Pack and wear this color when you travel

Aimee Boudreaux MacIver
7 hours ago
2 min read

While many people agonize over packing for a trip, I love it. Some of my favorite content to create are packing guides, weeks in a backpack, and, of course, packing sketches. So today let’s discuss another pro packing tip: the best color to wear for travel.

Related: A week in a backpack

This isn’t about coordinating palettes to create a mix and match capsule—this is about one color to rule them all for travel. This color looks great on every person, in every season, and especially in all those travel photos against iconic backdrops.

When you travel, pack and wear red.

The best color to wear for travel

The case for red isn’t merely stylistic; it’s science. Red is the first color the human eye registers after black and white. This means that red objects appear closer and in higher contrast to the background. This red effect also reduces background “visual clutter.”

Even ordinary travel photos benefit from these red effects, which add instant drama and crispness with low effort. Red also looks striking against iconic architecture, lush green hills, deep oceans and lakes, and white bluffs—wherever you’re traveling. This works not only for photos of people, but also objects.

Related: Why you should have a photo theme when you travel

Red fits naturally into every season. In winter, red adds a dose of bright cheer and can be holiday-ready. In spring, red looks as fresh as new rosebuds. For summer, red checks or gingham stay vibrant even in the brightest sunshine. For fall, red complements the golden glow of autumn foliage.

Red is recognized as universally flattering for two reasons: it creates a strong contrast against any skin tone and naturally brightens up your face. If your skin has warm undertones, try tomato or rust; if your skin has cool undertones, try cranberry or cherry.

Even more practical reasons to pack and wear red: Red hides stains and splashes almost as perfectly as black. Yet red brings more personality than black or navy without being garish or try-hard. Somehow red is simultaneously both bold and classic.

How to pack and wear red for travel

Some follow up packing tips:

I often pack red sweaters, red dresses, or red skirts for travel, but you don't have to go full Elmo. Red works its magic even in small doses.
For photos, a red scarf, piece of jewelry, or an accessory placed near your face will have many of the same striking effects as a complete outfit.
If you're not wearing red, you can also compose photos against a red object for similar results (see above in London).
To make red seasonally appropriate, focus on fabric: velvet, merino, and cashmere for colder weather; cotton, linen, and gauze for warmer weather.
Mix up red solids and patterns! Red stripes, checks, and florals will add variety with the same impact.