The fashion industry is constantly on the lookout for essential pieces – versatile and functional, yet stylish – that no wardrobe should be without. When your own wardrobe is severely limited due to space constraints, there is a natural selection of the best and most useful items of clothing. FashionUnited spoke to globetrotter Elena, whose travels over the past eight years have taken her to 25 countries and regions including Ladakh in India, Egypt, South America, the US and Australia. In an interview, she reveals which items of clothing have worked, which have not, and how much clothing you really need.
When you left eight years ago, what wardrobe did you start with? Do you remember?
My clothes were very simple and very overcast as India was the first country I traveled to when I was 19 years old. I wore sports bras to make my breasts look smaller, slacks and baggy blouses to lose my silhouette – overall athletic clothing, pajama-like and understated. Definitely more functional than fashionable. I looked awful. (laughs)
How have your clothing choices changed over the years?
It really depends on where I’m at, but on every continent you have to cover your legs – that seems to be a thing – and you can’t show too much cleavage. I have a basic wardrobe – what I’m wearing plus one more outfit – and then buy what I need wherever I am because it’s cheaper and more mingling with the locals.
When traveling, be it on a plane, train, bus or other means of transport, wide trousers and a comfortable blouse have proven useful. I also always travel with a very large scarf – this is a must because you can cover yourself with it and even lie on it.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever had to wear?
Probably something to cover my hair because I’m not used to that. It was uncomfortable but I understood when I had to wear it. I’m also not that into floral patterns in my clothes, but when I was in Mexico I experimented with the patterns there. It’s fun to get out of your comfort zone and wear different clothes.
Has the amount or style of clothing you travel with changed over the years, have you reduced it?
The number of items of clothing has definitely reduced and there are some things I can live without – fancy bras for example or pajamas. When I first started traveling, I planned everything carefully, even the clothes I was taking with me. Now I just let myself drift and make decisions at the moment.
Also, I would never take anything white with me because it gets dirty too quickly. My clothes tend to be dark, but other shades like green, brown, and earth tones always help – they don’t stand out as much and don’t get dirty as easily.
What do you think are the five most important pieces every traveler should have?
Definitely the big scarf I mentioned earlier; black tank tops because they go with everything and can even serve as underwear; feathers as accessories; a necklace with one or more crystals and a money belt for the most important things like passport, wallet and mobile phone, which should be worn on the body. A very useful accessory is also a hammock, where you can rest and even sleep if necessary. A small backpack that you always have with you is also a must for things like laptop and others.
In your opinion, what are the five most important pieces of clothing that no wardrobe should be without?
I always feel like a princess with a quality scarf – made of cashmere or merino wool – in brown that goes with any outfit, also feathers and skirts because they are more practical (when there is no toilet for example), also dresses and flip-flops Flops are good.
What do you treat yourself to in terms of clothing and accessories?
Good shoes are a must (especially if you have special needs like flat feet); Comfort is the be-all and end-all. Small towels that dry quickly are also important, as is a good backpack with lots of compartments and pockets. I also like to wear jewellery, especially something with crystals for good energy.
How important is sustainability for you?
Most of my clothes are made of hemp, cotton or wool – I don’t like synthetic clothes. In the last four years, I have focused more on garments made from these materials. But I can’t buy anything too expensive because it could get lost or get holes.
What criteria do you look for when shopping for new clothes to add to your wardrobe?
As said, convenience is important. I also like flowing things, nothing laced and not too crazy patterns or colors. I buy a lot of solid colors.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My advice when you travel: see how local people dress and then wear what others are wearing to match. This will help you understand a country and be a part of it.