7 Chic Travel Wardrobe Essentials For Women Over 50
Today I am spilling my current travel wardrobe essentials. These are my “tried and true” things that make traveling stylish, comfortable and convenient. And my friends are sharing their travel insights today, too. Their links are at the end of the post.
You may know that we travel frequently as my recently retired husband was in the travel industry for several years. It’s something we enjoy and do often. In fact, right now we are on a plane from Jacksonville, Florida to Los Angeles to meet our brand new grandson!
Here are my current travel wardrobe essentials…
1. Expandable Longchamp Tote With Shoulder Strap
Where have you been all my life? I have been using a Longchamp large tote for the past 30 years and I still love it. But never an expandable one like this with a crossbody strap that I just bought in Paris with Annie.
As a carryon, It helped me bring home gifts like mustard from Dijon and the vintage pitcher that I purchased at a flea market. I got the green but there are five colors.
And I packed it to take on the airplane with me to L.A. today.
It’s on sale at Nordstrom without the crossbody strap in Khaki and Cognac.
2. The Sneaker That’s All The Rage
Everyone in Europe is wearing Adidas. I tried on the Gazelle Indoor style in London and for me, I think it was more comfortable than the Samba. My future daughter-in-law, Mona who was with me was wearing the Gazelle Bold style with a bit of a platform and she loved them on all the cobblestones.
Mona bought these below in London and I wanted them too. So I ordered these when I got home and have them on now for all the airport walking.
Lots of cute colors. Mona and I wear the same size shoe!
You may also like My Perfect Packing List For Autumn in Europe and International Travel Tips To Know Before You Go.
3. The Unlined Trench Coat/Jacket
This trench coat from Athleta was all I needed to layer with in Paris recently. It comes in black and olive and this is a Petite Small. The belt is attached so you won’t lose it with all the running around you will be doing.
I’m wearing Hoka sneakers
A Cardigan You Can Dress Up Or Down
This cardigan from J. Crew Factory comes in several colors.
It’s similar to the green one that I purchased at Sezane in olive (lots of other colors).
A Black Jacket/Blazer And Matching Trousers That Travel Well
This Eileen Fisher polished combo is an investment but it lasts. And it is versatile, comfortable and washable. And you can mix and match them to create different outfits. It looks cute to push the sleeves up, too.
Birdie Tasseled Loafers
The Birdie Leopard Tasseled Loafers that I am wearing above (so comfortable) are no longer available but you can get them with plain black tassels. I sized up a half a size.
Clutch – Pro Portable Charger
Clutch Compatible with iPhone 14 or older & Small Devices and Clutch for iphone 15 and newer (which is the one I have). It’s tiny and comes in black too.
I use a lot of battery getting directions when traveling and taking photos… this makes it stress free (except for the data charges).
Let’s see what my stylish friends are recommending for travel:
Shop The Post:
Such a great list of 7 classic pieces! I love that Longchamp tote, such a smart way to pack extra!
Noelani
Hello! I’m a new reader & subscriber, thanks to your collaboration with Susan Blakey. Do you have a past post about your favorites things to do in the Jacksonville area and what to wear there in mid-October? I’m heading there in a few weeks.
Thank you,
Kay
Have a wonderful time in LA with your new grandbaby.
Love all of your tips. Classic, stylish and beautiful.
Hi Mary Ann, love reading all your ideas around your home and your trips.
Does the Gazelle need to be tied or just slip in and out?
Mary Ann
Thanks! You have to tie the laces on the Gazelle otherwise I think it would be too loose.
It was so lovely meeting you, and I hope we have the opportunity again soon! I’m coveting that trench, so perfect for travel.
We will definitely get together again, Susan!!
This was a great list! I have had my eye on that longchamp bag. I have also been wondering if I could wear the gazelle. The Samba is too narrow for my foot. I saw that sweater at J Crew Outlet and almost sent it to you! I thought it would look great on your petite frame!
Guess I’ve got to get some of those Addidas. Love these travel blogs. So many great ideas.
You would look so cute in them, Sandra!
I can’t believe you were able to bring back mustard. I tried a number of years ago in Belgium, and they confiscated it as a liquid!
You are so right, Maeve. We checked it. But I had other non-liquid gifts in that bag!
Hi Mary Ann,
You are an expert traveler, it sure helps knowing what you are doing and make travel fun.
The sneaks are cool looking, so much fun that you and Mona like the same shoes.
Oh wow, a new grandson, this is so special. The guys I bet are thrilled that they will have a little boy to
do special guy things with. Hope Mama and baby are doing very well.
Thank’s Katherine! Almost to L.A.!
Congratulations on your precious grandson. Enjoy loving on him!
I recently received a pair of Adidas Gazelles. Love how they look and feel except for the hard plastic tongue. Does that rub after wearing them a while?
I wondered about that Marie, but I am wearing them now and they seem flexible.
Ahhhhh, Mary Ann, this takes me back to being in Paris with you! That was so much fun going to the Longchamp store with you, having dinner at Cafe Marley…how awesome is it that you and Mona wear the same shoe size!?
A highlight of the trip, for sure!
I know you will enjoy your grandson! I liked reading this! I especially like the Adidas shoes – so cute!
Love them. Wearing them now!
I’ve loved and used Longchamp bags for ages. So great for travel. Best souvenir from Paris ever! Where did you get the additional long cross body strap?
This expandable style comes with the strap. It’s great!
Congratulations on the birth of your grandson Mary Ann. Have a great trip!
Thanks Pat. I’m excited!