As you can probably tell from the packing style on this site, I’m not a really fashionable person. I’m most comfortable in t-shirts and jeans (and a pair of Converse), but I do love building up my personal style with stylish accessories: cool handbags, scarves, big rings, funky earrings and belts. Those are my bread and butter — but that doesn’t exactly give me the “formal” edge that one often needs when on the road.
No matter what, there are generally going to be those days on your trip when you want to look nice: when you splash out on a fancy dinner or attend a ballet. Yep, those days happen, and as a backpacker, it’s important to keep that in mind when creating your packing list.
As mentioned in the packing for Carnival cruise post I did yesterday, there was one formal night on the ship where we had to look a little bit snazzy. Here is the outfit I put together, and it just so happens to be one that I think it uber-versatile at the same time.
What I’m Wearing:
Exofficio Women’s Savvy Dress-Up Dress: It’s my go-to LBD these days, and with the scrunchy, wrinkle-resistant microfiber material, I can roll it up in my backpack and have it come out fairly presentable.
Please note: The reviews of this dress often talk about the upper part as running quite large. This was a huge concern for me since I have large hips and a narrow upper body (or a Small size hips and X-Small size upper body). I went for the size small and yes, the top part of the dress was loose. I took my dress to get the upper part taken in at a tailor, and now it fits perfectly. I still prefer to wear a black camisole underneath as it can show a bit too much cleavage for my liking. Some might think a tailor is a bit too much work, but I often have sizing issues with dresses and now… I have one that I absolutely love!
>> Check out the Savvy Dress-Up Dress on Amazon
Tieks: My Tieks are my go-to shoe these days, for casual and formal occasions! I got the black matte Tieks as they are super versatile, and they fold up so small! <3
Abalone Shell Earrings: I picked up these gorgeous abalone shell earrings in Hawaii, and they are perfect for casual and dress-up occasions.
Murano Glass Ring: I love Murano glass, and this black piece (that you can barely see in the photo) with gold and silver throughout is the perfect cocktail ring.
Besides a cheap black clutch and some light makeup, that about covers my formal attire. And guess what… you can totally wear this dress on casual occasions, too. Win!
What do you toss in your backpack in order to dress up a bit? Let us know your fave formal travel fashion finds in the comments below!
Really cute! This dress looks great on you and is definitely versatile, for both casual and dressy occasions.
Thank you, Lauren!
Hi Brooke.
Love your site. I get inspired by it even though i’m a guy.
Just wanted to say you totally prove your point here and you look great. Great formal look!
Aw, well thanks, Andy!
Looks great! I always bring a little black jacket/blazer from soft material. Works to dress up anything, dresses and t-shirts, etc. You can always look smart, backpacker or not
Yes – agreed on the blazer. I was eyeing a soft, packable one at the shops today. Might have to get one.
Great dress! Dressing up while traveling can be so tricky! I tend more to bring a nice top instead of a dress and layer it over leggings…then I can wear boots if it’s cold or nice flats in warmer weather!
I just found this site too, I wish I had known about it before I started venturing around the world a couple years ago! I’ll be following from now on!