Whether you’re driving cross-country or just across the border, putting together a road trip planner for your American adventure can help you develop a roster of relaxed pieces for the road. The ideal fashion for your US road trip will vary, of course, depending on whether you plan to explore historic landmarks on foot or simply stick to DJ duty in the passenger seat.
Although the varying landscapes may demand different wardrobes, curating an adaptable rotation of basics, lightweight layers and clever accessories can help pull together a workable style for your American road trip.
Stay true to your personal style on the road
When developing a picture of style for your US road trip, consider staying true to your personal aesthetic. Deviating too far from your preferred cuts or colours, for instance, could result in a suitcase full of unworn garments. Contemplate the pieces you gravitate toward most as a springboard for your road trip aesthetic. If you favour blue denim like Miranda Kerr, for example, a trip over to the US Open might call for skinny jeans paired with black basics and sleek sunglasses. James Franco in a pair of Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunnies is enough to make you want to rent a convertible to get there.
When thinking about colours to incorporate into the style for your American road trip, fashion icon Jenna Lyons makes a case for employing a strong colour story. If it's blues and blacks that you’re fond of most, try experimenting with different textures like a silk shirt with denim shorts. Guys can use pattern to give their outfits a creative twist, especially now that designers are having fun with comic graphics: see the scribble print developed at Comme des Garçons Shirt.
Map your milieu, from Manhattan to the Midwest
Your American road trip planner should be as much about mapping the route as it is about contemplating how those surrounds will play to your style. If you've planned an active journey, for instance, then luxe sportswear will see you through everything from camping in Ohio to cycling around Manhattan. The clean, sporty lines of brands like Alexander Wang and Adidas Originals will ensure that your look is polished as well as practical.
If you're travelling in summer, then packing a few pairs of swim shorts or bikinis will see you're well prepared when an excellent waterhole crops up or a particular poolside beckons. Of course, a streamlined maillot can also double as daywear when worn underneath an A-line skirt, while Orelbar Brown board shorts from the 'Bulldog' range are tailored for both beach and bar, proving you can get real mileage out of some pieces if you choose carefully.
Form a rotation of staples for Route 66 and beyond
Determining your style for your American road trip begins not just with a nod to your personal style, but also with the ability to form a solid rotation of staples to build from. Natural fibres like cotton or linen travel well and can be easily incorporated through adaptable T-shirts or button downs. And what could be more Americana-appropriate for a Route 66 trip than everyday denim?
Your approach to the timeless cloth doesn’t need to be quite so overt as the double-denim Canadian Tuxedo, but a denim jacket, from the likes of Levi’s for example, can offer an excellent coverall for dresses and skirts alike. Meanwhile, versatile basics like cotton tees and silk shirts travel well in your suitcase and are easy to keep clean in a pinch when you're on the road. Cotton shirts and trousers worked well in all manner of unlikely escapades for Bradley Cooper in the The Hangover, so it wouldn’t hurt to include a pair of chinos and a few shirts from Diesel when planning the fashion for your US road trip.
Lightweight layers cater for desert extremes
America is one of the most diverse nations in terms of both landscape and climate, which means building lightweight layers is a great idea for your US road trip planner. Here you can opt for lightweight warmth in the form of cashmere or merino wool jumpers, which will take up little room in your suitcase but also keep you cosy when the mercury drops.
Consider keeping a timeless and versatile jacket on hand, too, for tossing on over jeans and a T-shirt. Take a cue from Liam Hemsworth, for example, by layering a classic black bomber jacket over denim staples or cotton tees.
Hiking Runyon Canyon means setting off on solid ground
When beginning your road trip planner for a style safari across the US, footwear and accessories are almost as important as the clothes themselves. Although road trips involve a lot of time spent behind the wheel, they also represent the ideal opportunity to explore some of the best trails and monuments that the US has to offer. Hiking LA’s Runyon Canyon, for instance, calls for comfortable footwear.
When planning the style for your US road trip, consider leaving impractical shoes behind in favour of sneakers, sandals, boots or flats. Your roster of accessories should be similarly well thought out, too. A cross-body handbag or backpack is a practical hold-all, while hats and sunglasses offer both sun protection and effortless style.