What to Take on Vacation If You’re Over 50: Tips from Stylists

However, a basic travel wardrobe is a game changer: It allows you to minimize the number of items you own while maximizing the number of outfits you can put together with them.

“It’s especially important to be able to create a travel capsule like this if you’re over 50. At that age, chaotic travel stops being fun,” says style coach Holly Chayes.

Stylist Elizabeth Kosich agrees: “50 is the time to start living your best life, which includes visiting distant family members, weekend adventures, and bucket-list trips. These trips are meant to be enjoyed, but if you bring things that are uncomfortable or don’t make you feel good, it can ruin everything,” she says.

Here’s what experts say you should pack in your suitcase to prevent that from happening.

Choosing shoes for a vacation is a difficult story at any age. Usually, we have a variety of activities ahead of us – from endless walks to romantic dinners: before you know it, there will be five pairs in your bag that you absolutely have to take with you.

If you’re not ready to allocate a separate suitcase for shoes, take sneakers with you. “For traveling, you need something that’s comfortable, durable, and stylish,” says Elizabeth. “Urban sneakers have that three-in-one effect.”

Elizabeth advises choosing leather or suede. However, the material does not matter – the design is much more important: it should fit into everyday style and at the same time be suitable for more formal outfits.

“You can experiment with colored laces: they can completely change the look of the shoe or help it fit with different outfits. And make sure your shoes are well broken in – you don’t want to do that while traveling,” says Kosic.

When it comes to a capsule wardrobe, a classic button-down shirt is a must-have! “Layering is a must wherever you go—bring a shirt so you can add one to any outfit,” advises Rizzo.

An alternative to a shirt, Kosich considers a thin cashmere cape, which can be worn on a cool evening as a scarf or as an element of an elegant outfit. “Cashmere is not cheap, but it is worth the investment: it is thin and light, it looks expensive and elegant. You will be glad more than once that you invested in such a thing,” says the stylist.

A shirt can serve as outerwear in the tropics; for trips to less hot countries, you will need something more serious. Rizzo considers a shirt jacket to be the best choice, style coach for little girls Angela Foster – a light denim jacket in white or classic blue, Kosich – a trench coat.

“The trench coat never goes out of style and is also very functional and can protect you from rain and wind. Opt for classic options, think camel if you wear warm tones, grey if you prefer cool tones or olive for a neutral color,” advises Elizabeth.

“The progress in lightweight industry is incredible: now there are things that remove moisture, retain heat or, on the contrary, cool the skin. At the same time, they are light and fold into tiny dimensions, which allows you to always have them with you,” Kosich explains.

Rizzo says the first step is to invest in a few tops or T-shirts made from technical materials. “Choose black, white, gray, beige, terracotta and olive: they can be combined with different things,” she advises.

According to Rizzo, these dresses work for a variety of occasions and are very flattering for women over 50. “These styles are amazing: they’re versatile, comfortable, flattering, and perfect for layering. Find a dress in a trendy print that pairs well with the rest of your outfit, or choose a neutral color to complement with statement accessories,” advises the fashion blogger.

“Jeans are the first thing that comes to mind, but they’re pretty bulky and heavy, so limit yourself to one pair,” says Rizzo. She recommends wearing leggings or sweatpants on the plane, which can then double as pajamas in the hotel, and packing lightweight linen pants and comfortable shorts with your jeans.

You can’t take all your accessories with you on vacation, but at the same time, you shouldn’t forget them. “Choose a set of simple and elegant earrings, rings and necklaces that will suit any occasion. You can wear them together or separately depending on your outfit,” advises Rizzo.

And Cosic adds: “A well-designed travel wardrobe will save space and energy in the suitcase without limiting your style. This means you can travel light, be prepared for anything and still look great.”

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