We love looking good all the time and this includes holiday trips and vacations. After all, that is perhaps when the most number of photographs are taken which are then preserved for posterity. But, as we all know, traveling light is always good and this means not being able to take with you all the outfits and accessories you’d really like to. Well, it doesn’t always have to be so. Next time you pack for a trip, try a few things you can do to look great without having to carry more luggage.

Keeping in mind the place you are headed for and choose the outfits you think are appropriate.  Lay them side by side and then figure out the various combinations you might be able to achieve with three or four of those. Mix and match the tops and the bottoms — you will be surprised to find out how well they look when paired with something different from the usual.

Summer vacations are usually a breeze to pack for, since most clothes you’ll be wearing are lightweight and are in colors that can be paired off easily without seeming garish or gaudy.  Make sure you have a good mix of solids and prints so they can be worn well together. Black, white, beige and khaki are a good choice. Materials that do not wrinkle easily such as knits and stretch cotton fare well in suitcases. Rolling up your clothes when packing them also helps minimize the wrinkled look.

Winter can be a little challenging particularly since you will need bulky clothing or at least stuff you can wear in layers. This is where thick denim jeans and jackets come to the rescue. Paired with different sweaters or tees they can look different each time. Of course wool and corduroy are also good choices when traveling to colder climes. Also remember to pack in at least one dressy number, just in case!

As for accessories, take along things that go well with all the outfits you have chosen. For example, a black or tan handbag or purse is sure to look good with almost everything you pack. A multi-colored scarf is sure to help brighten up solids or monochromatic outfits. When packing your footwear take along at least one pair of really comfortable shoes or sandals even if you are not planning on doing much walking.

Don’t bother with anything expensive. There is a high probability of losing things when on vacation. Leave all the valuable jewelry at home and take only the fake costume jewelry with you. Caps, hats, sunglasses and a sporty watch are of course, a must irrespective of the weather. Stick to something close to your usual style. Though it might be very tempting to try out a new look when infused with the holiday spirit, you might regret it later !

If you are planning on getting some souvenirs from your trip, buying some accessories at your holiday destination is also a good idea. Local handicrafts and weaves make excellent keepsakes. Keeping a raincoat, an umbrella or a hooded jacket handy will also serve you well.