If you’re preparing for a walking tour, campus tour, or some other event that will require you to spend a lot of time on your feet, it’s important that you dress appropriately and comfortably. The question is, what do you wear to ensure you also look cute and stylish?
5 Fashion Tips for Walking Tours
Whether it’s a walking tour of a world-renowned city or a simple university campus tour to get familiar with a school you’re applying to, a walking tour can be an interesting and unique way to see a place.
Compared to driving in a car, taking a bus, or hopping on a train, walking offers a much more intimate and deliberate experience that allows you to soak up the sights, sounds, smells, (and even tastes) of an area.
While walking tours certainly have their advantages, they also require a bit more effort than if you were seeing a place in a vehicle. With that being said, you need to make sure you’re properly dressed for the occasion.
And though weather will always be a factor to consider, here are several basic tips to get you thinking correctly about walking tour dress codes:
Start From the Feet Up
Most people dress from the top down on a normal day. In other words, you start with your top, then choose some bottoms, and then accessories with shoes and jewelry. But when it comes to a walking tour, you want to start at the feet and work your way up.
Shoes are the most important clothing selection when dressing for a walking tour. They’ll make or break your experience. And while the conditions obviously matter, you’re generally going to want a comfortable shoe with a rubber sole that can flex as you walk. (It should go without saying, but avoid anything with a heel.)
Socks are another important thing to consider. Avoid cotton, which actually holds sweat next to your skin and potentially allows blisters to form, and opt for a high-tech fiber.
As health journalist Wendy Bumgardner says, “Your walking socks should be made of sweat-wicking fabric. They should be anatomically designed, rather than tube socks, so they stay in place at toe and heel. You have a few options on what socks to buy, so be sure to do your research.”
If your sock-shoe combo is dialed in, your experience is going to be much more enjoyable. You’ll also find it easier to walk for longer periods of time without stopping.
Be Smart with Bottoms
When it comes to your bottoms, comfort is again the focus. Avoid denim, as this is not a good choice for lots of movement. Not only is denim thick and heavy, but it also tends to hold heat and sweat right next to the skin. This can lead to rashes and discomfort. Plus, if it happens to rain, denim soaks up moisture like a sponge.
You’ll have to decide what’s appropriate for your walking tour, but you want something that’s light and has sweat-wicking features. In a casual setting, yoga pants work really well. If you’re in a more formal setting where you need to look a bit more professional, you might try some sort of skirt.
Dress in Layers
For your top, think in terms of layers. This is especially important if you’re starting your walking tour early in the morning and will be going into the late morning or early afternoon. As the temperature changes, you want to be able to adjust on the fly and remain comfortable. Again, lightweight, moisture-wicking materials are ideal.
Bring the Right Bag
In terms of the bag, you’ll have to decide how much room you need to carry things. A backpack can work well in situations where you’re okay looking like a tourist, but if stylish is the goal, then a leather bucket bag is a much better look. It’s surprisingly spacious and can be thrown over your shoulder.
Always Have Sunglasses on Hand
Don’t forget about sunglasses. Even if you think it’s going to be a cloudy day, include sunglasses in your bag. Nothing is worse than having to squint your way through a walking tour (which may give you a headache). Bring along a favorite pair and you’ll be walking in style.
Final words
When dressing for a walking tour, you want to be both comfortable and stylish. And while most people assume that you have to throw all fashion to the wind when prioritizing comfort, that’s simply not the case. If you plan ahead, you can look good and feel good at the same time.
