In the UK, road trips are usually to get to weddings or country weekends away. For me, a road trip isn’t just about where I’m going — its about the experience which is part of the fun itself including eating Krispy Kreme doughnuts from the service stations along the way. For whatever reason, its also always been the case that I need to be dressed for a dinner at a fancy pub when I reach. I am also a millennial of a certain age so its never been about casual tees or fleece-lined hoodies or the whole sweatpants-with-slides routine.
So this is my take on road trip glam. I like to pack some basic items but its not a whole capsule wardrobe I am packing along. The vibe is a a little more chaos than that especially since its just a weekend in most cases so I have a little more room to be adventurous with my wardrobe.
Packing With Intent (and Just a Hint of Drama)
My road trip uniform starts with three main statement pieces: a tailored jacket, black boots and red lipstick.
Think deconstructed blazer, tweed in an unexpected pattern, or faux leather with clean-cut edges. Something sharp enough to throw over a vest top and still make it fashionable. I can take off the jacket while sitting in the car but its a piece that adds so much to the outfit once I need it to.
As for the boots, think combat, heeled or Chelsea. As long as you can drive in them and wear thick cosy socks you can curl up with in the car when you are not driving.
Finally, my red lipstick. Choose a true red and trust me, whatever you wear will look great with red lipstick. Even the most casual of outfits will be chic.
Everything else builds around this uniform: minimal base layers, high-waisted jeans, slip dresses that work as well with beat-up jackets or cosy jumpers. For accessories? Stackable rings, retro sunglasses, a metallic cuff, and a sturdy belt with a personality.
Because the magic of road trip glam is about intention. Every piece pulls its weight, and every look means something.
A Cool Ride
Its odd we haven’t discussed this yet but the car is of course, a big part of the vibe of the road trip. I have always wanted to rent one of those gorgeous cars for a road trip instead of taking our boring dependable Volkswagon. One of those cool convertibles or a classic vintage one with beautifully visible performance exhaust headers. Add in some old school music and hand-rolled Rocky Patel cigars and its such a vibe.
Pit Stops for Food and Car Picnics
Let’s be real: half of road tripping is pit stops and free rein to consume junk food. I have gotten better about this but this is the only time I inhale fast food burgers and fries and its totally worth it. But even more than the lunch pit stop what I look forward to is the car picnic. Doughnuts, coffee and crisps for on the way while you listen to the latest Spotify road trip playlist. Its these silly little things that add to the fun and make the actual car ride fun as well.
– Anisha
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