These are travel outfit layering pieces for when you need an outer layer for different temps. Either the airplane is freezing cold, or you are in a cold restaurant in the middle of a foreign city, or you are planning a trip with cooler temperatures in the evening or morning.
One of the top travel tips I have started sharing with the Travel Tips by Laurie community is to pack layering pieces for hanging out times.
Hoodie or a Sweatshirt Jacket
Layering piece number one is a hoodie or a sweatshirt jacket. Pack a hoodie for a coffee chat in the morning or after dinner on the back deck for a mountain vacation.
If you are tight on space, pack a jacket with no hoodie. This will save you space because the hood adds bulk you may not need.
Cashmere Sweater
This next layering piece is very lightweight for travel and 100% effective at retaining your body heat without adding bulk to a suitcase. It is my favorite cashmere sweater.
I have worn it in the freezing airplane IN THE SUMMER as well as to visit Christmas Markets with winter temperatures.
The one above is from Nordstrom and will be in stock from late September through December. I can wear it by itself.
The other one needs to be worn over a shirt. As a woman in her 50s, I also like having a base layer of a short-sleeve t-shirt for when I get hot.
Also decide if a v-neck is better for your base shirt or if a crewneck would be better.
Scarf or Shrug Sleeves
This lightweight layering piece went viral on Instagram. It is a travel outfit hack if visiting a holy place in Europe or a museum where you do not want bare arms.
My mom could not figure out what it was, so I had to send her a video showing her how to wear it.
It drapes beautifully, and there are many colors.
Thermals
If you are visiting Christmas Markets or going on a very cold vacation, a smart travel essential is thermals.
Number one travel tip: do not let them be cotton. In cold temps, cotton gets wet when you sweat and does not wick away. It stays wet and turns cold.
They need to be authentic, somewhat expensive thermals.
My friend who outfits skiers in Colorado gave me these years ago, and you may be able to find them on Amazon still.
She also told me about the best thermal socks Hot Chillys.
Vest
A vest is an excellent layering piece for travel. It can hold valuables, it can hold odd shaped personal items, and it can retain some body heat.
Fleece Pullover
My travel tip is to invest in a high-quality fleece pullover. You want it to fit you, not allow cold air in.
A fleece is not bulky fabric; if you have that, you bought the cheap stuff.
I go back and forth between a pullover fleece or a fleece jacket. A jacket may be easier than a pullover if you will take it off and on multiple times. Fleece jacket (not pullover) runs large. I am 5’8” size 10 and the medium fits best even with base layers on
Cardigan
I have found your most beloved cardigan for travel.
This cardigan feels like rabbit fur but does not have it. It is a blend of cashmere and cotton so it is luxurious feeling. I feel like this has to be worn to a mountain lodge in its lifetime!
Sweater
This sweater is on major sale and was $12 during Prime days. I have 3 that I have worn as travel outfits inside the airplane.
I fit in the Medium and the Large, and I am 5’8”, size 10.
Hat
This hat from Amazon does not let your hair frizz. It is magical! For many cold weather vacations, you are accompanied by dry air.
Bonus Items
You may want to invest in these two items:
- Lip Medic especially for dry airplanes and cold vacations with dry air.
- Vitamin C serum, my dermatologist suggested for me from Amazon before I moisturize in dry climates.