Outfits For Travel: The Black Maxi

In about three months time I will be venturing off to Europe for a summer vacation. The only problem with traveling around Europe in the summer time is that the weather varies completely depending on where you go. Also, as a traveler it is so important to only take the bare essentials because let's be honest, who wants to be carrying around a heavy bag? So if you're like me and you're already thinking about what you are going to bring then hopefully we can share some good tips! So let's get into it!

The first staple piece that will be perfect for the European summer is a black (or neutral) colored maxi dress. A maxi dress can be transformed with the type of shoe you wear, your accessories, your hairstyle and your outerwear. One of the main reasons I am drawn to the black maxi dress for traveling is because the darker color will hide dirt a little better (yeah that sounds gross but it happens when you travel and don't have access to a washing machine at all times). Another good thing about the maxi is that is usually lightweight and made of breathable materials, which means you won't be quite as hot when trudging around. It also means that the material (hopefully you are imagining a cotton maxi like I am), won't crinkle up in your bag and you can roll it up to make more room in your suitcase/backpack. So here are some outfits using a black maxi:

1. Sleek and chic for a night out on the town. Dress the maxi up with a long necklace and a chunky bracelet. The best part about this look is that it will go with pretty much any shoes you have brought with you! Try and match it with wedges, heels or even a dressy sandal. 

2. Casual for a day of site seeing. This outfit is perfect for those colder places, like the UK, where sometimes you might need something a little bit extra to keep the breeze off. Dress this look down with a chambray shirt or denim jacket, a brown belt, brown bag, sunglasses and thongs or sandals. 

3. This is another outfit for the casual days. One of the benefits of having a long maxi dress is that we can layer clothing over the top of it for a completely new outfit! If you want a different look try pairing the maxi dress with a singlet top (either loose or tied up at the back), a crop top or even just a tight-fitting t-shirt. We can take the brown belt from the image above, the chunky bracelet from the first look and add in a hat to complete the look.

4. Also try mixing it with a knitted sweater for those chillier nights or windy days...maybe even those times for catching the train or plane. Match it with the necklace from the first look, chic sandals from the second look and change it up by wearing your hair in a top knot.

So there you have it! Four looks using the same dress, from casual to dressy occasions and from sunny to cold weather. Which one is your favorite outfit?