‘Tis the season of family, giving thanks, and exchanging warmth and love to fight the chilly climate, but it is also the season of travel. It’s no news that airports are flooded with holiday travelers who are going to visit their loved ones, or returning home for familiar faces, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be chic or look cool despite the stress of baggage claim and security check-points. Here are a few things you should really consider having with you when you’re traveling this season.

One of the things that often puts a damper on our holiday mood before we even get to our destination is the airport, but it’s easy to be comfortable and looking good if you keep one word in mind: footwear. Moccasins are soft and easy to put on and take off when you go through security, and fleece-lined pairs are especially good for keeping your feet warm on the plane without constricting your blood flow, which is very important to be aware of when flying. If you like fashion more than function, moccasins now come with very cute buckles and other details, so they’re like flats without the pain of pinching and blisters!

Unless you’re lucky enough to be in a place where the winters are mild, you should always bring not just one scarf, but two. One can be warm and snuggly like a pashmina scarf for sitting by the fire or going ice-skating, and the other can be a little more sophisticated like a silk scarf. Silk scarves with patterns and designs are particularly beautiful and add the perfect touch of class to an otherwise plain outfit, but other silk scarves are high sheen and have a great variety of colors, so it’s like wearing jewelry that keeps you warm!

And unless you have a very strict itinerary and you know exactly what you’re doing, you should always pack one party-appropriate dress with you. Chances are, you’ll be going to at least one party, and you never know who you might run into while you’re there, so you definitely want to look your best. Little black dresses are your best bet, but why not find a party dress in your favorite color? You’ll be the bell of the ball, and you can pre-pack several different accessories like belts, earrings, necklaces, and maybe two different pairs of shoes in case you get invited to multiple parties. Just be sure to pick a style that is flattering but still conservative; one night you may be out to dinner with old friends, and the next night you’re with parents and relatives.

Finally, if you’re only staying a few days, or are making an effort to pack light, the perfect carry-on luggage will see you through. Hard-shell suitcases are now more lightweight and more durable than ever, so you don’t have to worry about struggling to carry it around or the contents inside. Bright colors and patterns are great for expressing yourself and easily recognizing which suitcase is yours in the overhead compartment, but if you’d rather have a more plain and inconspicuous bag, be sure to tie a bright ribbon (not red or blue…everyone uses those colors!) around the handle so you know which one belongs to you.

Have safe, happy, and stylish travels!

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