What travel experience is complete without seeing some of the most marvelous cities across the world? No matter if you’re heading to London, New York, Paris, Berlin, New Dehli, Copenhagen, Sydney, or wherever else takes your fancy, seeing the pinnacle of human architecture, experiencing world-class shopping and luxury brands, and seeing how cultures form and blend together can be inspiring, to say the least. I LOVE seeing the architecture and history of a country when I’m in it – I much prefer it to lounging on the beach.
Cities tend to be some of the most fashionable places on Earth as well. That’s not to say you can’t look good wherever you are (we make the outfit), but fashion culture, the most inspiring brands, and creative shows are all located in hustling, bustling cities. I personally love looking at the trends from other countries and cities, and I really enjoy shopping in them too as you can find some gorgeous gems that you wouldn’t back home.
For this reason, planning a busy fashion day out in a stylish city requires some planning. With dozens of businesses and things to see on almost every street, it’s also good to craft an itinerary that will help you move through at your own pace, shopping and exploring everything that you personally want to see. I always look things up beforehand in case there’s an experience I must have, but sometimes you can randomly come across the most amazing things too! With that in mind, here are some tips on how to plan that perfect city break:
1 – Find Tranquility Where You Need It
It’s important to note that cities are, and can be, overwhelming. You’re not weak for thinking that the New York hustle and bustle is quite intense to deal with, it is, and its residents get used to that over a period of years. I myself love to find some quiet zones when I’m in a big city.
Fashion tends to be quite high-concept in a place like New York or Paris. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by visiting many different exhibitions, shows, and stores in one day. It might be healthy to focus on one or two artistic displays that you appreciate, to choose a few small items you love, and to perhaps visit some smaller boutiques and stores, away from the intensity of crowds.
Having time to be amazed by the creative ingenuity and then reflecting on it will allow you to avoid rushing from place to place while having trouble taking it all in. Your itinerary may include morning shopping, a few rest stops, and a fashion show in the evening. This way you will really take it all in without being stressed out and overwhelmed.
2 – Set A Retail Budget
It’s very easy to go overboard in your shopping, especially when all of the best brands surround you. That said, you might be limited not just by what you can spend, but also by how much you can carry.
Just like you might when heading to Las Vegas, it’s good to have a strict budget that you won’t deviate from. This can help you treat yourself, but not break the bank, while also getting certain shopping done, like coming away with a brand new bag or some beautiful cosy winter outfits.
Nothing is worse than that regretful worry that you’ve spent way too much because of how exciting and how well-arranged everything was, and in a city with highly cultivated districts, many people have felt that. I have been in this position before because you’re on a dopamine high from shopping at luxury retailers, and you come away with some credit card debt that you absolutely did not need! So definitely try to stick to a budget and make sure you will wear or use what you’re buying! I also try to shop with a goal in mind, so having something specific that you’re looking for does help you stick to a budget.
3 – Dress For The Occasion
It’s nice to have a special event of the day, even if you’re simply going out to buy clothes and enjoy a fun shopping day. I personally love to put together a really nice outfit and look the part. If I’m heading to a designer boutique, I will make sure I’m wearing a designer bag and look the part! Even if you’re just in the mood for some regular retail shopping, it’s always good to look fashionable and put together!
Not only does this make you look and feel confident, like you’re ready to take on the shops, but it’s super helpful for your social media as well, as you look perfect for those iconic photos in a new city! There’s something special about city-fashion in the autumn too, as it means you can wear long coats, layers, sweatshirts, and hats. Just make sure your shoes are comfortable! We’ve all been there and ended up with blisters from too much shopping in a new city and we didn’t wear suitable shoes!
4 – Store Your Luggage
It’s highly uncomfortable to drag around endless bags and backpacks when you travel around a city, especially if you’re planning to shop and pick up some clothes while there. Most seasoned fashion shoppers know that carrying around many garments can be heavy. This isn’t always a problem if you drive in, but what if you’re coming in through public transport, are stopping for an overnight adventure during your travels, or just want more flexibility with where you store your luggage?
Thankfully, with luggage storage Victoria Station and other convenient transport locations, you’ll be able to drop off your heaviest items and move on at your own pace, picking up bags as you go. This means you know where all your personal property is and can return to it as and when needed. It’s little conveniences like this that make city travel that much more enjoyable.
If you’re staying in a hotel, it’s good to head back to your room and drop off some items too. If you’ve already checked out though, check at the concierge desk if you can leave your luggage there until it’s time for your transport to go home. I’ve personally done this many times and they’re often happy to store your luggage for you until you come back and collect it later that day.
5 – Plan Your Eats
Fashion shopping is hungry work. Some of the best restaurants in the world are located in cities, but you’ll also find amazing cafes, delis, bars, and street food. There’s so much to eat and enjoy, if you’re not careful you might spend the entire day eating, and have to experience one heck of a food coma later on in the day.
If you’re in a brand new country, exploring some of the local cuisine is a fun thing to do as you take in the culture around you. There might be some local market zones in town that have some amazing cuisine, but I also like to look online and get recommendations for good restaurants in the area. That way you’re not walking around starving, looking for somewhere good to eat. You can even book in advance, so you’re not waiting ages for a table, meaning you can get back to shopping a lot quicker!
6 – Explore The Style Authenticity Of A Select City
In every city, there’s a distinct fashion culture that tells a story, and by delving into it, you can experience a deeper connection to the place and its people.
From the cosmopolitan boutiques of New York City, where high fashion meets street style, to the bohemian charm of Paris, where classic elegance is effortlessly blended with a somewhat artful twist unashamedly, each city offers a truly unique blend of styles waiting to be uncovered. Some locations may be more forward-thinking than you ever thought you could understand, such as in the fashion scene of Prague.
It’s not just about shopping; it’s about discovering the hidden gems in local markets, exploring the latest trends in upscale shopping districts, and understanding the historical significance of fashion landmarks too. Fashion isn’t disconnected, it’s a real expression of how people think and want to show themselves. Just like eating out, nothing could be better to explore a culture with.
I hope you can plan your perfect fashion-shopping day out in a stylish city with some of this advice!
Dearest Lorna,
very nice shopping Moments……hope next together
Bye Gert
Author
Thank you!