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I Went Shopping With a Personal Stylist—These Are the 4 Summer Outfits She Said My Travel Wardrobe Was Missing
As a travel writer, I've packed for everything from beach getaways to long-haul red-eyes, but I still catch myself overthinking what to bring—or worse, over packing my suitcase with pieces that never get worn. So when I had the chance to speak with Fashion Stylist and Kohl's Trend Expert Kenzie Welch, I was all ears. Not only did she help me build actual travel outfits for my upcoming trip to France, but she also shared smart, stress-saving tips for creating a capsule wardrobe that's stylish, functional, and suitcase-friendly.
'Over the years, I've realized that it's all about mix, match, and layer,' she told me. Her go-to advice? Stick to a cohesive color palette—think neutrals with a few pops of color—and choose versatile pieces like a matching set or an oversized button-down that can double as a cover-up. 'Don't forget to pack accessories like scarves or statement earrings; they take up almost no room but completely elevate your look,' Welch added. And her most important tip: 'Try on your outfits beforehand so you're not packing 'just in case' extras.'
Here are the stylist-approved summer vacation looks I'm bringing to France this summer—complete with outfit formulas you can replicate for your next trip from Kohl's, Amazon, Nordstrom Rack, and more.
When I asked Welch what core items she always includes in a travel wardrobe, she emphasized the importance of smart layering and strategic basics. 'Whether I'm packing for myself or helping a client, I always recommend keeping it light, versatile, and layer-friendly,' she said. Her ultimate must-haves? A high-quality basic tee, lightweight button-up, breezy trousers, sundress, comfy sandals and sneakers, and a sun hat.
One of her favorites is the Nine West Essential Crewneck T-shirt, which she calls a non-negotiable. 'Some days you may not feel like getting dressed up, so this is an easy grab-and-go option,' she told me. She also swears by white linen trousers for their comfort and packability, saying they're 'super lightweight and easy to mix and match.' With just a few staples, you can create endless combinations that look pulled together but don't weigh down your luggage.
For my daytime adventures in Paris, Welch assured me that 'his outfit is perfect for sipping coffee at a sidewalk café or visiting a museum—easy, airy, and très Parisienne." The star of the outfit is a drop-waist midi dress that's both elegant and effortless. 'It's lightweight, easy to pack, and can seamlessly transition from day to night,' she noted. Kenzie paired it with elevated flip-flop sandals, which she loves for their balance of style and comfort. 'During the warm travel months, they're a great alternative to sneakers.'
To accessorize, Kenzie recommends a crossbody bag so 'your hands are free to take photos or hold a gelato,' plus a silk scarf, which she says is one of her favorite multi-tasking accessories: 'You can tie it around your neck, your head, your bag, or even your waist as a belt.'
Welch describes the 'evening elegance' outfit as "simple but elevated, great for a dinner out or a sunset cruise," and the way she styles it proves that looking chic doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort, especially when you've been on your feet all day. Her first pick to nail the vibe: a linen matching set made up of drapey trousers and a V-neck vest. 'A matching set is essential for vacation—it gives you three outfits in one,' she told me.
To keep things comfortable yet polished, she suggests a pair of kitten heel sandals. 'When you've been walking around all day touring the city, the last thing you want is a high heel," Welch explained. "A sleek kitten heel gives you that dressed-up feel without the discomfort.'
Welch's secret trick to finish the look: bringing in texture with a woven clutch or adding shine with a layered gold necklace. 'When an outfit is simple, always consider adding texture," she said. "Handbags are a great way to do this, and I love a clutch style for an evening outing.'
'This outfit is easy, cozy, and cute enough to go straight from the airport to exploring,' Welch said, noting that this look is important to have in case you don't have time to change between your flight and that sightseeing tour. According to Welch, gingham shorts are a great base to start with: 'A classic print like gingham is perfect for a European getaway and can be easily styled with a T-shirt or blouse.".
She paired them with the Nine West White T-shirt for its versatility and added a lightweight cardigan, which is ideal for unpredictable weather. 'I always pack a cardigan for layering or extra styling,' she added. For shoes, Welch suggested the Journee Casha Mesh Mary Jane Flats because 'they're breathable, easy to walk in, and versatile enough to dress up or down—a great alternative to sneakers on travel days."
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