If you are planning to indulge in a little getaway now that days last longer and nights are warmer, here’s how to pack a suitably relaxed wardrobe, with a few eco-travel tips, and you’ll be all set.
Color Your Life
Photographs by Daniel Lambiase, Modeling by Dusan Sokica, Shot on location at Element Harrison-Newark, New Jersey
Introduce a sorbet-colored pair of jeans in your denim rotation. Paired with a gray T-shirt, it’s a solid look. prAna Theorem Jeans; $89; prana.com. United By Blue Men’s Standard V-Neck T-shirt; $34; unitedbyblue.com.
ECO TRAVEL NOTE: Small things add up to big changes. Just one hotel swapping shampoo and soap bottles for mounted dispensers prevent about 20,000 of these plastic containers from ending up in the trash each year.
Mix Like a Master
Pair a formal shirt with joggers—this outfit expertly straddles the line between chill and chic. Helly Hansen HP QD S/S Shirt; $65; hellyhansen.com. Alternative French Terry Slouchy Pant; $74; alternativeapparel.com. Adidas Terrex Swift Solo; $95; zappos.com.
ECO TRAVEL NOTE: Element by Westin is the world’s first major hotel brand to mandate that all hotels pursue U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Prepare for Anything
Photographs by Daniel Lambiase, Modeling by Dusan Sokica, Shot on location at Element Harrison-Newark, New Jersey
Spring may bring renewal to one’s soul, but it’s also temperamental: Bright and sunny in the morning, downpour later in the day. A light coat that repels water is a must-pack. Helly Hansen Rovan Coat; $180; hellyhansen.com. prAna Throttle Tank; $40; prana.com. NAU Dayuse Chino; $98; nau.com. Smith Optics Lowdown XL Sunglasses; $209; smithoptics.com. Freewaters Boat Shoes; $55; freewaters.com for similar styles.
ECO TRAVEL NOTE: As more people embrace hybrid vehicles, the hospitality industry has stepped up to accommodate their needs. Element Hotels have ChargePoint charging stations for your electric cars.
Layer Smart
Photographs by Daniel Lambiase, Modeling by Dusan Sokica, Shot on location at Element Harrison-Newark, New Jersey
A cotton jacket over a lightweight polo is a fool-proof way of staying comfortable all spring long. Bare some leg to show how much progress you’ve made at the gym.
Toad&Co Boarding Pass Short, Onrush S/S Polo; $72, $62; toadandco.com. prAna Ryzer Jacket; $119; prana.com. Freewaters Boat Shoes; $55; freewaters.com for similar styles.
ECO TRAVEL NOTE: Taking a two-wheeler through the neighborhood where you’re staying is a solid workout for an afternoon. Complimentary bike rentals with trail maps are available through Element Hotel’s “Bikes to Borrow” program.
Cozy but not Hot
Photographs by Daniel Lambiase, Modeling by Dusan Sokica, Shot on location at Element Harrison-Newark, New Jersey
A sweatshirt gets a retro update courtesy of bold color blocking.
Alternative French Terry Colorblocked Crewneck Sweatshirt; $74; alternativeapparel.com. Toad&Co Drover Denim Pants; $89; toadandco.com
ECO TRAVEL NOTE: Look—and support—hotels that are always sustainably minded, such as those that outfit the rooms with Energy Star GE appliances, use wooden bed frames from certified forests, and have décor from recycled materials.
Look Beyond Blue
Photographs by Daniel Lambiase, Modeling by Dusan Sokica, Shot on location at Element Harrison-Newark, New Jersey
Your canvas jacket need not be the same shade of blue or black you’ve had for years. Khaki is an equally approachable color that doesn’t look quite as heavy.
United By Blue Foraker Canvas Coat, Shirt, Dominion Twill Pant; $188, $95, $88; unitedbyblue.com. HOOK & ALBERT Cork Lapel Flower; $65; hookandalbert.com.
ECO TRAVEL NOTE: Hotels can only go so far when it comes to keeping things green. In the end, it is the guests that embrace these efforts that encourage hoteliers to find more ways to make a difference. If your favorite property hasn’t adapted any eco-practices, let them know that you care.
Connect with Myron at @myron_m