Style that moves with you: Travel lessons from women who’ve lived it

Travel-savvy women in their 50s, 60s and beyond reveal the secrets to packing smart, dressing well and feeling fabulous on the road.

Travel has always been  a part of Louisa Warman’s story. From her first adventure to Fiji as a child to sunlit days along the Mediterranean, it’s where she feels most herself. As the founder of Nomad the Label, she’s long drawn inspiration from real women and real journeys.

In her 20s and 30s, she packed curve-hugging dresses and fashion-forward finds. But since turning 50, her ethos has become as much about comfort as style. These days, her suitcase is filled with natural fibres, including linen and cotton, in soft, earthy tones.

“When I turned 50, I learnt to listen to what my body actually wants,” says Louisa. “Breathable fabrics are everything now. I need clothes that work with me, not against me.”

Louisa wondered if other women felt the same way about their travel wardrobes. So she asked her community of over 1,400 well-travelled women how their packing had evolved over the years. The responses poured in were beautifully honest and reassuringly practical, filled with wisdom far beyond what to pack.

Here’s what they shared about creating a travel wardrobe that truly works.

1. Dress for how you want to feel, not for others

The most powerful shift Nomad women described wasn’t about fabric or fit but finally dressing for themselves. After decades of considering what others might think, they’ve found freedom in authenticity.

“Sense of style is an interesting thing to change up. People tend to expect to see you how they always do, so finding a piece of clothing that calls to you that is not normal may be daunting. But deciding later in life that the style that worked when you were younger no longer fits who you’ve become is the fastest and simplest way to facilitate claiming who you are now,” reflects Sandra Heaton. “When you feel good, it’s a great start to the day.”

This confidence radiates outward. As Lisa Putt puts it, “No one sees a woman walking with purpose and thinks ‘I don’t like what she’s wearing.’ They think, ‘She knows who she is.’”

For many, this journey to self-acceptance wasn’t instant. “I’m in my early 60s, and it has taken me until a few years ago to truly free myself from any fashion trends,” shares Karin Childs. “It was such a good feeling, giving my entire wardrobe a clean out and re-stocking it with items I will reach for time and time again.”

The advice from these women is beautifully simple: “Be gentle with yourself,” suggests Wahkuna Kilner. “Choose clothes that make you feel safe, strong, soft, whatever you need in that moment. Style isn’t about keeping up, it’s about coming home to yourself.”

2. Comfort without compromise

When you’re living out of a suitcase, comfort becomes non-negotiable. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style for comfort.

“I must feel good, confident and comfortable in my attire,” says Kim Sudduth, who’s close to 70. “Now comfort is at the top of my priority list, and that’s why I’m loving my new Nomad clothes this season.”

Christine vonHusen knows the feeling of your body changing in ways you didn’t choose. “It was nice to find some very stylish, comfortable pants that you can wear all day and feel good, as it’s very important for your confidence during those trying years when your body decides to change and you have no say in the matter.”

For Karin Childs, this shift transformed her entire approach to travel. “I’m too old to fuss around with clothing just to create a certain look. Now, when I fly to Europe, I only take carry-on luggage, filled with my favourite pieces. And the best part is that they look casual yet stylish.”

The freedom that comes with prioritising comfort extends beyond clothing. “Sometimes it feels like a battle between looking good and being comfortable,” admits Eydie Petti, 63. “But you can have both! I’ve had compliments from my husband, and when I travel, people always ask me where I got that Nomad piece.”

Starts at 60 readers can currently enjoy an exclusive 15% off all Nomad collections.* Click here to start shopping, and simply enter the code NOMADSAS15 at checkout to save.

3. The magic of natural fabrics

Ask these seasoned travellers about their biggest game-changer, and many will point to one thing: natural fabrics. This shift goes deeper than just feeling good; it’s connecting with something authentic.

For many Nomad women, the move to natural fibres represents something more profound. “Gone are the days when I feel comfortable in artificial man-made fabrics,” says Kerri Towers. “The natural fabrics keep my ‘internal’ temperature more manageable. I also feel ‘comfortable’ purchasing ethically made and natural fibres, caring for the environment.”

Kate Tempany captures this beautifully: “The thing which most captivates me is the sense of connecting gently to the natural world, moving gracefully and respectfully through it, celebrating being part of a beautiful dance of nature.”

4. Less is more: The art of smart packing

Remember the days of overpacking “just in case”? Nomad women have left that behind; now they know that having less means having more freedom, ease, and joy.

“Travel has taught me that it’s far more important to pack fewer clothes that are extremely versatile and easy care,” says Dianne Homan. “To relax and enjoy every moment, focus on the present.”

The secret lies in pieces that work together effortlessly. Sarah Sorensen swears by “clothes that travel well, versatile tops and bottoms that coordinate with each other, a capsule collection.”

An exclusive gift for Starts at 60 readers from Nomad the Label: 15% off all collections.

Natural fabrics, effortless style, comfort you can count on. T&Cs apply.* Click here to start shopping.

*Applicable for all collections on Nomad’s Australian store (nomadthelabel.com.au) only. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts and promotions.