I used to travel a lot, often twice a month; one year when I travelled for over 150 days. These were usually short trips — 4 days on average and primarily for Business.
I kept a suitcase partially packed in preparation for the next flight that contained trainers, a wash bag, workout clothes, lingerie and travel adapters. The clothes were not a constant; I would change the wardrobe depending upon the climate to be visited, what I was doing during the trip and, most importantly, what trends I wore at the time.
Photo by Marissa Grootes
Since then, a lot has changed. We had a pandemic, travel was suspended, and I had an existential crisis, which shifted my dressing and buying habits. Since then, my travelling has also changed. I have travelled less frequently but for longer trips and different purposes. Last year, I spent five months travelling across the UK, Europe, Dubai and Singapore for a mix of working, escaping strict quarantine measures and seeing friends and family.
This required a whole new approach to a travel wardrobe. For multiple climates, seasons, occasions and functions, I needed to be able to carry everything and pack frequently. Coinciding with writing these blogs, I started to explore a simpler way to dress and pack that is not only convenient but also aligned with my values of conscious consumption as an aware consumer.
My life has many demands, and I live a very fulfilled and expanded work life, which I love. I live a very adventurous travel and social life and constantly want to develop myself professionally, creatively and socially. This requires a clear, disciplined and organised mind and approach to life. There is no room for chaos and drama.
What does this have to do with my wardrobe? A simple approach to dressing, especially for travelling, paves the way for peace of mind and room to focus. With this clarity, I can take on so much professionally while travelling, being creative and being with my loved ones.
I travel to Australia this week to see family we have not seen for five years. It is an important trip, and I need to work every day and maintain my marathon training. As I left 35C Hong Kong for a much colder climate, I was so grateful for the system I have developed for a wardrobe (and life) which works effortlessly. My simple yet effective system includes the following:
Workout clothes
Down gilet
A good suit
Tees
Two shirts
Two fabulous dresses (for those dinners)
Two hero pants or shorts
Sneakers
Heels
Loafers
Lingerie and a swimsuit
Regardless of the contents of my travel wardrobe, the progress I have made in my journey to conscious consumption has been a revelation. I created a new way to live a life that inspires me daily. I talk a lot about clothes and conscious consumerism; mostly, my commitment is for you (as my beloved readers) to live a fulfilled and adventurous life filled with joy!
Kind regards
Kate
Kate Padget-Koh
FASHIONABLE FUTURES