Beat the extra baggage fees with versatile, multi-purpose clothing

The fear of lost luggage has become far too real in recent times, making the need to pack light more important than ever.

Catherine Lambert

3 min read

June 8, 2022 - 12:58PM

News Corp Australia Network

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The fear of lost luggage has become far too real in recent times, making the need to pack light more important than ever.

There’s no place for “just in case” items now with multi-purpose being the order of the day – activewear that doubles as swimwear, serum that doubles as sunscreen and moisturiser.

The drama of too much luggage was so great for Caz Cornish that she created a new multi-purpose activewear range.

“I love to run, swim, surf and do yoga, but my wardrobe was bulging from all the different outfits for the different exercises,’’ Cornish says.

“It reached a head when I was taking a trip to Bali and was stung by a huge excess baggage fee.’’

It was the impetus she needed to start CEACEA activewear that works on land and sea and is made from environmentally friendly fabric.

Christine Rodrigues likes to travel light by using items that have dual purposes.

Frequent flyer Christine Rodrigues, 38, of Sydney, prides herself on being a great packer and uses multi-purpose items for packing.

She travels at least every two months for her work in strategic partnerships for a tech company but also travels a lot for pleasure.

“I have a good system in place to ensure my packing has to be condensed and simple,’’ Rodrigues says.

“Less is more is the key, so you need to make everything work with each other and don’t take multiple products if you can get away with using one. It’s worth it when you get there.’’

DOUBLE UP

Magic Breeches – Iris & Wool have released 100 per cent merino wool and denim equestrian riding pants. Super stretchy, breathable and warm to reduce the need for thermals or tights in cold climates for chalet chic.

Activewear you can run, swim and do yoga in.

Activewear + Swimwear – A run on the beach followed by a surf or ocean swim is the best reward from wearing CEACEA crossover crops and bike shorts that are chlorine and saltwater resistant, have UPF50+ and in fast-drying, environmentally ethical material, sizes 6-16.

Towel Dress – The breathable, highly absorbent and lightweight cotton hooded towel poncho dress that emerged last summer goes from beach to café. A lot of Aussie brands have embraced this practical and stylish hybrid.

Sports top with inbuilt bra – Bulky bras can stay home, replaced by crop tops with in-built foam cups to ensure you stay comfortable during a workout, walk, run or shop without needing to take it off all day. They’re often also quick drying as well.

Pool Slides – Without being disloyal to the humble Aussie thong, pool slides have multiple uses for swimming, showering, casual strolls, spas, house slippers or for more sturdy rockpool walks. Most feature a quick-drying cloud foam contoured footbed for extra comfort.

Camis that can double as sleepwear, casual wear or evening wear.

Camis — Sainted Sisters silk camisoles and chemises to wear as loungewear, sleepwear or evening wear. They’re in jewel colours for a glamourous edge with jeans and a leather jacket or the chemise can be a slip dress with a blazer or pop a tee underneath and wear with flat boots and a denim jacket.

Towelling Robe – They’re the chic item in fashion wardrobes, to wear as a duster jacket, bathrobe, loungewear or beach wrap. It covers all of those bases in the most stylish way and celebrates the Aussie love for towelling.

Tote beach bag.

Tote/beach bag – The tote was originally designed as a shopping bag but it’s become so much more. It’s the bag for everything. Or Bee Leather has a dressy shoulder bag that quickly converts to a casual hands-free back pack for travelling or long walks. And, for kids, their beloved backpacks can easily double as their beach bags.

Sarong – Where would we be without the sarong? Not only a beach sun protection coverup, but also a wrap, sundress or scarf. There are plenty of glamour sarongs around now in an array of bold prints that are luxurious enough to hop from sand to lunch with a quick footwear change.

Hybrid puffer jackets – They wipe out every jacket in your wardrobe and you can leave the chunky knits at home. With active insulation such as the North Face Thermoball, it’s light enough for activewear or heavy enough to keep you warm on the street and while not technically waterproof, it won’t lose warmth if it gets wet.