4 Travel Style Rules I Follow for Chic, Anti-Tourist Outfits

Read this before your next vacation.

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Friends! Team Marie Claire has been ripping and running over the last few weeks, myself included. I’m more than thrilled to have a few quiet moments to sit down and write this letter—and use it as a loose packing list for Milan Fashion Week.

That’s correct! Just as we’re wrapping up New York Fashion Week and NBA All Star Weekend (did you catch the BTS of the dinner Taylor Rooks and I hosted?), plus recording five episodes of Nice Talk while in L.A., I’m heading back out on the road for a week of international shows. TBH, I actually can’t wait. I’m so excited to see what brands like Bottega Veneta, Prada, Gucci, and Jil Sander offer up, plus what the street style gals are giving looks-wise.

But first, more on how I’m packing!

LUGGAGE + TRAVEL LOOK

I’ll be gone for just a week, so I’m only going to check one trunk. I'll carry on a small suitcase and duffle. No matter my travel outfit, I always wear many, many pockets so I can keep my phone and passport on my person as I’m navigating JFK and Malpensa airports. Sweats topped with a tailored overcoat (that can double as a blanket) are a trusted duo that always works.

PACKING RULES I LIKE TO FOLLOW

Each pair of shoes has to go with at least three outfits: This saves me from overpacking and taking up precious room that could be allotted to new purchases.

Swap blue jeans for a bolder option: I’ll pack one pair of regular blue jeans for this trip. The rest will be bottoms that are more visually interesting, like marbled pants or sleek skirts.

No big coats: They take up too much space in a suitcase. If you must, wear your heaviest coat on the plane, and pack mid-weight jackets and thin layers you can pile on.

Do a style-out: Similar to a stylist preparing for a photoshoot, I like to plan outfits ahead of time and take photos of the looks. A personal fitting, if you will. Sometimes, I wear them exactly as-is; others, I freak it, depending on how I’m feeling that morning (or if the weather isn’t in my favor). Either way, I’ll have outfits prepped and ready to go. This also helps as it ensures I pack my key pieces (like the ones below).

DOUBLE DOWN ON ACCESSORIES THAT KEEP THE LOOK INTERESTING

Anyone who says they don’t care about the street style photographers is lying. At the very least, they’re cognizant of them and want to turn a little look! Visually stimulating accessories help with that. Bonus: They take up less room than large coats, if you’re the kind who likes to pack light.

THINGS THAT MAKE MY HOTEL ROOM FEEL LIKE HOME

My supplements, gym-related things, and a good steamer keep everything in check, physically and mentally.

Reading List

First time reading Self Checkout? Catch up on the past few weeks.

Nikki Ogunnaike
Nikki Ogunnaike
Editor-in-Chief

Nikki Ogunnaike is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire US. She has previously held roles at Harper's Bazaar, GQ, ELLE, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. She authors the popular Marie Claire newsletter Self Checkout. You may also recognize Nikki from her time as the host of Snapchat’s Online, IRL and IGTV's The Run Through.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, in her free time Nikki enjoys running half marathons, learning about wine, and watching reality TV without an ounce of shame. You can follow her at @nikkiogun.