Hmm . . . what to wear today? And what should I pack for this trip? Questions that I almost never ask myself. Questions that most minimalist, location independent individuals find it takes virtually no time to answer.
Why? Because, with fewer items hanging (er, packed?) there in your closet (suitcase), you are left with fewer options. While some may find the lack of options to be a negative, I freaking love it! Fewer decisions about menial things that really don’t matter much to me. Fewer last-second, right-before-you-run-out-the-door clothing changes. Fewer headaches. Less wasted time and mental energies. Fewer things.
My #1 goal this week is to pare my wardrobe down to only those things that I truly need/want. I’ll detail exactly what I’ve decided to keep in our next post. But first, I thought it would be cool to take a look at what other location independents have in-tow on their travels!
A minimalistic wardrobe helps to keep you and your things compact and mobile. Precisely what will be found in your clothing collection is entirely up to you. As you’ll see next week, I am not even remotely close to being as hardcore as several people I know. Yet. But, if for no reason other than being a starting point, here is what some of my friends have in theirs:
Dave of TheLongestWayHome.com
7 shirts, all quick dry.
2 tshirts
1 pair of light jeans
1 pair of combats
1 pair of light weight trekking pants
1 pair of shorts
7 hiking socks
7 boxers mix of cotton, and nylon.
1 rain jacket very light
1 wind jacket
1 ScarfOver the past 7 years of no-return travel the only thing that’s changed in terms of “types” of clothing is that I’ve dropped cotton a lot. It’s too heavy. It takes too long to dry. The quick dry stuff is not the most “fashionable” gear out there. But, it works for my kinda travel. That said, I do miss comfort clothing!
Jeannie of NomadicChick.com
Cute dress
sandals
walking shoes
durable pants
t-shirt
shawl/scarf
& my bling – ring I bought from rajasthan (garnet w/rubies)“That’s all you have with you?” I asked her.
No, I have bathing suit or two as well.
Karol of RollerCoasterTour.com
6 RollerCoasterTour.com shirts
1 button up long sleeve
1 hoodie
2 black t-shirts
jeans, shorts, jacket
2 pair shoes (one of the shoes are Vibrams, but I still count them as shoes)
4 socks
7 underwear
1 belt
Colin of ExileLifestyle.com
4 v-neck undershirts in different colors, made w/ 1% spandex (this helps because it allows them to be rolled up very small, but also reduces odor)
2 graphic tees (my designs from ihavenoshirt.com, on American Apparel tees)
1 long-sleeve tee
1 lightweight long-sleeve turtleneck
2 button-down, collared shirts
4 pairs of jeans
1 pair of dress pants
7 pairs of underwear (I usually go with boxer-briefs, again with spandex)
7 pairs of socks (I aim for styles that can be dressed up or down..versatility!)
1 hoodie
1 puffer jacket
1 lightweight shell jacket
2 suit jackets (1 heavy, 1 lightweight)
1 pair of brown shoes
1 pair of flip flops
1 pair of vibram five finger shoes
1 pair of workout shorts (these also double as swimming trunks)
2 sleeveless workout shirts
Nora of TheProfessionalHobo.com
Salomon Mid GTX hiking shoes
flip-flops
nice strappy sandals
quick-dry pants (that also convert to ¾ length)
cotton yoga pants
knee-length skirt
silk wrap-around sari skirt (can be worn a million ways, including as a dress)
2 t-shirts
1 collared sleeveless shirt
2 long-sleeved merino wool Icebreaker shirts
1 long-sleeved lightweight shirt (for hot countries that require arms to be covered, among other uses)
1 possum/merino poncho (incredibly lightweight and unbelievably warm)
1 down jacket (actually polyester, not down- but it feels like down, so I call it such)
1 pashmina (makes for a great scarf, accessory, airplane blanket, wrap, throw, etc.)
work clothing: 1 short-sleeved merino wool Icebreaker & 1 pair of quick-dry reinforced pants
1 rain jacket
1 pair of PJ’s
3-5 pairs of socks
3-5 pairs of underwear
2 bikini swimsuits
Tell us about what’s in YOUR location independent wardrobe in a comment below. Share must-haves, suggestions, lessons learned and your own questions . . . I look forward to comparing notes and bouncing ideas off of each other! See you next week . . .
(photo by emmamccleary)
{ 6 comments }
I have too many clothes. Many of them I simply don’t wear, so why do I keep them? When I moved from Seattle to Chicago two and a half years ago, I had to buy more as I had very little to wear when it’s hot, and nothing warm enough for winters here.
I’m not a minimalist, but I do need to pare down my wardrobe! Interesting stuff. I’m packing for a trip to Italy soon and trying to see if I can take enough stuff for a week in one carry-on bag. Short skirt, long skirt, a pair or two of shorts, some t-shirts for when my shoulders have to be covered (we’re planning to tour the Vatican), one pair of sandals (which I’ll wear), one pair of flip flops, and a few nice tank tops. That ought to do it, right? I don’t think I’ll need long pants, it’s supposed to be hot there.
Good for you, Kaari! You can totally pull off that one-week trip with a single bag. Traveling in warmer regions definitely does make that more possible, since you’re able to avoid bringing long pants, shoes and socks. Let me know how it goes!
I managed it! Even had enough room to bring back a bottle of wine and some presents in what most people would consider a carry on bag. I only took one skirt, it has a fold over top so could be above or below knee. Two pairs of shorts, about five shirts, one skirt, various underclothes, and a scarf. We did laundry in the sink after we’d been there four days, so it worked out fine.
Rome is beautiful, I had a wonderful time and pretty much stayed offline the whole week.
Awesome! So cool that you did that. I bet that it was easier than you’d first thought and allowed you to move around much more quickly and lightly, yes? Good for you, Kaari . . . thanks for the update- I’m glad you had a great trip!
What you didn’t ask me? You know I live out of my suitcase Mark!
Flip flops are essential.
Non crease (no need to iron) tops & dresses rock esp when you can roll them up so they take less space and still come out looking great.
I agree with Colin – you can never have enough underwear, plus a bikini is essential.
International Plug adapter
I should have a basic first aid kit too….
Pair of cleats – I just never know where i’ll end up playing Ultimate Frisbee
One pair of sneakers – runs to keep fit anywhere
One or two sexy heels
One `Oh there’s a fancy event and I don’t want to look like a vagabond at it’ outfit
Layers! no need for bulky stuff if you can just add layers.
Towel – to picnic on, wash yourself with, wrap stuff up in and keep you warm
And you know I would have loved to have you in the original post.
Thanks for adding yours here, Natalie! I’m certain that my own list (in the next post) will evolve and change, but all of these ideas give some good food-for-thought as I go about this minimalist wardrobe for the first time. Thanks again!