Have you ever returned from a trip with a suitcase full of items that seemed perfect at the moment but ended up collecting dust in your closet? It's a common pitfall many of us fall into, especially when we're swept up in the excitement of exploring new places. As a personal stylist, I've seen my fair share of travel shopping mishaps, and I will share some insights on how to avoid them.

One of the most frequent mistakes I find is purchasing items that may seem ideal for the destination we're visiting but don't align with our everyday lives back home. Take, for example, a client who bought a pair of cowboy boots while on a trip to Texas. Seduced by the atmosphere of the store, she purchased them without considering whether cowboy boots reflected her style. As it turned out, she never felt comfortable wearing them, and they ended up in her closet, untouched.

This scenario is all too familiar, and it shows the importance of shopping with intention, even when we're on vacation. Before splurging on souvenirs for our wardrobes, it's essential to pause and ask ourselves if the item in question truly resonates with our lifestyle and preferences. Just because something seems fitting for the place we're visiting doesn't mean it will work in our lives.

As I embark on my travels for a wedding, I'm reminded of the temptation to shop for things that catch my eye that may not serve a practical purpose once I return home. Whenever I find myself drawn to a piece of clothing or accessory while abroad, I make a point to consider:. Will I realistically wear this item beyond my vacation? Does it complement the existing pieces in my wardrobe? These questions guide my purchasing decisions and help me avoid post-travel regret.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I often think back to my hometown of Rio de Janeiro and the beautiful resort wear that the stores have all year round. While they may be perfect for Rio, they're less suited to the urban landscape of New York City and around where I currently live and work. I would wear them only when I travel to a beach town, and it does not happen often, so I don't need too many resort outfits. It's a reminder that our shopping choices should be intentional.

How difficult is it for you to identify what to shop during a trip? Let me know in the comments!

Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. I send newsletters with style tips, brands to know, and products twice a month. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.

Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.