My Five Favorite Travel Pieces

Reader Quilly asked: "I'm about to pack for a trip to Europe and was wondering if you had any suggestions that would be versatile, stylish... and not flag me as a tourist."

I'm totally obsessed with finding the perfect travel pieces myself. Here are some of the things that always make it into my suitcase:

1) Bad sneakers are the ultimate tourist giveaway. You'll need comfy tennis shoes for trekking around during the day, but make them sleek and understated.

My favorites are Chuck Taylors (Low-tops are more versatile than high-tops, since they look good with dresses as well as pants. Also: Every time I go to Paris, I notice all the cute French girls are wearing Converse) and classic, Euro Supergas.

2) A pretty, oversize scarf looks infinitely more chic than a raggedy old sweatshirt. I love Virginia Johnson's. I use her gauzy wool shawls year-round (they're especially nice to bring on planes, to use as a blanket), like this one done in an abstract floral.

If you think that's too heavy for you, there are also cotton versions, like this one, which doubles as a sarong.

3) Rather than a backpack, go for a low-key tote. I often use this one from L.L. Bean when I travel—it's very rugged; roomy enough to accommodate sunscreen, camera, sunglasses, etc.; goes with pretty much anything; and has a zippered top which is essential for keeping your stuff secure.

4) T-shirt dresses are casual but pulled together, and pack well. I've had my eye on this striped one from Steven Alan, which ties in the back, and would be really easy to dress up at night with strappy metallic sandals.

5) This cropped trench coat is the perfect lightweight jacket, and looks as great with cargo shorts as it does with a floaty silk dress. The material is water-repellent, and holds up well even after it's been crammed into the bottom of my carry-on. It's an investment, but you'll use it year after year. Plus: Right now you can get a 20 percent discount with the coupon code "cookie09".