With children in tow, the world feels new—each step a story, each laugh a view.
Yesterday, I was asked about traveling with my children and how I style them, and I have to say—it’s a bit of a tough one! From a young age, I’ve encouraged them to avoid clothes with logos, cartoons, or too many graphics. Of course, they’ve asked for t-shirts with fun designs, and we do have some, but I mostly reserve those for home or sleeping.
When it comes to packing for a trip, I give my children the freedom to choose five pairs of pants and five shirts—three of which are long-sleeve if we’re traveling for two weeks.
Of course, the number of layers depends on the weather of our destination. Over time, they’ve built a wardrobe of mostly plain and matching colors, so putting outfits together is never a hassle.
For my daughter, I always bring a basic style dress(like on this photo while we were traveling to Quebec , which I can easily accessorize with a scarf, a light jacket, or a hat. I love hats, and if you take a look at our travel photos, you’ll notice that they’re often part of her outfit! I believe you don’t need to pack a lot of clothes; having a solid base and a bit of creativity is all you need to put together some great looks—and get beautiful photos along the way.
My Tips For you will Be:
1. Prioritize Comfort Without Sacrificing Style
- Soft fabrics like cotton, jersey, or bamboo are breathable and ideal for long travel days.
- Stretchy bottoms (like leggings or joggers) offer flexibility for movement.
- Layering pieces: Think cardigans, zip-up hoodies, or denim jackets—great for changing climates and cute photos.
📸 Style Tip: Neutral basics with one standout accessory (like a colorful beanie or patterned scarf) make any outfit pop.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
- Aim for a cohesive color palette instead of identical outfits.
- Use themes: earth tones for nature trips, nautical blues and whites for beach days, etc.
- Patterns like stripes, polka dots, or florals add character without clashing.
📷 Photo Bonus: Harmonized colors look better in group shots and create a timeless aesthetic.
👟 3. Shoes Made for Walking—and Photos
- Avoid bulky sneakers unless they’re statement pieces.
- Go for:
- Neutral or tan sandals for warmer places
- Sleek boots or classic canvas shoes for city exploring
🏞️ Practical Tip: Choose shoes kids can easily take on/off during flights or long drives.
4. Accessorize Smartly
- Hats, sunglasses, backpacks, and scarves aren’t just practical—they add layers and textures to photos.
- Mini crossbody bags or animal-ear beanies can make for adorable style points.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep accessories travel-friendly and easy to remove during naps or airport security.
5. Choose Low-Maintenance Fabrics
- Look for wrinkle-resistant, stain-hiding materials—especially for toddlers.
- Avoid whites or very light colors unless you’re ready for laundry drama.
6. Plan Outfits by Travel Day
- Travel days: Comfy and minimal—leggings, oversized tees, slip-ons.
- Sightseeing: Stylish but versatile—layered looks, sturdy shoes.
- Photo-heavy days (like landmarks): Dressier but still kid-appropriate.
🧳 Packing Hack: Use zip pouches to pre-pack outfits by day or destination.
7. Bonus: Keep a “Hero Outfit” for Photos
- Have at least one go-to outfit for each child that’s your “wow” piece—perfect for iconic photos.
- Think: linen overalls, vintage-style dresses, or cool bomber jackets.
Check one of my favourite shops here https://thesimplefolk.co/collections/children?filter.p.product_type=Leggings&filter.p.product_type=Shorts&filter.p.product_type=Trousers
You never truly know what the environment will bring, and that’s exactly why plain, solid colours work so well. They blend effortlessly into any setting, creating a timeless and cohesive look without distractions.
