The Art of Traveling Well: My Essential Travel Tips for a Chic Summer
By Camille — Style isn't about clothes. It's about knowing who you are and dressing like you mean it. ·
July in the city is glorious, but there’s that inevitable itch to escape. Whether you’re heading to the South of France for a week or taking the train up to a quiet corner of the Berkshires, travel is the ultimate test of your personal style. It forces you to edit, to prioritize, and to decide exactly who you want to be when you’re away from your own front door.
After years of flying back and forth between Paris and the East Coast, I’ve learned that the secret to traveling well isn’t about the size of your suitcase—it’s about the intention behind it. Let’s talk about how to travel with ease, grace, and, of course, impeccable style that doesn’t require a second bag.
The Capsule Mindset: Edit Before You Zip
We’ve all been there: staring at an open suitcase, throwing in five different pairs of shoes 'just in case.' Here is the hard truth: you will never wear them all. When I was at Vogue, I watched editors pack for fashion weeks with military precision, and I adopted those habits.
My rule is the 'Rule of Three.' Every top must match at least three bottoms. If a piece is a loner—meaning it only works with one specific skirt or pair of trousers—it stays in my West Village closet. Choose a neutral palette for your base, then add one or two 'hero' pieces in a bold color or texture. For July, I’m obsessed with lightweight linen sets in cream or navy. They look pulled together the second you put them on, and they breathe better than anything else when the humidity spikes.
The Carry-On Philosophy
I haven't checked a bag in three years, and frankly, I never will again. There is a specific kind of freedom that comes with walking off a plane and heading straight to a café without waiting at a carousel. To pull this off, you have to be ruthless. Pack your heaviest items—your blazer or your best cardigan—and wear them on the plane. Use a sleek, structured weekender bag instead of a clunky plastic suitcase if you can. It elevates the entire experience of moving through an airport. Trust me, you feel much more like yourself when you aren't wrestling with a massive trolley.
Don’t Forget the 'Quiet' Luxuries
Travel can be jarring. You’re in a new environment, the air smells different, and your routine is non-existent. To stay grounded, I always pack a few 'anchors' of home. For me, that’s a small silk pillowcase and a travel-sized candle that smells like my apartment. It sounds small, but when you’re in a hotel room in a foreign city, that familiar scent is a game-changer. It turns a temporary space into a sanctuary.
Also, consider your 'arrival uniform.' Instead of wearing leggings and an oversized hoodie, try wearing a soft jersey midi dress or a pair of high-quality cotton trousers with a crisp t-shirt. You’ll arrive at your destination looking like you belong there, rather than looking like you just rolled out of a dorm room. It’s a small psychological shift that changes how you carry yourself the moment you land.
Navigating the 'Tourist' Trap
There is a fine line between looking like a traveler and looking like a tourist. The difference is comfort, but not the kind that involves neon sneakers. If you’re going to be walking a lot—and in Europe, you always are—invest in a pair of high-quality leather loafers or elevated white sneakers that are broken in.
Avoid the 'travel gear' aesthetic. You don’t need a vest with fifteen pockets. You need a chic crossbody bag that keeps your passport and phone secure against your body, and a pair of sunglasses that make you feel like you’re starring in a French New Wave film. Style isn’t about clothes; it’s about knowing who you are. If you feel like your best self, you won't look like a tourist; you'll look like a local who happens to be out for a stroll.
The Digital Detox (Or At Least, A Reduction)
Finally, the best tip I can give is to be present. I know, I know—I’m a content creator. I love a good photo as much as anyone. But I’ve started setting a rule: I take my photos within the first hour of arriving at a location, and then the phone goes into my bag.
When we’re constantly looking for the 'perfect' shot, we miss the actual texture of the place. We miss the way the light hits the cafe table or the sound of the local language. Don’t just travel to document it; travel to live it. The most stylish thing you can do while traveling is to be completely unbothered, fully immersed, and genuinely curious about the world around you.
Packing shouldn't be a source of anxiety. It should be an exercise in curating the life you want to live for the next few days. Keep it simple, keep it intentional, and for goodness sake, leave room in your bag for the treasures you’ll inevitably find along the way.
What’s your 'must-have' item when you’re heading out of town? Are you a light packer or do you bring your whole life with you? Let’s talk about it in the comments below—I’m looking for some inspiration for my next trip!