Creating a Travel Style Lookbook that’s Actually Wearable

Random Travel Snaps are Fun, but Curated Outfit Photos are What You Really Want

If you like to take travel outfit photos on vacation, then half the fun of is planning what you’re going to wear.

And while random scattered snaps are definitely worth taking: a thoughtfully curated travel lookbook to ensure that you capture those vacation coveted outfit photos is equally important. A travel style lookbook is part mood board, part memory keeper and part style savior—and when done right, it’s as functional as it is fashionable.

Listen to the Story on the Travel Style Podcast

Whether you're island-hopping in Hawaii or road-tripping on Route 66, here’s how to turn your travel outfits into a wearable lookbook that makes packing easier, adds confidence to your travel style and definitely levels up your Instagram and social game.

Why a Travel Lookbook Will Help with Packing and Style

Packing for a trip can be overwhelming at times. To help make the packing and outfit selection process a little easier (and hopefully more fun), a travel lookbook is the perfect cheat sheet. When you plan your outfits ahead of time, you avoid overpacking and ending up with five sets of bottoms and no tops that match.

A lookbook forces you to think in terms of outfits – not individual items – so everything in your suitcase pulls its weight. You’ll feel more put together and you won’t waste vacation time trying to figure out what to wear.

Note: You can read more about how a lookbook differs from a capsule wardrobe.

If you’ve ever been on vacation and asked yourself “why did I pack this?” That won’t happen if start creating lookbooks.

Start with a Mood Board (Pinterest is Your Best Friend)

To get started with a travel lookbook, create a visual game plan before you ever think about packing a suitcase.

Pinterest is a great place to start for this. Start a board for your trip and pin anything that feels right—colors, landscapes, street style and of course, pieces from the 1923 Main Street® collection (we have a very active Pinterest feed) that reflect your destination’s vibe and style.

Heading to Italy? Neutral tones with a splash of lemon might work. Hawaii? Light, breathable layers and earthy textures. A Canadian Rocky Mountain getaway? Cozy layers, vintage washes and a splash of outdoor charm. A Walt Disney World vacation? Subtle Disney style is your friend.

Your Pinterest mood board becomes a visual style compass. It helps you stay cohesive, focused and inspired when building your lookbook. It’s also a lot more fun to scroll for ideas and themes online that to look aimlessly through your closet.

Documenting Outfits as Part of the Travel Experience

For many travelers, outfits are a key part of the travel experience. A travel wardrobe tells a story. So make sure that you set yourself up to capture and share that story very well.

Snap a quick mirror shot before heading out, get a street-style pic mid-day, or ask your travel buddy for a few candids. You don’t need a professional shoot—natural moments look much better almost every time.

To level up your game, use your phone’s photo album or an app like Stylebook to save outfit photos and notes (weather, comfort level, what you’d tweak next time). This turns your lookbook into a functional archive for future trips.

Tag, Post, Repeat: Boosting Social Engagement with Your Lookbook

It’s not just the photos that you’ll take on vacation as a result of having a lookbook that you’ll want to share. Sharing components of your lookbook itself on social media is also a great way to connect with fellow travelers, inspire future trips and grow your personal style brand with truly unique content.

To get the most from your lookbook style, mix up your posts. Try a carousel of outfits, make a Reel of your daily looks, or do a “what I packed vs. what I wore” TikTok.

Every time you post, you're not just showing off your look—you’re contributing to a global style story. And if there’s one thing that people love to like on social media, it’s travel outfits and style stories.

Make It Personal, Make It Practical

Creating a travel lookbook isn’t about being perfect or matching every trend. It’s about feeling confident, having fun and making memories—in style. Whether you’re a visual planner or a spontaneous packer, a little advance planning will go a long way.

So next time you’re prepping for a trip, think beyond the selfie. Start a mood board, build your looks around your favorite 1923 Main Street staples, and create a travel lookbook that’s not just wearable—but shareable, memorable and 100% you.

Happy packing—and don’t forget to tag us!

#1923MainStreetStyle | @1923MainStreet

Shop Original Travel Inspired Graphic Apparel

Looking for something a little different to add to your travel wardrobe? Shop unique and original travel-inspired graphic t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies in the shop here at 1923 Main Street.

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