Jetset Style :: The New Tunic

[trip style = sun + urban + any]

With Spring right around the corner from the Winter of our discontent {to quote Shakespeare}, it's tempting to go overboard with optimism and bring out bare arms and bare legs too early. Thankfully, functional Spring fashion is all about transitional pieces to bridge the gap between Winter and Summer. What to wear when it's not warm enough to go bare? Enter The New Tunic.

My trip to California in February took me between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, where the days were hot and the nights were cool. The beauty of The New Tunic is that I could wear it as a short dress by day, and then over white jeans by night. It's not only the perfect piece for Spring, but also for vacations where the climate changes or the trip crosses over from sunny destination to urban setting {Palm Springs > Los Angeles}.

To avoid a "Mom in the Hamptons" tunic look, pair an oversized shirt dress over slim pants or wider cropped jeans. Choose a boxy tunic that hits a few inches above the knee. Works with or without a belt, with footwear that ranges from gladiator sandals to low-profile sneakers. If you need an extra layer, top with an oversized scarf or jean jacket.

Left to right: Kowtow geometry dress, Smock by Mohawk General Store shirtdress, Rachel Comey brighton dress, Apiece Apart leandro dress

Left to right: Aritzia Wilfred Free stone dress, Jesse Kamm imperial tunic, Rachel Comey clovis dress, & Other Stories cotton shirt dress

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Jetset Style :: Spring Fashion
Jetset Style :: Jean Jackets
10 Days > 2 Cities > 1 Carry-On

[photos at top via stockholm street style, style.com, pinterest]

Jetset Style :: Jean Jackets

[trip style = any]

I was recently discussing packing techniques with a friend, who was setting off on a five-week trip to Hong Kong, Perth and Bali, when she told me she's not bringing a jacket. "Not even a jean jacket?" I asked. "No!" she replied, after which we discussed that we always pack a denim jacket no matter where or when we travel.

Jean jackets are, of course, the Official Jacket of Travel™. I'm only partially joking as the two things you're guaranteed to find in my suitcase are jeans and a jean jacket no matter where I go. It truly is the all-season staple that survives all trends and thrives in all climates.

Speaking of trends, if we can learn anything from fashion week runways and street style this year, it's that denim is back: denim on denim, colored denim, printed denim, ruffled denim and oversized denim. While you can never go wrong with a classic look, the biggest trends in jean jackets this spring are distressed and embellished denim.

Styling tips

• While the clock runs out on winter, transition your jacket to spring by layering it under a wool coat.
• Add dimension to an all-black or all-white look with a denim jacket.
• Channel Kelly Kapowski in a cropped and colored jean jacket.
• Add structure to a dress or feminine skirt with a cropped or oversized jacket.
• Roll or scrunch up the cuffs for a casual, relaxed look.
• Button up the jacket all the way to wear it as a shirt.
• Pair a denim jacket with heels and a bold clutch for a polished look with personality.

GUYS :: Layer a denim jacket under a tailored blazer or over a chunky sweater. Wear it with anything from wool pants to navy chinos, with a buttoned shirt or a Breton striped tee.

Left to right: Acne Studios tram bleach jacket, Zara oversized denim jacket, Madewell the jean jacket, Current/Elliott the oversized trucker jacket 

Left to right: APC brandy jacket, J Brand x Rob Pruitt hand-painted jeans jacket, Etoile Isabel Marant abril embroidered jacket, Lee denim jacket rider slim fit

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Jetset Style :: Ode to Boyfriend Jeans
Jetset Style :: Everyday Travel Totes
Jetset Style :: Scandinavia-Inspired Jackets

[streetstyle photos via collage vintage, stockholm street style, we wore what, majawyh, wylde splash news, elle.com, style.com; menswear photos by tommy ton & robert spangle]

Jetset Style :: Everyday Travel Totes

[trip style = any]

I've mastered the art of carry-on travel with one simple trick: maximizing my personal item size. I push the limits on dimensions and place my heaviest items, like shoes and toiletries, inside my tote, and I stash a clutch inside for evenings and small outings.

But this column isn't just about function; it's also about fashion. And a beautiful, well-made black tote will never go out of style. Consider bag features like inside/outside pockets, zipper, handle length, cross-body strap, flat bottom and type of leather. Remember to spray the bag before use, condition it annually and store it in its dust bag when not in use.

GUYS :: This trick isn't just for women; men should travel with a versatile—and hands-free—canvas messenger case or small backpack. 

I've selected six black leather bags that are versatile enough to take you from plane to promenade in any city and climate. Chief Trip Stylist Trish recently purchased the Clare Vivier tote above in Los Angeles and I have my eye on the handmade kenza tote by Montreal-based The Stowe.

1/ Clare V. simple coated-leather tote, 2/ The Stowe kenza tote, 3/ Madewell glasgow satchel, 4/ Building Block business bag, 5/ Ampersand as Apostrophe sideways tote, 6/ Mansur Gavriel large tote

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Jetset Style :: Ode to Boyfriend Jeans
Jetset Style :: Scandinavia-Inspired Jackets
Top 10 Travel Essentials :: Fall Weekend Edition

Jetset Style :: Ode to Boyfriend Jeans

[trip style = any]

Editor's Note: In observance of Remembrance Day {Tuesday, Nov 11th} in Canada, we will only be posting on Thursday.

The ultimate weekend look, boyfriend jeans have evolved from trendy to timeless since Katie Holmes pranced around New York in a pair of baggy, pegged jeans six years ago and we all noticed. The look arguably goes back another decade; before we borrowed from our boyfriends, we poached from our dads. The height of 90s high school style was oversized jeans, belted and paired with a tank top, a flannel shirt and MAC Spice lip liner {set to a soundtrack of The Smashing Pumpkins and The Cranberries}.

Whether you call them boyfriend jeans, mom jeans or normcore, this modern classic is a relaxed fit alternative to skinny jeans. The new boyfriend jean is slim and slouchy with endless styling possibilities.

Trip Styler Tip: Feel the breeze in warmer climates by choosing boyfriend jeans over skinny jeans. They don’t cling, they don’t need to be peeled off and they’ll keep you cool especially when they’re ripped and cropped.

Styling tips

• Show a little skin with heels, sneakers or ankle boots for a feminine touch. Avoid stuffing your jeans into tall boots or rain boots.
• Perfect the cuff. For a classic look, fold 1” two times. For a casual look, fold 2” two times and then tug down. For a pegged look, pinch at the seam and roll 1-2” two times.
• Cut your hems 1” above your ankles and toss your jeans in the washer/dryer for some DIY. While you’re at it, slice a couple holes at your knees.
• A belt, a slight crop top, a tucked-in tee and an oversized blazer or jacket will highlight your waistline.
• For a laid-back look I saw in Sweden, wear a white tee, bomber jacket or leather moto jacket and low-profile sneakers.
• For a French look, wear with a crisp button-up shirt and loafers or heels.
• For fall and winter, wear with an untucked button-up and top with an oversized sweater.

GUYS :: Calling all dads, Seinfeld fans and Obama-on-the-weekend copycats, the boyfriend jean equivalent for men is a lighter wash, relaxed fit denim. For an elevated approach to this style, avoid the clothing section at Costco and opt for a light-to-medium wash, soft, slim cut jean instead of the dark raw denim you’re already sporting.

Left to right: Acne Studios pop it vintage jean, Hope stay patch jean, River Island mid wash ashley boyfriend jean, Madewell slim boyjean, Mother drop out tequila jeans

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Jetset Style :: Right as Rainwear
Top 10 Travel Essentials :: Fall Weekend Edition
Jetset Style :: Scandinavia-Inspired Jackets
Fashion Friday :: Mad for Hats

[images via imaxtree, pinterest, pacific coast news, sincerely jules, song of style, alessia gammarota, victoria tornegren]

Jetset Style :: Right As Rainwear

[trip style = any]

Sometimes the weather isn't all sunshine and roses. When the forecast predicts precipitation—from drizzle to downpour—a rain jacket becomes your best friend. And now, more than ever, bad weather doesn't have to compromise good style.

Here are three of my favorite brands of stylish rainwear. I fell in sartorial love with Stutterheim and Rains while traveling through Scandinavia this summer and I couldn't help but track down the unisex camo print coat {shown below} upon my return. When you live in a city that sees over 1,000mm of annual rainfall, you know coats. These ones are so slick, you might even wish for showers. That's crazy talk! They could, however, save your trip—and your clothes—from being a total wash. 

Trip Styler Tip: Wear a sweater when you try on a raincoat so you'll know how it looks when you need to layer. Ask yourself: Is it breathable? Is it tight? Is it bulky?

Stutterheim Raincoats {Sweden}

Styles: Stockholm Bred / Stockholm / Inferno / Opal

Rains {Denmark}

Styles: A-Jacket / Long Coat / Mac Coat / Breaker

Trout Rainwear {Canada}

Styles: Sevan Cape / Humboldt / Baby Gila / Bonneville

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

[top image by philip messmann for rains & all other images via brands, collages by @heatherlovesit]