What Not to Wear Abroad: Travel Style Tips for Women Over 50
Packing has become less of a guessing game for me, mostly because I’ve made enough mistakes to know what actually gets worn and what just takes the scenic route in my suitcase. (Looking at you, shoes that gave me blisters on day one and blouse that needed a cami so everything wasn’t on display). I’ve also learned that trying to dress like the locals can be a dismal failure when you’re abroad, especially after 50, so now I dress for myself.
These days, I pack more intentionally and I’ve built a travel wardrobe that feels appropriate, polished, and easy to wear. It’s not about dressing up, it’s about dressing in a way that feels like you, wherever you land. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to wear abroad over 50, here’s what I’ve learned to skip and what I pack instead to feel confident, comfortable, and respectful on the road. You may also enjoy Why I’d Rather Be Overdressed (Every Time)
You may find these posts helpful too:
- 12 Things I Always Forget to Pack (But Never Again)
- Complete Packing List of Travel Toiletries
- Wrinkle Free Travel Clothes/Womens Packable Travel Clothes
What Not to Wear Abroad for Women Over 50
Loud Logos Can Undermine a Polished Look
Wearing big brand names or graphic slogans might feel casual and fun at home, but abroad, especially in Europe, it can read more touristy than stylish. I prefer a quieter look when I travel with solid colors, subtle patterns, and timeless silhouettes. They’re easier to mix and match, and you’re less likely to feel out of place. Those loud, logo-heavy pieces can also make you a more obvious target for scams or pickpockets.
If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your travel wardrobe, you might enjoy my post on How to Look Expensive On Any Budget.
Athleisure Isn’t a Universal Dress Code
While leggings and athletic tops are standard weekend wear in the U.S., many cultures still see them as gym clothes, not daywear. I don’t wear workout clothes to run errands at home, and I certainly don’t pack them for travel. Instead, I count on easy, comfortable trousers, knit dresses, or relaxed silhouettes that are just as comfortable but feel a little more thoughtful. Here’s where things like my amazing Endless pants from Athleta come in. They feel as comfy as leggings but look elevated and put together.
Heavy Denim Can Weigh You Down
I love a great pair of jeans, but they’re not always the most practical for travel. They’re heavy, slow to dry, and stiff after a long day on your feet. If I do bring denim, it’s usually a lightweight, broken-in pair I know I’ll wear more than once. I usually favor breathable cotton pants or wide-leg linen styles. They take up less space and help me feel more put-together in warm weather. You may also find some new favorite travel pants here that pack like a dream and work just as well for sightseeing days as they do for dinner out.
Prioritize Shoes You Can Walk In All Day
Nothing will ruin a trip faster than sore feet. I’ve learned that the hard way. Now, I only pack shoes I’ve already worn and trust, like slip-on sneakers with arch support, cushioned flats, or a low wedge sandal with a sturdy sole. Style and comfort aren’t mutually exclusive. You just have to shop carefully.
Need a supportive, stylish travel shoe? You may find some options in these posts:
- Supportive Travel Shoes That Aren’t Frumpy or Fussy
- Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Travel
- Best and Most Comfortable Walking Sandals
Keep Jewelry Understated and Low-Risk
When I travel, I leave anything valuable or sentimental at home, not out of fear but out of practicality. I pack a few classic pieces I wear every day at home, like silver hoops, a cuff bracelet, and a simple pendant. This is when nice costume jewelry is your best bet. It’s one less thing to worry about, and understated accessories tend to suit more settings anyway.
As for bags, a crossbody style that zips closed is always a smart choice. If it has anti-theft features or a slash-proof strap, it’s even better. My favorites are from Lo & Sons, but there are also plenty of affordable options on Amazon, like this one and this one.
Lighten Up on the Black
Black is elegant and dependable, but in hot weather, it can feel heavy and harsh. Instead, I suggest soft neutrals like beige, taupe, gray, or camel. These neutrals reflect light, keep you cooler, still hide dirt well, and photograph beautifully. If black is a non-negotiable in your wardrobe, I totally get it…balance it with breezy fabrics and lighter accessories. You might enjoy my tips on how to wear black without looking washed out or boring, for ways to make black clothing work for you, no matter where your travels take you.
Cultural Norms Deserve Respect
What feels normal at home might be inappropriate abroad, especially when visiting religious or historic sites where modesty is expected. In some places, exposed shoulders or knees aren’t welcome, and it’s best to be prepared. That doesn’t mean you need to cover head to toe, but it does mean planning ahead.
I always carry a scarf or light wrap in my bag. It takes no space, adds polish to any outfit, and can provide instant coverage when needed.
Pack Lightweight Layers for Changing Weather
Even in the middle of summer, weather can shift quickly. I always include a few layering pieces like a cotton or linen sweater, a knit blazer, or a light trench. These add flexibility and elevate even the simplest outfits. They also help me feel a little more finished, even when I’m living out of a suitcase.
Why This Matters
As we get older, getting dressed becomes less about following trends and more about trusting ourselves. When I travel now, I want to feel comfortable, appropriate, and like myself. That doesn’t happen by accident…it takes a little planning.
The right clothes won’t make the trip, but they can absolutely make it more enjoyable, while the wrong clothes can ruin your trip. You just move differently when you’re not tugging at your hem or hobbling in painful shoes.
Applying This to Your Wardrobe
If you’ve ever arrived at your destination and realized half your suitcase doesn’t work, you’re not alone. I’ve done it plenty of times…packed things I thought I might wear, only to rely on the same familiar few pieces day after day.
Now, I keep it simple by building a small travel capsule wardrobe with a handful of versatile clothes that mix easily, feel good in the climate, and suit the way I actually travel. It takes the guesswork out of getting dressed and helps me feel more put together with less.
You may also enjoy Cruise Wear for Women Over 50: What to Pack
Here’s what I usually include:
- 3–4 tops in breathable, easy-care fabrics
- 2–3 bottoms that pair well with everything else
- 1–2 dresses that can be styled up or down
- 1 lightweight layer for warmth or coverage
- 2+ pairs of shoes and or sandals for walking, with one slightly dressier
- A scarf, a crossbody bag, and a few simple accessories to finish the look
I focus on clothes that can handle a bit of walking, weather shifts, and repeat wear without requiring constant adjusting or attention.
You don’t need a suitcase full of options. Just a few well-chosen things that help you feel like yourself in unfamiliar places.
Do you have any travel plans abroad this year? I’d love to hear what you’re packing and the one thing you never pack anymore.
I loved this post! It’s so refreshing to see travel tips specifically for women over 50. The advice on choosing breathable fabrics and versatile outfits is spot on. Can’t wait to put these tips into practice on my next trip!
Hi Jennifer,
Great travel info….I definitely overpacked on my last Amawaterways Danube cruise! How many days travel will your suggested wardrobe cover?
Mine covered me for 2.5 weeks all packed in a roller carry-on and tote bag.
Did you know you can launder the Ilse Jacobsen’s? Just take out the insoles first and throw them in.
Yes! It’s a great benefit.
Jennifer, I love the idea of a rolling rack! I returned from a Celebrity cruise from Barcelona, Ephesus, Greek islands, Athens, and Rome …an April trip with moderate weather the whole time. My accessories were only my simple silver earrings and James Avery cross necklace which I wore the whole time. I packed straight leg Talbots dark wash jeans with stretch, a pair of Talbots white jeans in same stretch fabric, 3 Talbots classic t’s in white, red, teal, a J Jill silk long sleeve teal, purple, rose small print blouse, one ankle length Dillards sleeveless navy small print silk blend dress with elastic waist and tiny pleats with the skirt …it pops out of the suitcase wrinkle free, blue ECCO sneakers and navy Vionic flats. I took a large navy silk scarf for shoulders if cool on deck or for a neck drape or head cover if needed, and a snap on red visor hat. I wore my “35 year old-still looks new” London Fog hooded raincoat onto the plane as it was pouring here in DFW when we left as well as when we returned. Someone really was praying hard for rain in Texas! I needed nothing else! I always pack cold meds, bandaids, and a small bottle of peroxide…it’s for scratches or a stain on white jeans😂
Loved the trip and would do that one on repeat. Your blog is fantastic thank you for your perfect insight.
Sandra Winfield
Your travel wardrobe sounds perfect!! I love it.
I started traveling more than 50 years ago. In those days, women always wore dresses or skirts. I find the latter much more versatile. Women NEVER wore shorts — only German med did — to this day, I won’t wear shorts in Europe. Nobody mentions it, but we took buses as well as trains: I can’t imagine touring Vancouver as we did and not taking a bus. Americans are a tad too fussy about buses. I also don’t understand the concept of an outfit for flying only: it seems like an incredible waste of space.
We just got back from 27 days in Europe including an 8 day Viking cruise. I packed for changeable weather and was glad I did! I had a puffer jacket, a lightweight jacket, a packable raincoat, and a cashmere cardigan and used them all layered together in windy, cool Amsterdam! I packed 2 WoolX Merino long sleeve tees and wore them most days. I love that they don’t stink. I also took 2 Oliver Charles Seacell tees but it wasn’t often warm enough to wear them. And a dressy tunic from Chicos. For pants, I brought my trusty Athleta Brooklyn ankle pants and 2 pair of Eddie Bauer adventure pants which have handy pockets. I only wore my dress once and used scarves to glam up the tees for evenings out. I never bring something that needs ironing and prefer clothes that dry overnight after a sink wash. I wore my On sneakers every day of the trip, changing to Rothy flats for evenings. This wardrobe served well for dinner out in Budapest as well as hiking beside a waterfall in Austria. Viking river cruises do not have room for self service laundry facilites aboard but will do laundry for you for a fee.
That sounds like a great packing list and an amazing trip!!
We just returned from a 16 day trip to the British and Emerald Isles. I prepared for varying temperatures and rain, conditions the area is known for, but we were blessed with beautiful moderate weather. I wish I could manage to fit everything in to a carry on, but it just hasn’t happened so far in our travels. I find it difficult to fit all of my clothes and the liquids for my hair and skin care in a carry on. Unfortunately the products I rely on don’t come in travel sizes! My goal for future travel is to take a variety of colors in pants. I tend to rely on black, so suggestions to pack tan and gray pants are welcome. I love the ease of Athleta pants and Chico’s travel pants. Cotton, linen and denim stretch out in the knees and wrinkle too much. Laundry services are available on the river and ocean cruises, but I have yet to see a self serve laundry, and do I really want to spend time doing it myself? A big No! Thanks for the posts, Jennifer, I learn something with each one and have tried some of the products you recommend!
Thank you for all the info. Last year I spent 14 days in Japan with a carry on bag and a tote. I knew we were going to be on and off trains and wanted to pack lightly. I did take advantage of the hotel laundry in Tokyo because it was really hot while we were there. Very freeing to not have a lot of stuff. I have purchased several merino wool tops that really held up. I too will wear a mask on the plane after spending a weekend in Las Vegas and contacting Covid- I only had 1 1/2 good days in Vegas and then was in bed. I’m almost sure I contacted it on our very crowded plane.
Japan was one of my favorite trips!!
We no longer travel but I so enjoyed traveling vicariously with all of you. I dress simply all the time. The only accessories I feel comfortable with are my earrings. Solid neutrals are my favorites in white, grey, navy and some beige pants. In summer temperatures here in Colorado, I wear linen or cotton gauze a lot as they breathe and are cooler. My hat is a cheaper version of your fedora that I found on Amazon. Enjoy all of your trips ladies and share the fun in writing about them.
I love my rolling rack, it really does help to “see” what pieces go together! It makes it more fun to pack! 🙂
I also wear a mask on the plane, I do think it helps.
I think the mask helps me as well. PS… Rolling racks are great for closet clean outs too.
Hi Jennifer,
First of all I want to tell you that I have recommended your blog to my canasta friends. My compliments to you for writing about the very things that we never talk about but need advice on.
I travel to Europe almost every year. I try not to make mistakes but each year I am getting better and better with my wardrobe. Your suggestions and many suggestions from others are valuable.
Having just returned from a week in Paris, this is what I took:
2 pair of dark good looking jeans. Ankle length so that they look good with any type of shoe-sneaker, sandal or a short bootie.
1 pair of dress black pants & 1 pair of loose capris pants in a taupe color.
I always like to look a bit dressier on top. I wear a lot of pleated tops that look dressy and bright. I recommend a jacket (some call this a blazer) that can be worn with a tee shirt or one of my nicer shirts. You can go just about anywhere with this look. A nice sweater or sweater set, depending on the time of year. I regret that I did not have a sweater set on this last trip and we did have cool weather. Only pack things that you truly enjoy wearing. It seems that no matter what, you always seem to wear the same thing more often when traveling than you might if you were at home. BTW, I have switched to one of these new lipsticks that last all day long. I no longer need to carry lipstick etc. everywhere I go. I’m hands free. This allows me to go all day long with my phone in a Bandolier cross body holder (credit card, cash, license in tact). Download a travel pass to your phone and every place you goes takes Apple pay!!
Hope some of my tips will be helpful to others…
Lynn
Thank you so much Lynn, that’s very kind of you. I agree, Apple Pay is brilliant. I use to all the time now. Your trip to Paris sounds amazing, I’m hoping to go in the fall.
We don’t have any travel plans currently, but are thinking of taking the train from Vancouver BC to eastern destinations. Have you ever traveled by train? You and the community have provided many great options for a travel wardrobe.
Please remind me of the white blouse brand you are wearing with the neutral pants.
It’s an older J Jill blouse that had stretch. I wish they still made it. I’d love to hear about train trip experiences too. They seem fun!
Great tips! We are going on our first Viking river cruise in September. I have black travel pants , different colored tops, sneakers, slip on shoes, scarves, rain jacket, hat, travel crossbody, jean jacket, cardigan.
Love all the ideas from others here.
Sounds perfect Sue. Have a fabulous time.
I live in a port city on the south coast of England. My comment is not intended to offend, just to cause your readers to stop and think before packing for their European trip.
In my city, we can always recognise American women visitors from the cruise ships because they always overdress. Sorry, I don’t mean to offend. American men seem to get it right but you women….please don’t dress up when you go ashore, keep your finery for on board the ship but ashore you need plain clothes, usually linen or cotton, simple tops and sometimes a sweater. And hold back on jewellery and scarves. You don’t need to be so matchy matchy. Often what stands out is that an American woman will wear for every day the kind of elaborate top and jewellery that might in England be evening wear. Europeans tend to dress down as well, expensive clothes but plain and simple.
Conversely, when visiting USA, we Brits do tend to dress up a bit…that is wear our best clothes for everyday!
Jennifer, your suggestions look good, I enjoy reading your posts so thank you.
Thanks for sharing your insights with us. Simple is often best, although I do love my accessories.
Mid-April I left on a 15-day European river cruise. I packed my favorite tshirts (4 solids and 3 prints) , a pullover sweater, 3 pairs of jean (light khaki, tan and navy), a pair of soft pants for the plane trip, zip up cardigan, reversable quilted vest (olive & cream), rain coat, hat, 2 pairs of walking shoes, a scarf, 2 necklaces and a few pair of earrings. Everything mixed and matched allowing me to create various outfits. Everything fit in a carryon suitcase. I took a tote with a smaller purse inside for the walking tours but mostly used the pockets inside of the vest for my wallet, phone and sunglasses.
Brilliant Nancy! That sounds perfect.
We’re headed to Sicily for 10 days in September. We have done a fair amount of international travel, and to me what has changed the most over the years is how casually Americans are dressing while traveling abroad. We use a high end travel tour company, so the people we are traveling with can certainly afford to dress nicely, but they choose not to. Thinking about your previous post regarding being the best dressed person in the room certainly applies here. When I’m abroad I try to dress as nicely as I do at home. Like you, Jennifer, my buzz word is layering. Layers of pieces that work together is the way to go. Pick a color you love to wear and work around it. I too carry a lightweight shawl with me for covering my head and shoulders if it becomes necessary. Some churches also do not allow shorts that don’t cover the knees. Bon voyage to everyone who is traveling this summer!
I’ve noticed that too and find it kind of sad. Dressing well is a form of self respect and self care. Have a wonderful trip!
I am a meticulous travel planner (and a visual person). The rolling rack is such a huge help, plus planning outfits on my Sylebook app. Then I force myself to try on every outfit and item. I want to be prepared for any and all weather-that is key to my comfort. In summer I like dresses. They are cool, comfy and pack down to nothing. Not going abroad but I am going to NYC, so yes my black dresses are on the list. I’ve noticed my Atheta items are real travel heros.
That’s so smart Shari. It makes travel much, much smoother. My wish is that Athleta would make a shapely shirtdress with short sleeves in their miraculous travel fabric! That would be fabulous. Have a great trip. NYC is exciting.
We are going to on our first Viking river cruise next April. I am trying to imagine packing only a carry on each for my husband and myself ! I heard Viking has laundry services which I hope are self- serve. Thank you for all the packing tips! I also wanted to mention that Vera Bradley has a nice travel line of purses and bags.
We loved our Viking trip. Have fun!
It’s not self serve laundry on the river cruises, only on ocean. There is a fee and you get a one time only. Your laundry comes back in a bag so some will need to be ironed.
Enjoy your cruise! My favourite type of travel.
Yes, Viking laundry services are self-serve…in my experience. Enjoy!
My husband and I will be on a Viking Mediterranean cruise this December. (Barcelona, Rome, Malta, Algiers, Tunis, Morocco and back to southern Spain). Excited the crowds will be less, but range of weather could be difficult to pack for. Know layers is the answer, but do you have an article similar to this one for colder, possibly rainier weather? Thanks!!
What an amazing sounding trip. I do not, having one specifically for cold weather but that same applies. When we went to Svalbard I just packed thin silk and wool long John’s to wear under all my clothes. It worked perfectly.
Just returned from a 16-day trip to Athens, istanbul and Greek Islands. I think very much like you. This time stuck with navy and tan. Couple pairs of jeans, navy leggings, tan pants and shorts and a silky pair of navy wide legs to dress up. Added a couple colorful scarves to dress things up and to use as head wraps for mosques. Since weather was warm, included a couple of colored crewnecks and v necks plus a couple sweaters. Could easily mix and match everything. Brought one pair of good walking sneakers, my Ilse jacobsen slip ons in army green that went with everything, a comfortable sandal, and a pair of neutral ballet flats. Worked perfectly
What a glorious sounding trip! Those Ilse Jacobsens are great and take up so little room in the bag.
Find the ilse jacobsen slips on to be so versatile. Have them in army green, tan and a fun watermelon color. Easily washable, comfortable and look nice with skirts, jeans, shorts etc. Wear them all summer!