Vintage Travel Essentials For a Weekend Trip

Last updated on May 24th, 2025 at 09:50 am

• How to Build a Capsule Travel Wardrobe with Vintage Pieces
• Best Vintage Luggage for a Weekend Trip
• The Popularity of a Suitcase
• The Hat Box
• Vintage Accessories for a Weekend Getaway
• The Perfect Vintage Handbag for Travel: Function Meets Fashion
• Packing the Perfect Vintage Travel Shoes
• How to Travel with Vintage Hats, Gloves, and Jewellery
• Vintage Beauty and Hair Essentials for Travelling
• Creating a Compact Vintage Beauty Kit
• Easy Vintage Hairstyles That Hold Up During Travel
• What to Wear for Road Trips, Trains, and Air Travel
• Vintage-Inspired Outfits for Sightseeing and Day Trips
• Evening Looks: How to Pack for Elegant Vintage Nights

Vintage Wardrobe Travel Tips: The Ultimate Guide

A travel outfit should be as simple and practical as possible, with a rather sporty, casual character—never fancy! An extravagant travel outfit is a sign of poor taste and a complete lack of knowledge of dressing etiquette. The greatest elegance in travel attire lies in the excellent quality of the fabric and the impeccable cut of every piece of clothing. A truly elegant woman can be easily recognized by the outfit she wears while traveling.

Jadwiga Suchodolska, The Art of Dressing, 1937

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How to Build a Capsule Travel Wardrobe with Vintage Pieces

Travelling was a big part of my job, and as glamorous as that may sound, it’s far from it. I spent more time in the departure lounges of airports and on the plane getting from point A to point B than in the city I was visiting.

To speed up this process, I endeavoured to travel with only carry-on luggage. Although I have never been particularly good at packing practical items, I have mastered the skill to perfection over the years and now apply it to my weekend getaways. In this article, I will show you what vintage clothes to take on a short holiday trip, and which best to leave at home.

My Vintage Travel Wardrobe Tips For a Weekend Trip:

1. A VINTAGE BLACK SKIRT SUIT: It’s the first thing I pack for a weekend trip, as it’s the most versatile garment I can mix and match with different blazers, blouses and slacks.
   
2. VINTAGE SKIRT SUIT IN PATTERN: The second suit I pack for a vintage weekend is in either a plaid or checkered pattern. Depending on the time of the year, I opt for worsted wool, pure wool—like the 1940s suit I’m wearing in the picture below during my weekend trip to Kraków—or light Rayon.
   
   
   
3. SHIRT DRESS: I never travel anywhere without a vintage shirt dress as it’s a very comfortable garment and easy to pack—it takes very little space in the carry-on luggage—and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
   
   
4. TWO SHIRTS OR BLOUSES: When I travel in the summer, I pack two simple 1940s blouses in black or two-toned colours, as they complement the skirts in my skirt suit set perfectly. Alternatively, if the city I plan to visit is known for its high humidity, I will choose two vintage reproduction tops, like the one in the picture below. I replaced the buttons with the original ones from the 1930s for a more authentic feel.
   
   
   
   

Best Vintage Luggage for a Weekend Trip

This exquisite 1940s American skirt suit, acquired from the Elegant Era Vintage shop, a recent addition to my ever-growing vintage collection, is the epitome of refined travel attire—equally appropriate whether one is journeying by train, plane, or the back seat of a classic convertible. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort, lightness, and timeless sophistication.

I paired the ensemble with a navy blue 1940s handbag, a cherished vintage find, and grounded the look with a pair of contemporary shoes inspired by 1930s design. Though the accessories don’t align chromatically, they harmonise beautifully with the suit, proving once again that contrast, when done thoughtfully, can be ever so stylish.
Instead of donning a hat, I opted for a genuine 1940s hair snood—a true travel essential for any vintage enthusiast. It’s nothing short of miraculous when it comes to preserving meticulously set hair throughout even the longest of voyages. Of course, the magnificent grey ‘Bas So!!’ fully fashioned stockings are from Cervin. And if you are unfamiliar with the brand, read my in-depth article featuring my favourite Cervin stockings.

As for the suitcase, while not an authentic 1940s Oshkosh (alas, I’m still hunting for the perfect one), this trusty 1990s companion has its own stories to tell. It has graced the halls of the Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor, strolled through the streets of Sydney and New York, soared to Singapore, and now finds itself delighting in a well-earned stay in Warsaw.

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The Popularity of a Suitcase

The suitcase became increasingly popular starting in the 1930s, as travellers began to carry their own luggage rather than relying on porters and servants, which was common in the 19th century during lengthy sea voyages. With the rise of airline travel and the introduction of baggage limits and size restrictions, the suitcase and the travellers’ mindset had to be revamped and adjusted to fit these new realities.

Early suitcases (usually called “suit cases” or “suit-cases”) were lighter and more portable than trunks, but they were still bulky by today’s standards. Leather, wicker or thick rubbery cloth was stretched over a rigid wood or steel frame. Corners were rounded out using brass or leather caps. Such suitcases tended to have roughly the proportions of a hardback book: flattened and easy to carry, with a handle on the long side. Until steamship travel declined during the mid-20th century, many were advertised as waterproof. Lightweight models were often marketed specifically to women.¹

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STUNNING ORIGINAL VINTAGE LUGGAGE I FOUND ON ETSY

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The Hat Box

In a world where accessories often speak louder than words—have you ever seen my collection of larger-than-life costume jewellery?—the hat box has held a unique position, whispering tales of grandeur and evoking nostalgia for an era when travel was as much about the journey as the destination.

The art of luxury travel still exists, of course, and if you would like to get a glimpse of what it means to indulge in pure voyage luxury, take a look at one of the suite cabins on Orient Express, “The Artisan of Travel Since 1883”. If your budget doesn’t permit splurging on such an extravaganza, you can get the next best thing, a beautiful hat box (luggage) that will make you feel like a million bucks even when you travel in economy class. Remember, my darlings, luxury is a state of mind.

Imagine a time when hats were more than just fashion statements; they were symbols of status, personality, and flair. Hats demanded care and respect. Enter the hatbox, an elegant artefact that not only safeguarded these prized possessions but also reflected the evolving styles and cultural shifts through the ages.

1. The hatbox has been a symbol of grandeur and nostalgia, reflecting the significance of hats in the past as status symbols and fashion statements.
2. It evolved from opulent Victorian designs to sleek structures of the 20th century, showcasing the changing styles of different eras.
3. Branded hatboxes became popular in the 1930s as luxury accessories and practical storage options for consumers.
4. Hat boxes made of various materials like leather and fibre served both functional and aesthetic purposes, representing sophistication and taste.
5. The association of hat boxes with the Grand Tours tradition in the nineteenth century further solidified their status as symbols of cultural refinement among the elite.

HATBOX CHECKLIST 1950

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HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST GLAMOROUS VINTAGE-INSPIRED SUITCASES YOU CAN BUY TODAY!

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Vintage Accessories for a Weekend Getaway

The Must-Have Accessories for a Complete Vintage Travel Wardrobe

1. Dress shields are the first thing on my list of vintage accessories for a weekend trip. I always wear them under all my vintage clothes to protect them from perspiration stains. And if you are new to the world of vintage clothes and have never heard of dress shields, they are an absolute must-have! Your clothes will thank you.
2. A vintage belt, I love the narrow and the very wide 1940s belts equally, can easily transform an entire look. A simple 1940s shirtwaist dress, perfect to wear during the day, will turn heads in the evening if accessorised with a 1950s patent belt.
3. In the summer, I don’t go anywhere without the most stylish Bougie water bottle in a sling.
4. You can’t go on a vintage weekend getaway without the most important vintage accessory, sunglasses. And there is nothing more fitting or glamorous than Oliver Godsmith’s Manhattan shades that Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

THE DRESS SHIELDS

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The Perfect Vintage Handbag for Travel: Function Meets Fashion

Regardless of whether I go for a weekend or a week’s trip, I only take one purse with me. The key to remember is that it should be big enough to hold a phone, (red) lipstick, tissues and a band-aid. I always make sure that colour-wise, the purse will go with my vintage weekend wardrobe.

I don’t play favourites with my vintage purses as I love them all, but for a weekend getaway. I often opt for this late 1950s patent beauty in the picture below.

Handbag Checklist From 1950

• Passport case
• Handkerchief
• Diary
• Compact, lipstick
• Mirror, comb
• Sunglasses
• Perfume flask
• Pocket watch
• American money-wallet
• Foreign money-wallet
• Cigarette case holder
• Lighter

Packing the Perfect Vintage Travel Shoes

Banish shoe mistakes: If a shoe hurts, give it away. A fashionable foot is not worth it if it hurts.

Claire Mccardell, What Shall I Wear, 1956

Packing a minimal yet versatile selection of shoes.

When packing shoes to complement a vintage ensemble for a short trip, the two main things to consider are comfort and versatility. I never take more than two pairs, including the footwear I travel in.

How to Travel with Vintage Hats, Gloves, and Jewellery

Gloves are a beautiful and essential accessory that protects your hands from the cold in winter and sun damage in summer. My mom often reminds me that you can always tell someone’s age by looking at their hands. Unfortunately, hands are often the most neglected part of our skincare routine.

Vintage Beauty and Hair Essentials for Travelling

(Effortlessly Maintain a Vintage Look While on the Go)

Beauty junkies like myself will surely understand my quandaries when it comes to sticking to the bare minimum of a beauty and makeup kit that will suffice for a two-day trip to Paris where a perfectly manicured look is everything.

I’ve been narrowing the list more and more, though, and I’m now proud to say that I managed to limit myself to the magical number six of the six magical products, and here they are.

Creating a Compact Vintage Beauty Kit

Must-have hair and beauty products for a vintage weekend trip.

1. Perfume is the first on my travel beauty essentials list. Opium by YSL is my opium, and I don’t leave the house in the evening without it! I’m also a big fan of Hermes Eau des Merveilles Eau De Toilette, one of my favourite summer fragrances, and if I had to describe the scent in a few words, I would quote ‘Emily in Paris’ and say that ‘it’s like being dressed in poetry.’ And then comes the Eau du Soir by Sisley. Imagine a sun-drenched promenade where a vivacious tangerine encounters a languorous grapefruit in a dazzling flirtation of citrus delight, love at first, tantalising glance. An intoxicating rose absolute, rich and decadent, dances with a whisper of jasmine balm, while the beguiling notes of syringa and ylang-ylang lend an air of vintage opulence. As the final act unfolds, a sumptuous embrace of amber and patchouli anchors the bouquet, leaving behind a trail of fruit-laced florals imbued with timeless, aristocratic elegance.
   
   
2. Batiste dry shampoo, the instant hair refresh, is a real hair-saver when you can’t wash your coiffure. Or like it’s the case with me, you have a vintage hairstyle that doesn’t require a wash every day. Batiste shampoo comes in different fragrances, but my favourites are Floral and Blush!
3. Makeup remover is a must-have for a weekend trip. If your skin is dry or sensitive, you might be interested in my in-depth article about the top 10 makeup removers. The one brand that never disappoints is Shiseido, and their Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam is no exception. You can read more about it in my article, Top 10 Shiseido products.
4. Lip balm is a must-have when travelling. Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm and Kiehl’s Buttermask for lips never leave my sight. I use the products interchangeably all year round, and I can’t think of a better remedy for dry lips. Please note that Kiehl’s is more budget-friendly.
5. Mascara is a must-have! I have short, straight eyelashes, so I depend on lengthening mascara when I travel. I can’t live without the newly discovered Dr. Irena Eris Perfect Lashes Mascara and their Lashes Growth Mascara. If you live outside the EU and can’t access the Dr Irena Eris brand, I highly recommend Pat McGrath FetishEYES Mascara.
6. Red lipstick is an absolute must-have. You can analyse me as much as you like, but I feel naked without my lips being painted red. If you don’t have much space in your luggage for a bag full of makeup, I suggest you take your favourite lipstick and nothing else! My new favourite is the Rouge Icon from Sisley. It’s the most divine shade of red, rich, unapologetic, and evocative of the kind favoured by silver screen sirens such as Rita Hayworth and my beloved Joan Crawford. Women who instinctively understood that the right lipstick could be as commanding as a perfectly timed pause in dialogue. And let’s not forget that during the tumultuous years of World War II, red lipstick was far more than a cosmetic indulgence. It was patriotism in a tube, a potent symbol of resilience, glamour, and the independence of women who refused to fade into the background.
7. * I should mention that I always carry an SPF 50 face cream in my purse. I adopted this habit a decade ago, and initially, I wasn’t planning to include it on my list. However, since this may be your first time visiting my blog, it makes sense to mention it.

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I’ve recently noticed an influx of new readers from Poland—welcome to my vintage fashion blog with a slightly gothic twist! To make your shopping experience easier, I’m including a link to the online Sisley shop in Poland. And if you find yourself in Warsaw, be sure to check out their stunning brick-and-mortar store; it’s definitely worth a visit!

Easy Vintage Hairstyles That Hold Up During Travel

A vintage hair snood is the perfect hair accessory for a weekend getaway. It will keep your vintage hairstyle intact regardless of the weather. It’s also a wonderful alternative to a hat, especially if you are not planning to take a hat box.

My favourite vintage hairstyle, which has become my signature look, is a blend of styles from the 1930s and 1940s. I draw inspiration from icons like Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, and Barbara Stanwyck, incorporating elements of their looks into my own. To achieve my hairstyle, I use a combination of medium and small-sized foam rollers to create very tight curls. While I don’t follow a specific pattern when styling, I always create a bumper bang using a hair rat on the day I travel.

Headscarves and vintage turbans are also chic and practical accessories, essential tools for on-the-go vintage hairstyling.

What to Wear for Road Trips, Trains, and Air Travel

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Nobody wants to be a play girl any more-but everybody deserves a holiday. Your summer clothes ought to be gay and comfortable, ready for that day of relaxation! Colourful slacks for every woman whose figure allows: the basque dress with breezy full skirt, adorable and adored by the young and slim, night and day; candy stripes and splashy prints from morning to night; sheer dotted Swiss to defy the heat and delight the eye!

Ladies’ Home Journal 1942 by Wilhela Cushman

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How can you stay comfortable yet stylish wearing vintage clothes on a long journey?

Depending on the time of the year for a weekend trip, I either wear a vintage cotton shirtwaist dress, perfect in the summer and spring, or a woollen skirt suit suitable for winter. Those are my two choices when I know I’ll travel by train.

For journeys by plane, I started wearing one of my Son de Flor dresses. The thicker linen vintage-inspired classic dress with long sleeves, which I call ‘Wednesday’ after Wednesday Addams, is ideal for cooler months, while the lighter linen version of the same dress with short sleeves is perfect for summer.

I strongly recommend opting for a vintage reproduction garment when travelling by plane to avoid accidental damage to your precious vintage pieces. Once, someone sitting next to me spilt their coffee on my 1950s skirt during turbulence. That was the last time I wore a vintage raiment while flying.

Vintage-Inspired Outfits for Sightseeing and Day Trips

Choosing breathable and practical vintage outfits made of cotton, linen, or rayon for exploring new places in the summer and spring is key to staying fabulous and comfortable.

Tips for looking put together with minimal effort:

1. Celanese acetate suits introduced in the late 1940s by my favourite Handmacher brand always stay crisp, smooth and wrinkle-free, making them ideal for a vintage travel trip. Be warned, though, as I’m a big collector of Handmacher suits from the 1940s and the 1950s, and chances are that you might not be able to find one. In the picture, I’m wearing a Weathervane Handmacher suit from 1953 made of the Celanese acetate wonder fabric.
   
   
2. Linen is a natural fabric with a tendency to wrinkle and crease, but that only adds character to the garment, so don’t worry about ironing it during your trip. Most importantly, linen is thermo-regulating, breathable, and moisture-wicking, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. This checkered linen skirt with a matching blouse from Son de Flor is the perfect vintage-inspired outfit for sightseeing and day trips.
   
   
3. A vintage belt, like the wide-patent one above, will transform every one of your outfits, and it won’t take up much space in your luggage.
   
   Picture of the beautiful actress Rosalind Russell in a checkered dress and a fabulous patent belt.
   
   
   
   Vintage travel wardrobe tips.

Evening Looks: How to Pack for Elegant Vintage Nights

When planning for a weekend getaway, the ideal vintage evening dress combines style with practicality, fitting effortlessly into my suitcase without taking up much space and resisting the clutches of wrinkles. For a short trip, I typically choose a maxi-length black rayon dress from the 1940s or a midi-length dress from the 1930s. I don’t mind wearing the same vintage gown two evenings in a row, especially at different restaurants, because I love showcasing its beauty in various settings. Each time I wear it, I bring a touch of Old Hollywood glamour to my travels.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Answering Common Concerns About Packing and Wearing Vintage While Travelling)

I hope my vintage travel wardrobe tips will be useful to you for your next weekend getaway!

1. Gross, Daniel. “The History of the Humble Suitcase.” Smithsonianmag.com, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/. ↩︎