If anyone knows how to pack for a holiday, it’s Getaway host Catriona Rowntree.
We asked the Getaway presenter for her advice on how to look chic on the go.
What are the key things you look for when it comes to the clothes you take travelling
Does it crush? Will it show stains? Is it respectful for the community I’ll be travelling to? Is it Australian made? Sustainable? Suitable for the weather? Will the shoes work in the environments I’m heading to? When it comes to packing, I err on the side of practical, over pretty.
Is there a particular warm jacket / puffer that is great for travelling?
Unless your puffer is lined in wool, it’s one of the worst things you can do to the environment. I have one from Husk that fits that bill.
For my coats, I seem to reach for one of two wool coats. A red Paddington Bear one (not a technical term, just what I call it) that I found near Hollyrood House in Edinburgh. It’s wool and still looks brand new! I made a version of this for Iris & Wool in blue, as my husband wouldn’t let me wear red to watch his footy team (Go Cats!)
At the airport, the chicest people are in camel coats, I love my Creswick wool coat as it just seems to go with everything. Basically, you want something that folds easily, is warm and goes with everything.
Have you found a hat that is great for travel?
I have a hat collection, none of which are that great for travelling. They’re pretty, but not practical. You need crushable, something that can be packed easily and doesn’t take up the entire overhead locker! I’ve some beloved beanies for travelling. Cable Melbourne, Uniqlo, even a $2 one from Machu Picchu are worn constantly.
What do you take with you, in terms of accessories?
Oh I’m big on the accessories, this is where I go nuts. I’ve way too many scarfs, but they’re so practical! A favourite is a pink one that was shrunk when I put it into the hotel laundry (fool!), I use them on the plane to keep the light out when sleeping, over hotel pillows, at religious sites to cover shoulders or my hair in temples. I’ve a sheer one, from my best friend’s wedding, that goes on every safari.
For accessories, I’ve a small collection of beloved single earrings, the pair got lost somewhere along the line. So, now I have a big collection of fun, inexpensive jewels I pick up in gift shops on my travels. I buy local, but nothing I’d get too upset if I lost. I wear a TAG watch for sport and bought myself an Hermes H Hour for my 30th Birthday. I rarely travel with them, as I would be upset to lose them.
Is there a versatile travel dress you love?
Boom, I’ve made my own perfect dress (with brand Iris & Wool) for travelling. I’m wearing it now on the plane … It’s navy, it’s wool, it’s stretchy, it’s respectful whilst being feminine … it’s awesome! You can basically whip it on, whip it off and if you accidentally drip gravy on it (c’mon, you know you do!) no one is the wiser.
Any pants or skirts that you think are particularly great for travel?
I’ve the Blue Illusion ‘Bengajean’ in every colour as I’m sick of being asked to ‘remove your belt’ at airport security. They’re just easy. Remember, on a flight, try avoid anything tight. You want to avoid belts, anything that crushes and forget white.
I love a pair of dark denim jeans. I bought some 501’s in Russia ages ago and wear them constantly.
Do you have any swimwear brands you swear by?
I love two Aussie brands Jets and Monte & Lou. The former has a certain thickness to it, I never have to worry about it being too revealing and I love the bright colours. With Monte & Lou they have a black one shoulder that is my ‘go to’, classic – comfy and just a little bit chic.
When it comes to cozzies, I don’t mess around, I go with the best and the best is local.
What is your perfect outfit for a long haul flight?
My navy wool dress of course! Truly, navy just seems the colour of choice, my goal is comfort, something that hides stains, is easy to go through security and isn’t offensive if I’m travelling through a conservative region. Oh and I always dress as though I belong in First Class, you just never know when you may be upgraded!
What sorts of shoes can we expect to find in your suitcase?
It doesn’t matter what I advise, 99 per cent of people travel wear sandshoes. Me? I like a slip on, it’s easier going through security, for an international flight I avoid anything that my foot can’t expand in (whoa, baby you learn that the hard way!) and generally flat.
I love my boots. Right now, I’ve some Ariat boots on (I’m rocking a Megan Park velvet dress over boots, Stevie Nicks eat your heart out).
My R.M. Williams boots are also like slippers. But trust me on the flats if you’re going through Tullamarine or Dubai Airports, you think you’re flying, but you’ve really signed up for a marathon. Horrendous for women! Also, if you’re going on a cruise, avoid high heels and black soles. You don’t want to dent or leave black marks on the decks. Wedges, pretty sandals and sandshoes are perfect.
Are there any tips you have for packing your clothes in your suitcase?
Yep, a week before I head off, I start to put things out on the sofa, then add and subtract. I look up the weather of where I’m going and # your location on Instagram to see what’s in or out. You want to assimilate not get arrested! Sometimes I pack a travel size Tefal steamer for beloved dresses, but only if I’m filming.
I use the Lapoche travel cube bags, pop the hotel shower caps around dirty shoes and they’re also good for that wet swimsuit from your ‘last holiday swim’. I don’t roll or fold, I throw the whole bloody lot in, sit on my suitcase, whilst begging my husband to please zip it up … should I admit that?
Are there any particular brands that you think do great travel fashion?
I just like anything Aussie, I’m often asked about the clothing I wear on camera and I’m proud to fly the homegrown flag (wool is even better, as it’s so easy for travelling). Husk, Megan Park, Trenery, Scanlan & Theodore, Spell (love all their dresses) Blue Illusion, R.M Williams … we are spoiled for choice!
Are there any other items you love?
A friend bought me some Peter Alexander bed socks that I adore, as I always get cold and I love to embarrass my crew by wearing my bright pink Target bed socks on the plane. I’d NEVER go barefoot into a cabin toot, gross!
Even if you buy some cheap, cosy socks for the flight and chuck them, it’s good to have a spare pair of socks and knickers (and deodorant) in your carry-on. I always pack a fold up Longchamp bag, I have them in every size and colour … I shop therefore I am!
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m writing this whilst on a plane, looking around, most people dress in layers for a flight, I would also recommend you be respectful to your fellow travellers. Wear deodorant, avoid looking like you’ve come from the gym/bed/strip club and trust me on the wool.
