Winter Getaways

Winter Getaways by: Sharon Mosley

Whether you’re headed for a few days of lounging on a tropical beach or skiing down the mountain slopes, looking good when you arrive at your destination is a fine art, says Andy Paige, style expert and author of “Style on a Shoestring” (McGraw Hill, $16.95, 2009).

“Packing your bag is just like building your wardrobe,” says Paige, who is also the star of TLC’s “Ten Years Younger.” She suggests starting with your wardrobe basics, and then adding tops and accessories that will do double duty when combined with your key pieces.

Here are some of Paige’s style tips on packing for a three-day getaway for fun in the sun:

— Choose a color story, such as white/khaki, black/red, turquoise/brown or gray/yellow, for all of your garments, so everything will coordinate and you can pack fewer shoes and accessories.

— Fabrics should be wash-and-wear, wrinkle-free options that can be hand- washed with a little baby shampoo if need be.

— Every garment packed should serve a dual purpose or be able to be dressed up and dressed down. For example, a flirty skirt should function as a casual skirt with a tank and flip-flops for souvenir shopping as well as a dressier dinner option with heels and a sexy top. A colorful wrap should serve as a sarong for your bathing suit, a nighttime wrap for sun-kissed shoulders and a blankie on the plane. Bermuda shorts should be worn with walking shoes and tanks for sightseeing, then later with strappy heels and a flirty top for a night out.

— Allow yourself three pairs of shoes max. You should travel in a modern feminine walking shoe; pack a strappy heel for night and a sophisticated non-rubber flip- flop for relaxing daytime activities.

— Pack hair accessories, such as a modern headband and/or scarf, to maintain an easy, stylish look that will limit primp time and optimize playtime.

— Choose a refined tankini swimsuit, so you can wear the top with coordinating cropped pants or a skirt.

— Choose strategic accessories like a statement watch, hoop earrings, sunglasses and a coordinating tote bag that will dictate the mood of your outfit.

For a winter getaway, Paige has the following style tips:

— A fitted leather jacket is the foundation of this wardrobe. Choose a feminine style that is sexy, tough, fashionable and functional.

— Choose a solid-color heavy wrap that looks great on top of your jacket. This will add another layer of warmth, and you can also use it on the plane.

— Committing to a color story is a great timesaver. Winter scarves are a good place to start when choosing your getaway wardrobe colors, because they are the perfect fashion topper for all of your weekend looks.

— Choose lightweight layering tops, as opposed to a sack of bulky sweaters. Body-hugging, long-sleeved tees with scoop necklines and thin body-loving turtlenecks offer more warmth and femininity when layered rather than one big sweater.

— Sophisticated jeans play a big part in a wintertime getaway. Choose a dark boot-cut jean that can be dressed up with high-heeled boots and tucked into casual boots for day.

— A button-up cardigan, hoodie or versatile sweater jacket that zips is essential. These pieces are much better for layering than a pullover sweater.

— A slinky, matte jersey dress that falls above the knee is the perfect choice for a wrinkle-free evening out when added to opaque tights, sexy knee-high boots and long, layered necklaces. The shorter length then makes the dress a fun, fashionable statement when worn over a paper-thin turtleneck with heavy leggings and casual boots for day.

— Don’t forget the lace! A lace cami with warm leggings gives you something nice and cozy to sleep in, allowing you to layer under your nighttime looks.

— Choose a great beret or cute knit hat to add more style. Then round out your accessories with statement earrings, a color-complementing watch, a larger evening clutch and long, layering necklaces.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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