Packing A Versatile Wardrobe For Summer Travel A Breeze

When the weather heats up, thoughts turn to summer vacation followed shortly by the problem of what to pack. What to put in a suitcase can be more troublesome than where to go.

Packing, however, can be a breeze. A minimum of clothes that fold, roll, work with each other and fit in a smallish bag provide plenty of fashionable looks. That goes for a long weekend or weeks on the road. Selecting a wardrobe in a color scheme of your choice is easy, as long as you follow a few steps:

First, make a list of possible activities on your vacation. This might include travel, swimming or other athletic pursuits, shopping, lunching, museum-hopping, cocktail parties, dancing, dining out, beachcombing and even sleeping.

Second, go through your summer wardrobe and slot in some of the favorite clothes already in your closet. The more you have, the less you need to buy. If you cannot possibly travel without that great pair of lightweight, black gabardine pants, put them on the list, then try to team them with white, beige or colored jackets and a sleeveless or halter top to soften the harshness of black.

Next, take a look at the clothing on your list in order to establish a color scheme. Often a single color will stand out in several ensembles, or a single ensemble in a print or pattern might suggest a scheme.

Good choices for summer ‘97 include a multicolored floral suit or the safari favorites of cream, beige, taupe and deep brown. But your basic color might be bright white, cornflower blue, red, green, yellow or a combination of pastels. Remember, a versatile vacation wardrobe does not have to be confined to a single color, but most of the pieces will coordinate with that basic color.

Be sure to include an ultra-comfortable outfit for travel days. It is a fact that travelers who dress well receive the best service.

Choose a variety of options, from short shorts to sundresses, long dresses to pants. Make sure each item of clothing can be worn at least two ways.

Pack as many knits, jerseys and other wrinkle-free fabrics as possible. Knit tops can be rolled and stashed in corners of the suitcase. Today’s washable linens, which are supposed to look wrinkled, are also good choices.

While it is a good idea to hold your packing to two or three pairs of shoes, consider your schedule and your feet. If dressing for dinner or evenings out is included, you may need a pair of dressy shoes and a small evening bag. Still, the best idea is to keep your shoe fabrics and styles casual. Remember, this is a vacation and that special shoes or soles may be required for boating or sports activities.

Prepare for inclement conditions. This might mean only a small umbrella that can be tucked into your purse.

Hold your jewelry to three or four sets, all using the same color metal as your handbag. Choose a fine pair of earrings for dress and evening; a casual pair; and maybe a set that can be worn day and evening.

Next, make a list of what you need to buy - if anything. By using clothing you already own in new and unusual ways, you can often triple its use.

For example, tie the tails of a cotton shirt around your waist. Zip and tie a khaki jacket around your neck, tennis-sweater style, for a more casual look. Wear a dress as a beach cover-up instead of a shirt or robe and wear the top of a two-piece swimsuit as a halter with shorts, trousers or a skirt.

Take one pair of sunglasses that goes with everything, and make sure it includes protection against UV rays. Contact-lens wearers can now find disposable contact lenses by Precision UV that offer the same protection.

Be sure to pack a nightgown and robe or nightshirt that fold or roll to occupy a very small space in your suitcase. If you are headed for a beach or plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, make your nightgown loose and soft in the unfortunate event of sunburn.

By mixing and matching pieces, at least 30 looks can be created with 16 pieces of clothing. By changing shoes, bags and other accessories, there are far more possibilities. That is more than enough clothing to look different every day of a four-week vacation.

If your vacation is a short one, reduce the amount you pack, but be sure your wardrobe includes at least one ensemble appropriate for each activity planned.