The time for a trip is at hand. But whether it’s a long weekend or a weeks-long cruise, the same issue arises: How to create a travel wardrobe that’s stylish, versatile, comfortable—and doesn’t require steamer trunks and porters to transport.
It’s totally possible, said Nora Dunn, “The Professional Hobo.” In 2006, Dunn gave up a career in financial planning to follow her dream of traveling the world. She’s been on the road ever since, becoming one of the original travel bloggers. East Bay Magazine caught up with her by phone from British Columbia.
The first step, she said, is not to make the mistake she did—throwing out all her clothes and buying what she thought was a “travel-friendly” wardrobe. But the clothes didn’t fit her style, and she was miserable in them. “Choose pieces that suit your personal style,” she recommended, but keep in mind certain basics:
- Color palette, such as black and white, all neutrals—or whatever one loves. Solid colors are best, and everything will go with everything.
- Layers. A tried-and-true travel axiom. “Thinner, longer pieces work best,” said Dunn.
- Wrinkle-free. “Grab a handful of the garment and hold for five seconds,” she suggested. “If it’s wrinkled after that, don’t take it.”
- Consider the trip’s activities. Long sleeves and a long skirt or dress may be needed to show respect in sacred places, for example.
Go-to Berkeley Resource and Oakland Standout
Born in Berkeley and still manufacturing there, retailer Bryn Walker is known for stylish, modern fashion that is also wearable and comfortable. Kay Casimere-Lopez, manager/buyer for the 4th Street location, said many regular clients frequently shop for travelwear, often looking to add to pieces they’ve had for years. Bryn Walker offers two yearly design groups, Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, so destination-bound customers find clothing that’s right for that season.
Fabrics are often forgiving and flattering on multiple body types, especially the line’s microfiber jersey, which is very popular—and very packable, said Casimere-Lopez.
Bryn Walker is also known for its scarf collection, she said. As will be discussed shortly, scarves are the answer to several travel issues.
On Oakland’s College Avenue, Market has established itself in three years as a favorite among travel-savvy clients. Owner/buyer Jennifer Rego described her store as focusing on globally sourced lines that “make women feel comfortable and confident.” Among her sources: Rails, Alemais, Alex Mill, Natalie Martin, RIXO, Essentiel Antwerp, Bevy, Le Superbe and Saloni.
Her clients, she said, travel extensively, and are anti-fast fashion, preferring to invest in quality clothing that lasts. She’s seen an uptick in customers buying specifically for travel since the pandemic’s end. It’s not unusual for someone to come in with a trip color palette, such as chocolate brown, or, in one recent case, navy blue and burnt orange, looking for pieces to complement clothing already owned.
Market, like Bryn Walker, is known for its scarves. Rego also pointed to the light nylon bags she carries as very popular travel choices.
Shoe and Accessories Dilemma
Although at home, multiple shoe choices are part of the fun of dressing, for travel, Dunn recommended “two pairs—or at the most, three.” Although this can be tricky, the right choices are key.
“Do not bring shoes that aren’t broken in,” Dunn warned. She’s a fan of shoe line Vivaia, whose designs are stylish and comfortable. A simple pair of black flats can be dressed up or down.
“A good walking sandal” is also a prime candidate, said Casimere-Lopez.
Rego, whose Market carries the shoe line Freda Salvador, noted, “A good pair of shoes makes any trip.”
Author tips: A pair of black suede ankle boots is very versatile. And East Bay travelers know a great source for travel shoes is Berkeley and Rockridge’s Sole Terra.
Well-planned scarves, bags and jewelry make travel dressing much easier. A big scarf can double as a shawl; a mid-sized one can cover the head in places that require it. A long, rectangular scarf in vivid colors can dress up a plain outfit for a dressier occasion.
Choose a purse, advise the experts, that works for day—ideally, a neutral color and crossbody for security, and then, a smaller, dressier one for evening. Depending on where the travel destination is, clutches may not be the secure choice.
Simple, non-dangly earrings and/or necklaces can be packed for daywear, and the bigger pieces can be saved for evening. One should never take anything so precious it would be devastating if lost. They may consider that buying a piece while on the trip makes a wonderful, permanent memory.
Pros’ Three Basics and Final Tips
We asked our interviewees to name three basics they never pack without.
- Nora Dunn: “A pair of pants that can be dressed up and down, a shirt that fits the same criteria and a light jacket or cardigan.”
- Kay Casimere-Lopez: “[Bryn Walker] Oliver pant, white blouse, neutral color T-shirt.”
- Jennifer Rego: “My favorite ‘elevated’ tennis shoes, black nylon bomber jacket, my favorite skirt or pants.”
Their final tips:
“Research the destination: climate, local customs. Respectful dressing means less chance you will be hassled or singled out,” advised Dunn. For colder climes, she is a big fan of merino wool.
“Beauty can be comfortable,” said Casimere-Lopez, “whether going on a cruise or to the grocery store.”
“Try on multiple sizes of pieces,” said Rego. Don’t be obsessed with size; no line’s sizing is the same, she noted. And, customers will sometimes say, “That’s too young for me.” But she encourages them to “give themselves more agency.” In other words, “travel practical” can also be stylish and fun to wear.
Find more tips from Nora Dunn at: theprofessionalhobo.com and
Bryn Walker, 1799 Fourth St. B, Berkeley. 510-525-9418, brynwalker.com.
Market, 5914 College Ave., Oakland. 415-606-2310, themarketoakland.com.
