Today I’m talking travel – summer travel style specifically. I travel all year round but I find summer travel to be the most challenging. …or maybe it is just summer suiting. I mean who really wants to put on a suit when the temps are pushing one-hundred? Over the years I’ve come up with a pretty good travel formula for easy summer pieces that not only look professional, with stand high temperatures (aka Melbourne, FL) but can also be worn straight out of a suitcase. #dontliketoiron
The key is the fabrics.
Travel Friendly Fabrics
You are looking for pieces that will breathe willingly AND not easily wrinkle. Lightweight wool or blends with nylon, rayon (wrinkle resistant but not as breathable), and/or polyester are some of the better choices.
Wool is ideal for both summer and travel. I know this seems backward but I’m not talking thick wool sweaters. I’m talking refined stretch-wool suiting fabric that is meant to span the seasons. Both BOSS and Theory make all season wool suits that are perfect for the heat of summer AND the inside of a suit case. Lightweight wool doesn’t wrinkle easily and packs up small. Just be sure to hang upon arrival.
If the idea of wool in the summer terrifies you, then go for blends. Many people avoid these fabrics, but nylon and polyester work very well for travel specific clothing. My MM Lafleur pieces that are so good for travel are all blends. Blends also wick moisture, keeping your skin feeling dry and you feeling cool. Another benefit – they are lightweight, which is always good for packing. The major downside is that these materials can sometimes feel synthetic and some hold odors. #avoidcheapblends
Summer Travel Style – Suit
When picking suits look for all-season wool. I tend to pick dresses and skirts for my summer pieces simply … well, because it’s hot! Lastly, avoid black!
This Theory suit is a lovely all season weight and I can easily wear this in the heat of D.C. or Florida. The real outfit winner there is the shoes though … how much do they look like the Valentino Rockstud? Mine are a few years old – but Sole Society has a similar dupe for less than $70 with incredible reviews. #allabouttheshoes
Summer Travel Style – Dress
This Vince Camuto Jacquard Sheath Dress is more like a mix between a jacquard and a tweed but it is gorgeous! The woven pattern is elevated with subtle metallic threads making this cap-sleeve dress not only office worthy, but also works for an evening out or even a special event. The blend is perfect for summer and travel (58% polyester, 41% rayon, 1% metallic fibers). Also available in petite sizes.
Summer Travel Style – Top
Madewell Tie Wrap Top (78% cotton, 22% polyester) – This blend is breathable and comfortable as well as wrinkle resistant. I love the details – the wrap AND the tie – that make this piece so unique. I have no problem throwing a jacket over the top of this if necessary. You will need a racerback bra or these magical bra adjusters so your straps don’t show. I apologize as this top went on sale before I could get this post published meaning stock is dwindling (yeah to better pricing though). I posted on my Facebook page as soon as I saw the sale start so hopefully you saw it there and snagged it. Nordstrom only had size medium left but Madewell still had all sizes in stock. #orderquick #goingfast
Summer Travel Style – Skirts
Halogen Stripe Tweed Pencil Skirt (51% acrylic, 34% cotton, 15% polyester) – Tweed is another one of those materials that just travels well. It Resists wrinkles but is thick enough to provide good structure.
Chelsea28 Jacquard Knit Pencil Skirt – The Jacquard pattern almost makes this look like lace and is also what makes this so travel friendly. It is a very stretchy and forgiving skirt also making it very comfortable (98% nylon, 2% spandex). I ordered my normal size (small) but think I would have preferred the fit better if I sized down.
Summer Travel – Blazer
Need a jacket to toss over whatever you are wearing? Maybe you have an unexpected meeting or air conditioning overload … sometimes you just need to cover up despite the unreasonably high temperatures. I still wear my suit jackets all summer long (see the all-season wool above) but other times I want a change. I am currently loving this perfect throw on blazer for this exact purpose. Easily dresses up or down. 
This Topshop Bouclé Boyfriend Blazer has the perfect blend (62% acrylic, 28% cotton, 10% polyester) for summer and high temps. Bouclé is one of the best fabrics to travel with because it is so wrinkle resistant and the wider knit makes it breathable as well. I love the neutral tones of this one as well as the fact you can cuff the sleeves to make it more casual. This has become my go to airplane jacket when I am not wearing a suit jacket. Nordstrom had limited sizes remaining but you will also find this at Topshop in both Regular and Petite sizing as well as with a matching skirt. #bonus
Happy Summer Travel Style Shopping! Let me know if you find any great pieces!!