It may sound strange that living out of a 65L backpack can actually make your outfits trendier. Typically carrying everything you own in backpack for 3 months sounds like it would be a definite fashion violation I have to say that living on less improved my personal style immensely. This is something I would not have imagined before. Here’s why…
Creativity
When you have such a small amount of space to pack, it forces you to be creative with your options. I wore rompers with skirts over it to look like a bodysuit. I made shorter dresses into shirts by tying them up hip length. Having less forced me to try new combinations from fear of wearing the same outfit in every instagram. When you know every single article of clothing you have you are not overloaded with options. It is easier to think out new outfits when you are familiar with all your pieces.
Accessories
Accessories are great for traveling when you want to change up an outfit. You can have a couple different sets of accessories because they are so small to pack. A plain white tee shirt has a totally different vibe with a small neck scarf. A tank top and jean skirt can look more dressy with statement earrings and your hair in a top knot.
Hair Styling
Before I did not think of hair as part of my look. I had about 3 hairstyles which were wild ponytail, straight, or loose curls. I did not have the time or energy to fix my hair with an iron when traveling. There are so many cute looks you can do with your hair without using tools. Some hairstyles you can do with your natural hair that take about 5 minutes include french braid, dutch braid, double braids, 2 low / high buns, half up – half down pony or braid, high / low pigtails, scarf tied in bun, etc. There’s over 10 styles right here that can can completely change the outfit vibe and the way you feel within 5 minutes.
Budget
If someone told me that having less money made me more stylish, I would have thought they were crazy. Too many times in my life had I purchased an article of clothing and it didn’t pair with anything else I owned. Backpack living did not allow for these statement pieces that rare got worn. Each thing I purchased had to fit with my collection. Another trap to avoid is purchasing clothes that “sort of” fit. Those items that you like decently but maybe don’t do you any favors. When traveling and making use of every thing you have, “sort of” doesn’t make the cut, I did not have space or money to spend on something that sometimes fit or fit mediocre.
Passion
In relation to my budget and not having much money to spend on clothes, I would only buy something new if it was absolutely shaking the earth for me. I have to love it. This is an attribute I still follow today. It is so easy to buy something because it’s a decent price and will add a little variation to your looks. Why are we dressing in things that are mediocre just because because they are cheap?! I used to be so guilty of this. I feel so much more confident and happy with my clothes because they feel like me! Our clothes should feel like us. An outfit choice is one of the most impressionable ways we express ourselves to the world. Therefore when I was traveling I only packed and purchased clothes that felt like me.
Even if you are not going on a backpacking adventure giving some thought to these different attributes can help you improve your style. All of these things have helped me becoming the trendy bohemian goddess, I like to tell myself I am. 😉
Nice blog Colleen.