Photographer and author, Ari Seth Cohen, is the creator of Advanced Style, a project devoted “to capturing the sartorial savvy of the senior set.” He says, “I feature people who live full creative lives. They live life to the fullest, age gracefully and continue to grow and challenge themselves.”
Packing has become less of a guessing game for me, mostly because I’ve made enough mistakes to know what actually gets worn and what just takes the scenic route in my suitcase. (Looking at you, shoes that gave me blisters on day one and blouse that needed a cami so everything wasn’t on display). I’ve also learned that trying to dress like the locals can be a dismal failure when you’re abroad, especially after 50, so now I dress for myself.
These days, I pack more intentionally and I’ve built a travel wardrobe that feels appropriate, polished, and easy to wear. It’s not about dressing up, it’s about dressing in a way that feels like you, wherever you land. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to wear abroad over 50, here’s what I’ve learned to skip and what I pack instead to feel confident, comfortable, and respectful on the road. You may also enjoy Why I’d Rather Be Overdressed (Every Time)
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Wearing big brand names or graphic slogans might feel casual and fun at home, but abroad, especially in Europe, it can read more touristy than stylish. I prefer a quieter look when I travel with solid colors, subtle patterns, and timeless silhouettes. They’re easier to mix and match, and you’re less likely to feel out of place. Those loud, logo-heavy pieces can also make you a more obvious target for scams or pickpockets.
If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your travel wardrobe, you might enjoy my post on How to Look Expensive On Any Budget.
While leggings and athletic tops are standard weekend wear in the U.S., many cultures still see them as gym clothes, not daywear. I don’t wear workout clothes to run errands at home, and I certainly don’t pack them for travel. Instead, I count on easy, comfortable trousers, knit dresses, or relaxed silhouettes that are just as comfortable but feel a little more thoughtful. Here’s where things like my amazing Endless pants from Athleta come in. They feel as comfy as leggings but look elevated and put together.
I love a great pair of jeans, but they’re not always the most practical for travel. They’re heavy, slow to dry, and stiff after a long day on your feet. If I do bring denim, it’s usually a lightweight, broken-in pair I know I’ll wear more than once. I usually favor breathable cotton pants or wide-leg linen styles. They take up less space and help me feel more put-together in warm weather. You may also find some new favorite travel pants here that pack like a dream and work just as well for sightseeing days as they do for dinner out.
Nothing will ruin a trip faster than sore feet. I’ve learned that the hard way. Now, I only pack shoes I’ve already worn and trust, like slip-on sneakers with arch support, cushioned flats, or a low wedge sandal with a sturdy sole. Style and comfort aren’t mutually exclusive. You just have to shop carefully.
Need a supportive, stylish travel shoe? You may find some options in these posts:
When I travel, I leave anything valuable or sentimental at home, not out of fear but out of practicality. I pack a few classic pieces I wear every day at home, like silver hoops, a cuff bracelet, and a simple pendant. This is when nice costume jewelry is your best bet. It’s one less thing to worry about, and understated accessories tend to suit more settings anyway.
As for bags, a crossbody style that zips closed is always a smart choice. If it has anti-theft features or a slash-proof strap, it’s even better. My favorites are from Lo & Sons, but there are also plenty of affordable options on Amazon, like this one and this one.
Black is elegant and dependable, but in hot weather, it can feel heavy and harsh. Instead, I suggest soft neutrals like beige, taupe, gray, or camel. These neutrals reflect light, keep you cooler, still hide dirt well, and photograph beautifully. If black is a non-negotiable in your wardrobe, I totally get it…balance it with breezy fabrics and lighter accessories. You might enjoy my tips on how to wear black without looking washed out or boring, for ways to make black clothing work for you, no matter where your travels take you.
What feels normal at home might be inappropriate abroad, especially when visiting religious or historic sites where modesty is expected. In some places, exposed shoulders or knees aren’t welcome, and it’s best to be prepared. That doesn’t mean you need to cover head to toe, but it does mean planning ahead.
I always carry a scarf or light wrap in my bag. It takes no space, adds polish to any outfit, and can provide instant coverage when needed.
Even in the middle of summer, weather can shift quickly. I always include a few layering pieces like a cotton or linen sweater, a knit blazer, or a light trench. These add flexibility and elevate even the simplest outfits. They also help me feel a little more finished, even when I’m living out of a suitcase.
As we get older, getting dressed becomes less about following trends and more about trusting ourselves. When I travel now, I want to feel comfortable, appropriate, and like myself. That doesn’t happen by accident…it takes a little planning.
The right clothes won’t make the trip, but they can absolutely make it more enjoyable, while the wrong clothes can ruin your trip. You just move differently when you’re not tugging at your hem or hobbling in painful shoes.
If you’ve ever arrived at your destination and realized half your suitcase doesn’t work, you’re not alone. I’ve done it plenty of times…packed things I thought I might wear, only to rely on the same familiar few pieces day after day.
Now, I keep it simple by building a small travel capsule wardrobe with a handful of versatile clothes that mix easily, feel good in the climate, and suit the way I actually travel. It takes the guesswork out of getting dressed and helps me feel more put together with less.
You may also enjoy Cruise Wear for Women Over 50: What to Pack
Here’s what I usually include:
I focus on clothes that can handle a bit of walking, weather shifts, and repeat wear without requiring constant adjusting or attention.
You don’t need a suitcase full of options. Just a few well-chosen things that help you feel like yourself in unfamiliar places.
Do you have any travel plans abroad this year? I’d love to hear what you’re packing and the one thing you never pack anymore.
Wearing ✶ Eco printed linen dress by Gillian Smellie {Similar in a different print here} ✶ Hair crown from Eclectic Eccentricity 8 years ago ✶ Wide Welly Co. wellies
✶ Get 15% off your purchase from Gillian’s online shop or in person at any of her pop up shops with my code CF15 ✶
Who else is watching the middle earth fanfic also known as The Rings of Power? I’m supplementing my viewing with a re-read of The Book of Lost Tales (Vol. 1) and it’s fascinating to revisit Tolkien’s earliest penned tales from over a century ago alongside the latest retelling fanfic. Elvish lore was very much on my mind when I received this breathtaking eco printed dress by Gillian Smellie, and it immediately transported me to the woodlands of Doriath, the hidden city of Gondolin and the shade of the mallorns of Lorien. For this is truly a dress fit for an elven queen!
Some collaborations unfold in the most serendipitious way. I met Gillian at her stall at the Brancepeth Castle craft fair back in the summer and instantly fell in love with her magical leaf prints. The next day when I posted some photos from the fair on my Instagram story, I tagged Gillian in one of them and to my surprise and delight I found an email from her in my inbox the next morning asking me if I’d like to style any of her pieces! Of course I jumped at the chance.
Gillian Smellie is a textile artist based in County Durham who uses locally foraged leaves to create unique and magical prints on preloved garments. You can read more about her dyeing process on her website here. Sustainable and eco friendly fashion is at the heart of her work and the reason she mostly prints on preloved and vintage garments. In my conversations with her, Gillian expressed her keen interest in expanding the size range of the garments she prints on. As pre loved garments in larger sizes that are also suitable for eco printing are rare, Gillian has been sourcing plus size linen dresses and tops from a manufacturer in Italy to expand the size range of her products. The dress I’m wearing is one of these.
At the craft fair, I was very taken by a pair of dungarees with a striking fern print that was sadly too small for me, so I requested Gillian to print my dress with all the ferns! As luck would have it though, ferns have been very low in tannin this season and produced rather faint prints, so Gillian redid the dress with sumac and rose petals and the results exceeded all my expectations. There are a few garments in my wardrobe that I’d classify as wearable art, and this dress is one of them. Despite being a huge Tolkien nerd for more than 2 decades now, I’ve never felt particularly inclined to dress up as a hobbit or elf…until I put on this dress and was enveloped in it’s ethereal beauty. The linen is also buttery soft and has a lovely weight to it. I’m wearing a size large and it’s very roomy and oversized on me (I’m currently a UK18-20) For sizing reference, I feel this dress is more of a UK 22-24.
You can shop all of Gillian’s available products at her online shop here. Gillian also does a lot of pop ups and fairs in and around the north east of England, and you can see her schedule for upcoming shows here. As she has recently started expanding her range of plus size garments, it’s worth dropping her a message if you want to buy one of her creations but can’t find your size in the webshop. Gillian can also print on any suitable garment from your own wardrobe – here’s what she told me about custom printing: “Yes I do print to order. I cannot guarantee the outcome but I can aim for a specific look/use specific leaves etc. I’m not doing any more bespoke before Christmas but happy to take post Christmas orders.” So if you’d love to have a piece of wearable art in your wardrobe but can’t find your size in the online shop, get in touch with Gillian for a custom printed garment just like my sumac and rose elven dress!
