tr.robinson
By Kara Murphy
While packing for a trip, we often run across items that raise questions like: "It's functional, but is it stylish enough?" or "Can I wear this to certain tourist sites?"
To help you avoid any fashion blunders, we've put together a list of 10 items you should always skip when packing for your next trip.
Photo Caption: Avoid the ultimate fashion faux pas -- wearing a fanny pack when traveling.
Though practical and lightweight, a fanny pack just doesn't look good on anyone. In fact, it's one of the most unflattering accessories you can wear. So unless your vacation falls during Halloween and you're planning to attend a party as a 1980s jogger, lose the fanny pack.
What to Pack Instead: If you're in need of a hands-free solution, try a money belt or a small cross-body bag. They're much more flattering -- and socially acceptable.
Photo Caption: Don't let your fashion mistake detract from the real tourist attractions, such as Mount Rushmore.
Unless you're wearing sandals on the plane and need to quickly warm up your feet, never pair sandals with socks. And even then, stick to solid-colored socks and remove them well before your plane lands -- the fewer people who spot you wearing them, the better. The best option is to avoid the geeky-looking duo altogether.
What to Pack Instead: If you don't want your feet to be overexposed (or if you're trying to prevent blisters), go with closed-toe shoes. There are plenty of stylish pairs out there, including breathable sneakers and flats that will keep your toes at just the right temp.
Photo Caption: Don't replicate this major fashion misstep at La Place des Artes, Montreal.
It can be tempting to throw a flirty pair of four-inch heels in your bag, especially if you're planning a dressy night out while on your vacation. But it's best to leave these shoes at home, especially if you're traveling to a city riddled with cobblestone streets. Not only are they bulkier than flats and take up more room in your suitcase, but stilettos are also incredibly uncomfortable (don't let the three minutes you wore them in the store fool you).
What to Pack Instead: Opt for a cute pair of flats or sandals. You'll be thankful you did when you avoid a trip to the emergency room because of a sprained ankle.
Photo Caption: A woman staggers along in high heels over the cobblestone streets in Tribeca, New York City.
Love 'em or hate 'em, Crocs were originally designed to be a simple boat shoe. The clogs are also great for gardening. That said, unless you intend to do any sailing or seed planting on your next vacation, leave your Crocs behind! As an everyday shoe, they're too clunky to be flattering, especially the brightly colored ones.
What to Pack Instead: Choose a comfortable yet stylish sneaker if you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Photo Caption: Matching Crocs are a recipe for a fashion disaster, as seen by this family in Alberta's Banff National Park. The tie-dye shirt is another story.
Not only is their level of stylishness up for serious debate -- particularly in Europe where pairing them with jeans is a definite fashion "don't" -- but bright white sneakers will show every speck of dirt. So unless you plan to carry around a toothbrush and a bottle of sneaker cleaner with you, stay away from them while traveling. Plus, white shoes can make your feet look larger than they actually are.
What to Pack Instead: As a general rule, it's best to avoid wearing white clothing and accessories when traveling. Go with darker colors that hide dirt well.
Photo Caption: A fashion "don't" is spotted at the airport in Vancouver.
Just like tube tops, up-to-there shorts are only appropriate when worn on a beach over a bathing suit. For everywhere else, a little bit of modesty goes a long way.
What to Pack Instead: Stick to pairs with longer inseams to avoid any fashion mishaps. And remember that some churches, such as St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, won't allow you to enter if you're wearing shorts. Wear a skirt that falls below the knee, and bring a pashmina to cover your shoulders.
Photo Caption: Skimpy shorts should be worn on the beach, not while sightseeing in Budapest.
Heavily studded accessories have the potential to be a major inconvenience while traveling. While trendy, studded belts, handbags, and shoes will definitely slow you down at airport security checkpoints. And your fashion statement may even set off metal detectors in random security sweeps at churches and museums.
What to Pack Instead: Sleek, simple accessories without too many embellishments are best bets. If you have a studded accessory that you absolutely cannot part with, consider packing it in your checked luggage. Only wear the item when you know it won't set off any security alarms.
Photo Caption: Studded accessories may cause more problems at security checkpoints than the trend is worth.
You know the ones that detach at the knees -- unzip them and voilà! Suddenly you're wearing shorts. In theory, convertible pants are a great idea. Unfortunately, they're not the most fashionable of options. So unless you're headed to a safari camp in eastern Africa where it'll be just be you and a guide scouting for animals, leave them at home!
What to Pack Instead: If you're traveling to a place where temperatures are inconsistent, pack a variety of clothing, including ample pairs of both pants and shorts. Throw extra layers in your day pack so you're not caught off-guard.
Photo Caption: Unless your trip calls for a true adventure, zip-off pants should be left at home.
Unless you have reason to wear an official uniform, a full-on camo getup looks out of place in civilian life. And in some areas of the world, such as Trinidad and Tobago and the Seychelles islands, it's actually illegal for civilians to wear. If you insist on wearing a camo-printed item, be sure to check there's no legal -- or fashion -- risk involved.
What to Pack Instead: Pick pieces that are the same shades of green and tan found in camo prints. Mix-and-match prints and solids to channel the same rugged vibe.
Photo Caption: Wearing too much camouflage feels out of place in Los Angeles.
While packing for a trip, we often run across items that raise questions like: "It's functional, but is it stylish enough?" or "Can I wear this to certain tourist sites?"
To help you avoid any fashion blunders, we've put together a list of 10 items you should always skip when packing for your next trip.
Photo Caption: Avoid the ultimate fashion faux pas -- wearing a fanny pack when traveling.
What to Pack Instead: If you're in need of a hands-free solution, try a money belt or a small cross-body bag. They're much more flattering -- and socially acceptable.
Photo Caption: Don't let your fashion mistake detract from the real tourist attractions, such as Mount Rushmore.
What to Pack Instead: If you don't want your feet to be overexposed (or if you're trying to prevent blisters), go with closed-toe shoes. There are plenty of stylish pairs out there, including breathable sneakers and flats that will keep your toes at just the right temp.
Photo Caption: Don't replicate this major fashion misstep at La Place des Artes, Montreal.
What to Pack Instead: Opt for a cute pair of flats or sandals. You'll be thankful you did when you avoid a trip to the emergency room because of a sprained ankle.
Photo Caption: A woman staggers along in high heels over the cobblestone streets in Tribeca, New York City.
What to Pack Instead: Choose a comfortable yet stylish sneaker if you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Photo Caption: Matching Crocs are a recipe for a fashion disaster, as seen by this family in Alberta's Banff National Park. The tie-dye shirt is another story.
What to Pack Instead: As a general rule, it's best to avoid wearing white clothing and accessories when traveling. Go with darker colors that hide dirt well.
Photo Caption: A fashion "don't" is spotted at the airport in Vancouver.
What to Pack Instead: Stick to pairs with longer inseams to avoid any fashion mishaps. And remember that some churches, such as St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, won't allow you to enter if you're wearing shorts. Wear a skirt that falls below the knee, and bring a pashmina to cover your shoulders.
Photo Caption: Skimpy shorts should be worn on the beach, not while sightseeing in Budapest.
What to Pack Instead: Sleek, simple accessories without too many embellishments are best bets. If you have a studded accessory that you absolutely cannot part with, consider packing it in your checked luggage. Only wear the item when you know it won't set off any security alarms.
Photo Caption: Studded accessories may cause more problems at security checkpoints than the trend is worth.
What to Pack Instead: If you're traveling to a place where temperatures are inconsistent, pack a variety of clothing, including ample pairs of both pants and shorts. Throw extra layers in your day pack so you're not caught off-guard.
Photo Caption: Unless your trip calls for a true adventure, zip-off pants should be left at home.
What to Pack Instead: Pick pieces that are the same shades of green and tan found in camo prints. Mix-and-match prints and solids to channel the same rugged vibe.
Photo Caption: Wearing too much camouflage feels out of place in Los Angeles.