The Best Travel Layers for Every Destination, According to a Style Writer
How Fabric Choice Makes or Breaks Your Trip
Shannen Zitz, a seasoned style writer, has refined her packing strategy through years of global travel, focusing on versatile layers that adapt to any climate or itinerary. Her approach centers on selecting pieces that are lightweight, packable, and stylish enough to transition from sightseeing to dinner without needing a wardrobe change. By prioritizing function and fashion equally, she avoids overpacking while ensuring comfort across diverse destinations.
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The Re-See: From Industry Affair to Content MachineHer method begins with a neutral base—think merino wool tops or breathable cotton tees—that can be worn alone or layered depending on temperature. Zitz emphasizes the importance of mid-layers like fleece jackets or lightweight down vests, which provide warmth without bulk and compress easily into a carry-on. Outer layers, she notes, should be weather-resistant yet flexible, such as a trench coat with a removable liner or a packable rain shell that doubles as a windbreaker.
What If You Only Have One Suitcase?
Zitz swears by natural fibers for their temperature-regulating properties and resistance to odor, especially on long journeys where laundry access is limited. Merino wool, in particular, ranks high on her list for base layers due to its softness, moisture-wicking ability, and sustainability. She avoids synthetic materials that trap heat or feel clammy, opting instead for fabrics that breathe and move with the body. This attention to textile performance, she says, is what separates a frustrating trip from a seamless one.
Even with strict baggage limits, Zitz maintains that smart layering allows for ten or more outfit combinations using just a handful of pieces. She recommends sticking to a cohesive color palette—navy, gray, beige, and olive—so everything mixes and matches effortlessly. Accessories like scarves and statement jewelry add variety without taking up space. The key, she insists, is intentionality: every item must earn its place by serving multiple purposes across different settings and climates.
What is the most versatile travel layer according to Shannen Zitz? A lightweight merino wool sweater stands out as her top choice because it provides warmth, resists odor, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many layers does she typically pack for a two-week trip? Zitz usually packs three to four core layers—base, mid, outer, and a versatile sweater—along with a few tops and bottoms, relying on mix-and-match potential to maximize outfit options.
Can this layering system work for tropical destinations? Yes, she adapts it by choosing ultra-lightweight fabrics like linen or silk for base layers and skipping heavy insulation, using a linen shirt or light kimono as a protective layer against sun or evening breezes.