Outfit planning on a day-to-day basis is hard enough. Throw in a foreign city with unpredictable weather, plus a tenth of your wardrobe at your disposal, and you’re looking at a potential fashion disaster. Stock up on these basic, infinitely versatile pieces, and we promise you’ll never be at a loss for what to wear on vacation again.
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A blouse lends feminine appeal to every look, and this Victorian-inspired tie-neck works just as well in the office as it does on vacation.
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A blouse lends feminine appeal to every look, and this Victorian-inspired tie-neck works just as well in the office as it does on vacation.
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Every woman needs at least one high quality carryall in her life, and this Transport Tote from Madewell checks all the boxes. It has an eight-inch strap drop (so is long enough to sling over your shoulder but short enough to hold as a top handle); an interior side pocket for your keys; and a durable leather construction that’ll last for seasons to come.
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A white tee is a constant in every woman’s wardrobe, and after road testing every brand's version from Gap and Hanes, we’ve deemed Everlane’s Cotton Crew our favorite. It’s a true crew and made from Supima, the highest quality cotton out there.
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Sure, you always have your iPhone, but there’s just something about a beautifully crafted watch. Our daytime standard? Daniel Wellington’s Sheffield Analog Watch. Its masculine black strap is tempered by rose gold details and Swarovski crystal hour markers.
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Travel with a perfectly cut black skirt and you’ll never have an “I have nothing to wear” moment ever again. Find one in a flattering column shape that hit mid-calf like this one from Club Monaco.
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Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement—they shield against hazardous UV light. This is why it’s important to invest in a high-quality pair that’s by equal turns safe and stylish. Our go-to? Wyeth’s Calyer frames. They’re designed in New York, handmade in Italy, and somehow flatter every face shape.
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Channel your inner biker girl with a buttery leather jacket, like this supple lambskin option from Aritzia. It's super layer-able and warmer than a blazer or cardigan, making it the perfect piece for between-season style.
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Every traveler needs a trusty pair of walking shoes to last them through long, adventure-filled days. And there isn’t a trainer cooler or more iconic than Adidas’ Stan Smith. Designed for French tennis player Robert Haillet in the mid 60s, the snazzy sneaks are a winning option for off-the-court style.
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A sailor-striped tee will inject a dose of French-girl style into the most basic of outfits. We wear ours with a necktie, jeans and mules by day and a skirt, heels and leather jacket by night.
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Even if you don’t wear lipstick on a daily basis, it’s a good idea to have that perfect red in your beauty arsenal. It can turn any look from blah to BAM in seconds, so there's no need for clunky statement jewelry or other unfriendly travel accessories. Find a red that’s highly pigmented and works well with all skin tones, like Nars’ Audacious Lipstick in Shirley.
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If you travel for business, you know that an LBD is the key to versatile dressing. Style it up with statement jewelry and heels or down with flats and a blazer—either way, it’s a foolproof way to look put together at a moment’s notice. Our favorite style is this All-Season Sheath Dress from Ann Taylor.
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As Jetsetters, we’re all for eliminating excess baggage. Which is why one of our must-have travel essentials in a cute clutch. This Loeffler Randall option is compact and clean-lined and just big enough to fit your keys, wallet and lipstick.
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Trench coats have remained practically unchanged since they first invented in the 1850s—no surprise given how functional and universally flattering they are. We wear our Topshop Military Trench rain or shine and tie it at the waist to accentuate our figure.
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A weekender is a no-brainer basic. Throw in all your weekend essentials, and you won’t have to worry about over-packing, baggage fees or lost luggage. At $49.99 H&M’s Weekend Bag is a classic, budget-friendly option.
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The MVP of any fashionista’s wardrobe? Ankle boots. They work with everything, and if you invest in a high-quality leather pair, they’ll become the second most comfortable footwear in your closet after your runners. We love the rounded toe and a contrast block heel on this Isabel Marant pair.
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It may be cliché, but there’s nothing quite like cashmere. It’s versatile, lightweight and incredibly luxurious, and only become softer with time. To get the most bang for your buck, opt for a 100 percent cashmere buy like this super soft sweater from J.Crew.
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A pair of diamond earrings may seem like a big purchase, but when you do a cost-per-wear analysis, they’re so worth the splurge. Go for a twist on a classic with these edgy white diamond baguettes from designer Suzanne Kalan.
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Think blazers are just for business wear? Think again. Pair this COS blazer with boyfriend jeans, sneakers and a white t-shirt for effortless airport style.
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Behold the most versatile sandal you will ever own. With a chunky heel and dainty ankle strap, these strappy black Steve Madden sandals will elongate your legs and add instant elegance to any look.
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A classic wool coat adds low-key glam to every look, and while this wool-cashmere Theory number is on the pricey side, it’ll pay you back in compliments alone.
—Siobhan Reid
More from Jetsetter:
- The Ultimate West Coast Road Trip
- 9 Unforgettable Fall Trips in the U.S.
- How to Plan A Last-Minute Vacation
This article was originally published by Jetsetter under the headline 20 Travel Basics Every Girl Needs. It is reprinted here with permission.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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