Packing, styling and studying

How to maximize a limited wardrobe abroad

SPENCER BISPHAM / CONTRIBUTOR / THE USD VISTA

There’s something about packing for a trip that is uniquely stress-inducing. The more expansive the itinerary, the greater risk that the chosen combination of clothes will be inadequate. 

For the nearly 80% of students who study abroad during their time at USD, I tried to synthesize my experiences and those of my peers to help aspiring students travel without succumbing to this fate.

My last two months were spent on Semester at Sea, a study abroad program where students enroll in classes on a ship while traveling to popular port cities all over the world. All throughout this incredible journey, I have had plenty of learning experiences when it comes to packing. 

In India, the sweltering, sticky heat of Mumbai meant my clothes were plastered to my body day and night. Knowing this ahead of time, the cotton pants I thrifted before the trip were the best decision I could have made; even though they may not have been the most stylish choice, their function certainly kept me cool. 

Conversely, I was woefully underprepared for the biting winds of Jordan. I wrongfully assumed it would be hot… even though we visited in the middle of February. Thankfully there were other students in my program with jackets to spare.

Being thoughtful is the first step to packing a suitable wardrobe. A common misconception is that people think they need to buy a whole new set of outfits before going abroad, especially if they’re going to encounter a range of climates. However, the determining factor in being comfortable (or not) can come down to only a select few pieces.

Landon Lee, a sophomore from USD who is also on Semester at Sea, saw the importance of packing thoughtfully in hindsight.

“Coming in, I knew very little about the climates which was the worst part about how I packed,” Lee said. “I didn’t know a lot of the climates were going to be really cold [and] I only brought one or two sweatshirts and a few pants, which has been kind of rough over the last few ports.”

Lee’s lack of suitable cold weather gear can be attributed to another important part of packing for a trip: leaving room for improvement. No matter the destination, there is a strong likelihood that new clothes will be purchased out of necessity or desire. 

At just over halfway through the program, Lee himself has already experienced the latter of these situations.

“I would say I tried to pack as light as possible,” Lee said. “I knew there wasn’t going to be much space on the boat and also that I would buy stuff in port. I picked up some jackets and pants, and that was a good time.”

Space for new garments isn’t just important for adapting to physical conditions, but social ones as well. Different countries have different criteria for what’s considered appropriate. Especially in places with cultural values rooted in religion, popular Western fashion trends like exposing undergarments/skin can be perceived as disrespectful. 

To avoid this, some students purchase more modest clothes in advance. Nia Queen, a junior at the University of Kentucky, described what it was like to conform to a more modest dress code in other non-Western countries, specifically India.

“In India, Kenya, and Jordan we were told to dress more modestly,” Queen said. “On the last day in India, I stepped off the boat in a shorter shirt and people were looking at me like I was a wh**e. I ended up going to change.”

Queen also stipulated that this expectation of modesty differed depending on the bodies in question.

“It was interesting because when White people with thinner bodies wore crop tops, left their shoulders uncovered etc. nobody really said nothing,” she said.

On top of cultural expectations comes the pressure to fit in with your peers. Just like on our campus, dressing with the trends while studying abroad may be done in a climate of opinion. 

Here on Semester at Sea, it is common to see many students in designer labels or wearing seemingly new outfits every day. Some students find this a reasonable norm, while financial stipulations make others hesitant.

Leeza Voyevoda, a senior at the University of Alberta, offered her insight on the pressure to dress with trends.

“I feel like people who are traveling to several countries shouldn’t be afraid to rewear outfits,” Voyevoda said. “I’ve already reworn several. On my Instagram, as if that matters, I’ve got multiple posts in the same outfit. I think people need to put less pressure on themselves.”

Despite her desire to relax, Voyevoda still has fun with fashion overseas.

“The thing that I feel like I’m missing out on is that people have matching sweatsuits I feel like I’ve never seen,” she said. “I definitely under-packed on the casual things, but with my normal clothes I always overdress.”

In my experience, Voyevoda’s advice rings true. I care a great deal about how I dress, so when I travel I like to observe fashion both in-country and in various student groups. Generally, in both areas I find people to conform to certain styles that fit their needs. What is considered “fashionable” is what works for one’s everyday routine. 

For students who wear casual clothing most of the time, brands like Fear of God Essentials, Dolce&Gabbana and Aritzia can provide ‘elevated’ versions of the sweats and t-shirts they love. 

However, money certainly cannot buy style. Secondhand items can be worn in a way that gives an illusion of luxury at a much more affordable price point.

Of course, no matter where in the world, it is a privilege to worry about your clothes.  Not everyone has the time, money or energy to be selective about what they wear, and that makes it all the more important to be mindful of students’ privilege when doing so. 

That being said, packing to suit different climates and cultures is something to be taken into consideration.