinner. I eventually tossed away the purse towards the end of the trip, and bought an inexpensive white crossbody that allowed room for battery banks and small bottles of medicine I must always have with me.

9.     Jewelry. Keep selection simple. Although, I brought two pairs of earrings, one sterling silver hoop I wore and another of gold to give color to what I might wear. For convenience, I wore the sterling silver hoop most of the time. I also wore a chain bracelet that I never take off. A placeholder of sorts in case I find a wrist watch, a luxury I have not been able to wear for years since my autoimmune illness marked my joints with daily pain. 

10.  Shoes. One full pair of Dansko leather shoes in black, comfortable like an athletic shoe, but dressy for going out. The pair supports my high arch and pained feet and ankles. One Keene’s sandals for casual wear or for indoor wear as well, it is versatile enough for the shower if needed. 

 

Mix and Match 

New Finds During Travel

There may be other items I would add to the list that are not essential depending on airline weight requirement. 

 What do you carry in your travel suitcase? What else would you subtract or add to my list? Remember, less is more. Less means you get to shop locally wherever your destination. It is one of the perks of mobility well-earned for someone of my health challenges. So, I take full advantage and my family is supportive when I go solo to boutique shops or one of my favorite go-to large shops in Spain.

 Where to next? I will be thinking about it this summer, and once my right knee improves or is repaired. 

 How about you? Where is the best meet-up country/city in the world for friends or family for you? Would love to hear from you. A reunion anyone?

 Bon voyage. Felices viajes. Ingat lang. Happy travels.

 

Photo and Essay ©Lu Sobredo

Travel Spring/Early Summer 2024