There’s this particular notion that a lot of people seem to have- people who backpack cannot look chic on the road. While that is untrue and bogus, one does wonder where the rumor started. Do people think that all backpackers dress a certain way- with loose baggy clothing, a tattered rucksack, and a straw hat? Well, that needs to change and change quickly. 

So your plans for the road are done! You’ve bagged those amazing airfare deals and are all set for a summer adventure with cheap airfares. Now, all you need to do is make some smart clothing choices so that people are surprised when you tell them that you had gone backpacking. 

Some smart dressing tips for your backpacking trip

Choose a good pair of shoes

Yeah, it’s true that you’ll be walking a lot more than usual when you’re backpacking. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to stick to hiking shoes like it’s the gospel. Sure, if you’re trekking in mountainous terrain, you should always bring shoes that are both comfortable and protective. However, if you’re going to backpack on plain land, why not get some shoes that are easy to walk in and look fabulous too. Flats are a good option because they come in a lot of pretty varieties and won’t kill your feet after twenty steps. 

Stick to neutral colors

Neon might be part of your personality, but when you’re traveling, it’s good to stick to neutral shades. The reason behind this is simple- they are versatile and can fit in with anything. Black can save your life in these situations, and see can white- but only if you’re savvy enough to keep it clean for the whole time.

Make sure your hair is on point

You’re in your third week of travel, and you couldn’t care less about your hair. That’s one primary mistake that’ll make you look like you’re out of a residence in a foreign land. Always keep your hair washed and looking fresh. You’ll probably not be able to use your curlers or straighteners every time you want to style your hair- and honestly, you don’t need to. Just keep it washed and breezy, and that’ll get the job done. 

Nails, nails, nails!

Your hands can speak volumes about your hygiene. Stay far away from chipped nail polish- if you don’t want to carry your bottles of polish around for three months, you should keep them unpainted. Or, you can splurge on a manicure that’s going to last you the entirety of the trip. Again, you can carry your nail polishes around and apply a fun color with every outfit you wear- just make sure that the lids are closed tight to avoid a nightmare situation.  

Don’t forget to accessorize

Small accessories that are easy to carry around can take your outfit to a different level. One cool watch or a pair of sweet earrings can do wonders for your OOTD. You don’t need to be too elaborate- just a few smartly chosen pieces will go a long way.