When you are choosing your outfits, make sure that you save your most comfortable outfit for the end of the trip because that is when you will be getting antsy and any discomfort will irritate you more than is strictly reasonable. For the first outfit, start off with denim (of course, choose a style that is loose or a fabric with a decent amount of stretch) paired with a tank and a cozy cardigan. Train cars are kept cool so even if it is sweltering outside, you need to make sure that you have an outer layer handy. When I took the Southwest Chief from LA to Chicago during the summer, the woman sitting across the aisle from me was not prepared for the air conditioning and ended up putting on all the thin t-shirts she had packed in her luggage in an attempt to stay warm! I like to wear a tank top under my sweater so that if I get overheated (which often happens to me when I am in a confined space) I can easily adjust my outfit to reach a better body temperature.

Comfortable shoes are a must because you will want to get up and walk around the train. The western routes have sightseeing cars with big windows where you can enjoy the views and you'll likely want to take a trip to the dining car or snack car to get something to eat or drink. Even if you don't have a destination in mind, it is nice to stretch your legs and you will see many people doing a lap of the train every hour so their legs don't cramp up. I usually wear my Birkenstock Gizeh sandals, but sneakers in a bright color work equally well for melding style with practicality. 

When it gets close to your bedtime, you will want to slip into something more comfortable. If you are riding in coach, you will be surrounded by other people so your nighttime outfit will likely be different than your pajamas at home. I like to wear athletic wear because it is soft and stretchy, but is still appropriate in public. My winning combination includes yoga pants, a long tank top, a sports bra, and a hooded sweatshirt. The key is to avoid zippers, buttons, underwire or anything else that will poke and prod you in the night. Once again, you want to have the option to adjust your temperature easily by adding or removing the outer layer. On this blog I often implore my readers to not wear athletic wear in public unless they are working out, but this is an exception to that rule. Also be sure to bring a pair of socks in your carry-on bag so that cold toes don't disturb your sleep. Tthe ambient noise makes a train a surprisingly soothing place to sleep, so you don't want to stay up fidgeting because your clothes aren't comfortable enough. Plus, the interior lights are dimmed around 10 PM so you don't really have an option to do much else except rest!

The next morning you will probably be tempted to stay in your oh-so-comfortable athletic wear. However, if you plan ahead, you won't even mind putting on "real" clothes for the day. The MVP of your travel wardrobe, especially in summer, is the jersey maxi dress. It looks polished, but it feels like you could still be lounging in bed. Throw on a wrap cardigan to keep your arms warm and slip into a pair of sandals. You will be ready for breakfast in the dining car and for whatever activities await you at your destination.

The great thing about train travel is that unlike planes, you can actually keep most of your luggage with you. Amtrak lets you take two pieces of luggage plus a personal item with you on the train and then lets you check up to three more bags. On most trips (train or plane) I fit everything into a single suitcase plus a backpack so this policy is more than generous for me. When you are packing your suitcase, make sure that your nighttime outfit and second daytime outfit are on the top so that you can easily grab them when you need to get changed. 

When travelling by long-distance train, I also like to bring a large tote bag that holds all my "on-board" necessities. Just like you need to prep for a car trip, it is important that you plan ahead for a train trip so that you don't find yourself bored out of your mind three hours into a day or two journey. The woman on my LA to Chicago train that didn't bring a sweater also did not bring a book, magazine, music, or anything else that would serve as entertainment.

Outlets are plentiful on trains and many routes offer free wi-fi, so laptops, tablets, and smartphones all offer something in the way of distraction. Although I generally download a movie or two before the trip, I like to take advantage of the time to get in some quality reading. For this upcoming trip I am bringing two books that I have been itching to read, The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon and The Martian by Andy Weir. I will also pack a perennial favorite, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, so that I know I have something beloved that I can get lost in should I find myself getting a case of cabin fever. Also, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with your seatmates or with people in the sightseeing car! I've had plenty of fascinating conversations on trains.

Although entertainment options are important, you don't want to completely fill up your tote bag with books and gadgets. I always bring a blanket (especially important now that Amtrak no longer provides them at night), a full-sized pillow, and a pair of slippers.The pillow and blanket might seem like they would only be useful at night, but during the day they can turn your seat into your own personal oasis. I place the pillow vertically between my back and the seat for extra cushion and the blanket is another layer for when I find the air conditioning to be too chilly. When I am sitting at my seat, I also kick off my sandals and wear my slippers instead. Since I always wear slippers in my apartment, it helps me feel like I am somewhere I can relax. I always get lots of envious stares when I pull my slippers out of my tote bag. If you aren't normally a slipper person, then a pair of cozy socks will do the trick just as well.

Since you will be on the train for many hours, your daily routine is going to be upset slightly. This means you will probably be going longer between showers than you would on a regular day so you might feel less than your best. Some of the things that I like to keep close at hand on a long train trip are:

• deodorant 
• dry shampoo
• hand sanitizer
• tissues
• lip balm 
• hand lotion (but stay away from strong fragrances!)
• face wash
• painkillers
• mints

While there are food and beverage options on the train that I do take advantage of, I also like to keep a few snacks in my bag. A reusable water bottle is a must, but I also like to bring along juice boxes for when I want some variety. Applesauce, apples, and the Five Seed Almond Bars from Trader Joe's are great together for breakfast or separately as an afternoon snack. All of these items are shelf stable so they will last until my return trip without requiring any refrigeration. I know that some people plan ahead and bring all of their meals on the train, but I really enjoy the dining car experience because you get to chat with other passengers. 

Where are your Memorial Day weekend plans taking you this year? Share your favorite travelling outfits and tips for making a long trip more bearable in the comments!

Currently in Chicago I have to wear jackets and cardigans to stay warm against the outdoor temperature, but in LA I will have to wear those outer layers to stay warm against the chill of indoor air conditioning! If you are exploring your destination and expect to be wandering in and out of air conditioned comfort all day, bring a tote bag or oversized purse instead of a small clutch. When you are outside, you can store your outer layer in the tote and you will have plenty of extra room to keep a bottle of sunscreen on hand!

Tortoiseshell is a classic pattern for glasses frames and the Abel in Burnt Lemon Tortoise feels fresh and fun. Pair it with light layers like this cotton tank, cropped cardigan, and cuffed ankle denim for a look that will keep both your style and your body temperature cool.

For sweltering hot days, nothing is better than a brightly patterned maxi dress. It is an easy way to look polished and stay cool all day long, whether you are strolling down the boardwalk or sipping cocktails in the hotel bar. Plus, a bonus is that the full length means that you never have to worry about a gust of wind lifting up the hem of your skirt. 

The Jackson in Crystal is the perfect pair of sunglasses to top off this effortlessly chic look. Clear frames are practical because they coordinate with everything in your wardrobe, but it is their modern vibe that makes them the rockstar of your accessory collection.

One of the reasons that I was so excited to hear about Warby Parker's new collection is that they make it really easy to find stylish sunglasses even if you need prescription lenses. I've worn glasses since the second grade and the options for prescription sunglasses that are offered at the eye doctor aren't always the best, especially if you want great style at a reasonable price. Plus, trying to pick out a new pair of frames after you've finished an eye exam where your eyes were dilated is not a recipe for making a good decision. The alternative to that is Warby Parker's Home Try-On option. You browse their website and then pick out five frames that you think look promising and they will send a box to your home with those five options! You then get to spend five days trying on the frames with all your different outfits, hairstyles, and moods so that you can choose the perfect option for you. Basically you get to skip the fluorescent lights and the spur-of-the-moment decision making so that you can find the perfect pair of frames. How awesome is that?

What vacation to a warm locale would be complete without a trip to the beach or the pool? Throw on a pair of patterned shorts and a lightweight chambray shirt over your swimsuit when you are done sunbathing so that you can grab a burger at the nearest snack shack. And don't forget sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare coming off the water!

Long time readers of this blog know that red is my favorite color so I swooned when I saw the Madison in Rum Cherry. Since my brand new swimsuit (slightly visible in the photo underneath the polka dot chambray shirt) is red gingham, this seemed like the perfect pairing. Not to mention, when the 4th of July rolls around, you will have the red part of your outfit covered with these fabulous frames.

It is easy to get caught up in the bright colors when you are travelling to a warm location, but don't be afraid to try something a little more subdued. The grey-green cropped chinos add a relaxed feel to the burgundy lace shell which leaves the nautical inspired moto-jacket to make the big statement in this outfit. Pair with sandals for day or with peeptoe pumps for dinner and drinks. 

Just because an outfit is subdued, doesn't mean that it has to be boring and the Piper in Striped Brandy is a perfect example of that. The variation of color is noticeable, but not overwhelming and as a result these frames can pair easily with outfits both bold and understated. This is the perfect option for anyone worried about wearing harsh colors (such as black) close to their face. After nearly eight years of wearing red frames for my everyday glasses, I switched to brown frames last year and have been pleasantly surprised at how easily brown coordinates with everything I like to wear, even though I have very few brown clothes. 


Do you agree with my pairings of outfits and sunglasses? Share your favorite combinations in the comments along with your packing tips and go-to vacation outfits! Be sure to follow me on social media to see all of the summer outfits I wear next weekend in Los Angeles!

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