The Style Files: Travel Chic 

Of late everyone I speak to seems to be either jetting off to or just returning from exotic destinations and I thought it appropriate to do a piece on how to look good while travelling! The Internet and magazines are always full of celebrities gliding through airports looking immaculate, sipping cocktails in the perfect resort dress or exploring the Amalfi coast looking fabulous. Yes it’s irritating but also inspiring. Not convinced you can do the ‘chic traveller’ thing ? Think again. We are all capable of it and can all do it – it just takes time, preparation, perseverance and patience!

So ditch the self doubt! You were born to travel with maximum chicness, pack your bags and get ready; we’re going on holiday! What could be more exciting than travelling? Jetting off to foreign climes in a calm, sophisticated and oh so chic manner.

Kate Beckinsale (left) and Miranda Kerr (right)

For the airport you'll need a decent-sized bag to fit in your sunglasses, scarf, eye shades, travel-sized face cream, brush etc. Mismatch the bag in a good way with a pair of flats  or trainers (travel in heels at your own peril), comfortable trousers or jeans and an oversized shirt or smart t-shirt for ultimate chic comfort. After your passport and boarding pass your number one essential travel item should be a large scarf. It’s great for wrapping up warm in a chilly airport, nicer than the in-flight blankets for snuggling under when the aeroplane’s air-con gets too cold, use it to shade shoulders in the sun upon your arrival into somewhere hot or to wrap up if it's somewhere cold.

Another important and easily forgotten detail is remembering to pack another shirt into a side compartment of your suitcase for easy access at the baggage claim and a quick change, as there’s nothing worse than arriving in a fabulous destination creased and crumpled.

Kendall Jenner (left) and Kristen Stewart (right)

Assuming you're not all off on a beach vacation, city breakers will definitely need an assortment of clothes that can be easily folded away and won’t take up too much space. A shirt dress can be dressed down with flat sandals and jazzed up with heels for a look that works well day or night. A white cotton shirt and black cropped trousers are other essential easy city-escape packing pieces. You should make your clothes multi-task: one skirt should match at least two tops, as that way you won’t overpack. And try (I can't believe I’m writing this) not to pack too many pairs of shoes: one pair of sandals or flats to travel in and heels to dine in are all you need.

Your chic shawl in one hand, a cocktail in the other and a sunset – what more could a girl wish for? Witness the chicness; you’ve got this travel thing sorted.

By Minoli Ratnayake