As the summer heat and sunshine slowly come to an end, it’s time to start planning your next holiday getaway, whether it be at a quiet coastal beach town or a scenic mountain top. Whichever choice you prefer, Jessica Hilde, owner of Jessica Hilde Style, an award-winning stylist, personal shopper, and wardrobe consultant, has laid out her expert advice on how to travel in style to different destinations so you don’t stick out as a tourist and stay comfortable, safe, and, of course, stylish. Here’s what she has to say:
Layer up with a trenchcoat, blazer, or leather jacket
One of my must-have travel items is a trenchcoat—it will be such an iconic staple that you will literally wear forever. I’d also definitely recommend a leather jacket or an oversized blazer to go over a maxi dress. It can even be fabulous with beautiful black trousers and heels for an evening out.
Bring the right underpinnings
Layering beautiful T-shirts made with 100% cotton or linen depending on the time that you’re going to travel is the perfect way to elevate any look. My favorite pieces that are classic and iconic, mostly come from Lafayette 148. They make the most beautiful pants that money can buy. Another favorite piece of mine is the Cotton Poplin Button-Down Shirt. It’s stretchy and incredibly comfortable. I recommend it to all my clients. You can wear it buttoned up, with a bathing suit, or tuck it in and wear it with pants or jeans.
Opt for a crossbody bag
A small bag to go across your chest is perfect for traveling and super convenient. And, of course, if you wanna splurge, you could do a Bottega Venetta backpack or a Chanel backpack. There’s nothing more chic than traveling with Chanel.
Ditch the Lulu
My best tip for everyone is to make sure that you do not wear Lululemon! Only Americans wear athletic wear in public when they’re not working out. Invest in a pair of pants: something that can go from getting off a plane to a museum. I also love a beautiful pair of pants that you can throw a heel or sneakers on with.
Trade in your heels for a comfortable sneaker
We have seen this trend for the past couple of years. Women are ditching the heels altogether for a designer sneaker. They look great with a pantsuit or with a skirt.
Jean jackets are tres passé!
No one is doing that in Europe these days; they’re going for larger, oversized blazers over a maxi dress. So, definitely invest in a beautiful pair of jeans with a higher waistline. It adds a lot of comfort to your tummy and can be a fabulous look. You can add a lovely sweater, too. I highly recommend anything that’s cashmere, linen, or a blend of both.
Oversized blazers and reverse bomber jackets are great if the weather gets dreary or chilly. To top off your look, wear classic designer sunglasses—my personal favorite is by Prada.
Try on your outfits before packing up
I have found that most people tend to overpack for every trip, but I tell clients to actually try on the outfits that they’re planning on wearing ahead of time and only bring two to three extra things, depending on what the weather will be like.
For more tips, tricks, and fashion expertise, contact Jessica Hilde at jessicahildestyle@gmail.com or visit her showroom at 746 Lake Street E, Wayzata, MN 55391. All outfits shown in this article are available online or at The Showroom by Jessica Hilde.
About Jessica Hilde
For over 30 years, Jessica Hilde has made a name for herself in the fashion and modeling industry. She was first discovered at the age of six in downtown Minneapolis, where she had her professional photo taken, launching her worldwide modeling career. For years, Jessica appeared in various ads and commercials, such as Kool-Aid and General Mills. Then, once she graduated high school, she began to travel all over the globe to continue her modeling career. “I lived in many places: Chicago, New York, Paris, and all over Europe, but by far, my all-time favorite place to travel to is Greece,” says Jessica.
After spending years in the industry, appearing in numerous magazines, billboards, covers, and magazine editorials, Jessica decided to move back to the Wayzata area to raise a family. During this time, Jessica started her at-home styling business as a side hustle while raising her son. Soon after, her side hustle transformed into a thriving career: Jessica Hilde Style: award-winning stylist, personal shopper, and wardrobe consultant.
One of my must-have travel items is a trenchcoat—it will be such an iconic staple that you will literally wear forever.
My best tip for everyone is to make sure that you do not wear Lululemon! Only Americans wear athletic wear in public when they’re not working out.