Have you ever been on a trip with someone you swear packed their entire closet?  Do you seem to forget something on your trip because you didn’t know or couldn’t decide what to take?  Travel will soon be in high gear and with current travel restrictions you may find that you have added stress just trying to pack for your trip.   

Perhaps you are planning an exotic vacation or just a weekend trip.  Maybe you are going on an extended vacation, or just jaunt to the relatives.  Regardless of where you are going, the rules do not change when planning your wardrobe.  Create stories, vignettes, capsules or ensembles and remember these words:  core and signature color as you begin to pack.  It will make your travel style effortless and easy.    

 Core Color is a solid neutral base to build your looks around.  It gives support to the other actors in the story.   Signature Color is a color that you look good and feel great in.  Working with your core and signature colors will give you flexibility to change your looks as the day changes.  No, you won’t have your entire closet, but you will enjoy a stress free, worry free style wardrobe while away.  It is funny but true; less is really more if you follow these six travel tips. 

1.  Select 5 pieces in a neutral solid core color for your foundation
   1-Slack
   1-Short
   1-Jacket
   1-Skirt
   1-Jeans (white or dark denim)
2. Select Novelty Pieces-add your signature color
   1-Raincoat or sweater  (outer layering piece)
   1-White shirt or blouse
   1-White t-shirt
   5- Tops in different styles in  signature color (3/4 length, tank, sleeveless, etc)
   1-Print top in signature color (optional)
   1-Dress (optional-in core or signature color)
   1-Pashmina , wrap or scarf in signature color
3. 1 workout or comfortable lounging  ensemble
4. Accessories in signature color (scarves, handbag, necklace, bangles, etc)
5. 3 belts (1 dressy, 1 casual, 1 trendy)
6. 3-4 Shoes (walking or exercise, dressy, casual flats, sandals or loafers core color)

 It goes without saying that you will know to pack sleepwear, lingerie, and toiletries.  Once you have pulled your wardrobe looks (vignettes) together, you will see how easy it is to mix and match your core pieces to create different mood altering vignettes. 

Going on a trip longer than two weeks?  No problem, just add one more signature color!  No matter what the occasion or where you are going, you will feel dressed appropriately.  Add a few accessories and be dressed for the evening.  Change your shoes and be dressed for a day of sight seeing.   It is easy, effortless and you’ll look good, feel great, and have fun doing it!

 P.S.  Don’t forget your camera to record all your great new looks and fun you’ll have!

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape

Posted by Karen Hughes on May 27th, 2009 in Articles, How To, Travel