Up Your Summer Road Trip Style

Summer is a prime road trip season. You're crossing the United States and have decided to take a look at the attractions in Lansing, Michigan. However, one look at your wardrobe tells you that your clothes are not travel-ready. Between planning a visit to the capitol building and checking out the Potter Park Zoo, you need to make sure that you're ready to explore Lansing while looking your absolute best.

Simplicity is key

While you may want to get glammed up for a night out on the town during your Lansing trip, you're also going to be spending a good amount of your time in a car. This means that you need some of the essentials: blouses, skirts, leggings, and shorts. While it may be tempting to mix and match neutral colors just so it's easy to have something to toss on in the mornings, you can always get more adventurous. Mixing and matching some bold prints and textures is always a great idea. While you could always go with the standby of a cami and some leggings, a road trip across the United States is the perfect time to get wild with your style.

Consider revamping a classic staple: the flannel tied around the waist. It's a timeless summer look but you can always add your stamp of personality. Instead of a flannel, choose a long-sleeve blouse in a sassy print. It's summer so prints like watermelons, polka dots, and abstract drawings are totally fair game. While you're taking your impromptu field trip around Lansing, you may even spot a few consignment shops or boutiques. Keep in mind that, unless you're staying in Greater Lansing for long, the exclusive offers you spot might also be a final sale.

Amp up a night out

Your booking agent helped you find a steal at one of downtown Lansing's last-minute hotels but you're beginning to feel a bit stir-crazy. You've already seen Michigan State University and the Greater Lansing Convention Center so you're ready to see what the city's nightlife has to offer. This is the perfect time to dress to the nines and go out with your girlfriends. You could keep it classy with an understated off shoulder blouse paired with a sleek pair of black slacks. What about a cocktail dress that shows off all of your curves in the perfect way? You have a lot of options but perhaps the best is to keep the outfit relaxed and let your hair, makeup, and accessories do the talking.

Say you picked the off-shoulder top and are pairing it with one of your skirts that hugs your waist perfectly. Since you're exploring the nightlife, it's time to let your hair down, literally. While an updo is always easy to manage, there's something so chic about letting your locks flow behind you as you and your friends enter a local bar in Lansing.

As for the makeup, while a smoky eye with winged liner can be cute, aim for something that shows off your features and introduces a pop of color that coordinates with your outfit. If your off-shoulder blouse is a powder blue, use a light blue eyeshadow and a small amount of liner to give that added detail. There are plenty of ways to coordinate effectively. Don't get halfway through the night before coming to the self-realization that you could've made a bolder style statement.

Get on the road again

You've seen the Science Center. You stopped by the Lansing Visitors Bureau. You even stayed in one of East Lansing's friendly hotels. On top of that, you got some amazing pics of your trip. It's time to get back on the road. While you may be leaving Lansing behind, don't forget you're still taking your stunning road trip style along for the ride.

A freelance writer with a BA in English from Sarah Lawrence College.