SOLO CHIC: 5 Essential Pieces for the Stylish Solo Traveller

First tip? Pack light. I’ve chosen five versatile pieces you’ll need for any solo trip especially if you’re planning to discover beautiful BC and the variety of activities and weather (!) that comes with doing so. These are items that blend form and function effortlessly, so you look stylish and chic while being comfortable plus ready for any adventure.  

Pack just one dress that you can play down to wear for casual sightseeing plus get your accessorize skills on to change up this dress for a nice dinner out. Vancouver’s ultimate designer for decades now, Jac by Jacqueline Conoir has the perfect v-neck short sleeved dress that can roll up into your wheelie bag and then emerge wrinkle free and ready for anything. I love the just-below-the-knee length, super flattering wrap waist and in an inky shade of matte black, the perfect blank slate piece you can wear multiple times on any one trip with a quick change of accessories. 

Kathmandu Outdoor is Australasia’s leading B Corp-certified outdoor outfitter and brings sustainability plus style to their brand of technical apparel. You have to pack a rain jacket for BC travel – full stop. But why does that essential piece have to be a dull, colourless, wardrobe bore? Love this Storm-Chaser fully seamed-sealed waterproof jacket that is also breathable, lightweight, and windproof. And in this happy shade of raspberry, getting ‘rained out’ ain’t no thing.

You’ll need a supportive hiking boot or shoe. This is BC after all. But why does that type of footwear have to be a snooze? Obōz  is a B Corp-certified brand from Bozeman, Montana, that is known for high quality outdoor footwear and this style is called the Katabatic mid waterproof. It is lightweight, super breathable and waterproof, defying the rain in every step you take. This colourway is my favourite, with unexpected pops of peach, tangerine, and stem green against the earthy mocha sole. 

Elita has a new limited edition made-in-Canada loungewear collection and one piece in particular has to make it to your suitcase before you next travel. Elita Women’s Open Front Lounge Duster Robe is breathable and drapey over your pajamas sure, but I love it for daytime too, especially in basic black as a throw-over-anything wrap. Cooler evening after-dinner stroll? Check. Over air-conditioned art gallery? Check again.

Decathlon one-piece swimsuit in this Virginia style just seems to look good on everyone regardless of size, shape, and age. Super-flattering and designed for a serious swim, waterskiing or aqua fitness class, this swimsuit stays put and isn’t fussy or needing adjusting while you are active either. An integrated bra offers some lightweight support, so you can throw it on and forget about it, looking stylish and sporty – simultaneously.