They say that the most hedonistic part of any holiday is planning it. It’s easy to see why: the image of yourself in a stunning new setting, drink in hand, ready to indulge in new adventures sure makes for a compelling escapist tableau.
So naturally, planning the wardrobe for said adventure goes hand in hand, should it not? We think so. Moreover, we’ve handpicked some of the best winter travel pieces Āotearoa’s craftspeople have on offer to keep ourselves stylish, organised, versatile and warm on a Winter holiday or weekend away.
Bokeo Winter Tee Dress $380 (left), Lela Jacobs Tighty Top $420 (centre) and Jojo Ross Aura Top $205 (right).
Travel calls for effortless style. At the same time, the art of getting dressed for a new adventure in a new place also brings the excitement of endless opportunities of styling for a new occasion. So why not mix those two (practicalities)? A chic, versatile suit-case capsule wardrobe helps you do just that.
A staple in your interseasonal wardrobe should be none other than a winter dress — something that lends itself to layers a plenty come the height of winter, but also gets it’s turn to be paired with lighter pieces on the shoulder seasons. Not to mention, something that during your travels, takes you from occasion to occasion by mixing and matching shoes, outerwear and maybe a lick of lipstick. A woollen dress in an effortless cut, like this Bokeo Winter Tee Dress, is exactly that kind of style.
It’s not an article about anything remotely related to winter dressing if layering isn’t mentioned — and we’re loving Lela Jacobs’ ‘Tighty’ pieces for this. Tight fitting, complete with generous arm lengths and thumbholes, the top comes in both a turtleneck and a classic scoop neck as well as the fun ‘Tighty Arms’ arm covers.
I’m a firm believer that warm and practical doesn’t mean forgoing chic little details. Euro-tourist chic dressing has its place, however, I’m certainly of the mindset that your holiday investment pieces should make their way back to your everyday wardrobe. Case in point: a sweatshirt with an edge, like Jojo Ross’ Aura Top. See, staples can be far, far from boring.
Ahipao Cashmere Raw Edge Wrap $499 (left), Juliette Hogan Puffer Coat $659 (centre) and Harris Tapper Devenue Trench $799 (right).
Of course no winter dressing article would be complete without mentioning — or making a centrepiece of — outerwear, an area we’re spoiled for choice in. It’s safe to say that a wrap is at the top of winter packing list. It’s not simply packed, but rather on standby for every leg of the journey: cosying up the crisp air of plane travel, wrapping yourself in for the roadie and, of course, keeping you toasty in your winter adventures — especially if that involves an outdoor seat during your wine tasting. We’re loving Waiheke-based, family-run Ahipao’s Cashmere Raw Edge Wrap for this. Not only is it incredibly soft and made from 2-ply merino wool, their range is made sustainably with natural fibres, designed to not only be used everyday, but much like a fine wine, get better with time. The cherry on top? It comes with a yarn comb to keep it sleek throughout the decades, and it’s very own merino travel bag — ideal to roll up and snooze on as a travel pillow. Consider the wrap an effortless investment, practical and perfect for all occasions.
Speaking of sustainably made outerwear, we’re also loving this season’s Puffer Coat by Juliette Hogan, made with both recycled polyester and recycled down. Available in two lengths and three shades, it’s the kind of coat that you could easily wear on the slopes in the same way you could work it into your everyday wardrobe. Bonus points for it also being a part of the much-loved subcategory of outerwear that can transform into an impromptu pillow.
Of course, a structured, more formal coat always has a place in our winter travel wardrobe — especially if strolling vineyards, exploring picturesque towns, museum visits and a social activity here and there is in order. Nothing can surpass a trench for these occasions — especially with crisp lines and neutral tones to blend in with the rest of your wardrobe, like Harris Tapper’s Devenue Trench.
Juliette Hogan Sunday Tote $149 (left), Augustine Soren Overnight Bag $169 (centre) and Kathryn Wilson Olivia Work Case $159 (right).
If there’s one maxim I’ve picked up from travelling between European airports via the most budget of airlines, it’s that canvas bags, like this Juliette Hogan Sunday Tote, are the true bypassers of any luggage restriction. They will *always* be your workaround to the most strict and stingy of carry-on restrictions. Sneakiness aside, they’re also mighty practical. Keeping plane essentials in easy reach, easily popping under the seat in front, segmenting your suitcase contents, and of course, to collect the goodies you pick up at your destination — one simply must have a canvas bag in tow. It’s really the golden rule of travel.
Speaking of baggage and restrictions, a soft weekender bag is one of the most overhead-compartment-friendly pieces of luggage. This is especially noteworthy for those with overseas, intercity, train travel on the horizon — where your big old suitcase won’t stand a chance of fitting in the overheads. Augustine has a great range of monochrome duffles in an array of shades, this season. They’ll fit in perfectly into overheads and back seats of cars alike, plus are much more comfortable to carry in transit than its sturdy, shelled counterparts — especially when they’re slightly overpacked, as the best of us tend to do. As for your laptop? Kathryn Wilson’s new Olivia travel cases are statement accessories in their own right. They’re the ideal size for not your gadgets and dongles, but are a quick empty-out away from a clutch or purse if you so happen to need one.
Mi Piaci Stanton Loafer $260 (left), Bronwyn Footwear Chloe Boots $480 (centre) and Rebe Riding Boots $1395 (right).
In my experience, the easiest thing to forget is footwear that errs on the side of effortless and casual. You know, the kind of shoes that you schlep around your accommodation in without much thought. While your purpose-packed boots and sturdy shoes have their time and place, you don’t want to be lacing up each time you pop down to the breakfast buffet. Instead you want a pair that straddles the line between cosy and being-seen-in-public-friendly like Mi Piaci’s Stanton Loafer — easy to slip into and effortlessly chic.
On the other hand, sensible and sturdy shoes are most likely going to be on your holiday wardrobe checklist. While iced-over footpath and cobble-stone-friendly is a must when choosing these — it’s always nice to make them stylish. Our pick? Footwear newcomer Bronwyn’s range of light yet sturdy boots, like the Chloe. Complete with a midsole and enough heel to give you height without tripping you up, this style — and the rest of the range — strike the perfect sensible/stylish balance. An urban adventure on your holiday cards? Then naturally, it’s time to bring out an oh-so-versatile pair of simple leather boots, like the Riding Boot by Rebe. Sure, they might take a bit more space in your luggage, but it’s a worthy trade off when they seamlessly lend themselves to plenty of travel outfits.
Wallace Cotton Silk Face Mask $34.90 (left), Godvari Aurora Diamond Studs price varies (centre) and RUBY Heidi Scarf $69 (right).
It’s safe to say that travel accessories have seen a different spin in recent years. So naturally, a chic mask is a must when rounding up our recent favourites. Wallace Cotton’s Silk Face Mask is a firm favourite for long and short-haul travel, thanks to its silky double layer of breathable, pure silk. Not to mention, you’ll love this if you’re one for applying in-flight skincare: the smooth silk won’t absorb too much of it’s goodness, but instead keep your skin soothed and as free from irritation as a face mask can – you can easily layer a surgical mask over the top if you need to.
We often talk about styling your clothes to go a long way. The same is very much true for jewellery — even when travelling. Case in point, Godavari’s modular earrings: buildable by starting with the Godavari Aurora Diamond Studs, then adding an extra layer with the Solaris Halo, and further dressed up with the Large Hoop accessories.
Lastly, a splash of colour is always a nice idea in winter travels. And what better way to experiment that than with an easy to style accessory like a scarf? In the eye-catching, season’s darling, Bottega Green, the Heidi Scarf by Ruby is a great way of playing with both proportions and colour, all while staying snug during your winter travels.
Images supplied.