While touring Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, comfort was much more a necessity than style. But being comfortable didn’t mean I had to be a complete slob with my travel style, lounging in just sweats or jersey leggings, loose Ts and sweatshirts the whole time. Here are my travel outfits worn while we were touring, hiking and photographing the dramatic splendor of the sweeping vistas, golden cliffs, and sandy beaches of western Cape Breton.

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Travel Style }

Outfit Architecture: Cut Out Shoulder Sweater by Felicee.com; H&M Striped tank; Target braided belt; Naturalizer walking boots; GAP denim leggings.

Being an island in the Northwest Atlantic, Cape Breton Island’s weather is capricious–to put it lightly. While we were there, native Capers (as they call themselves) had noted that all summer they couldn’t string two sunny days together. So we counted ourselves more than lucky to have had 5 days of warmth good enough to visit the beach at least 4 times, and not be locked into the house during unhappy, strong rainstorms. There were some days that brought turbulent winds, gusting through the trees and off the mountains down to the beach, and sometimes rain with it. There were days where it would rain cats and dogs, and moments later, the sun would be shining through an almost cloudless sky. Not unlike the Great Lakes Country here in Michigan, however, if a bit colder, despite being the warmest month of summer.

I didn’t want to over pack, I didn’t want to look like a slob, and I also wanted to have some weather appropriate wear. Again, as I said before, the secret to stylish travel outfits is layers.

• Touring Glenora Distillery (North America’s ONLY single-malt distillery)
• Photographing the dramatic cliffs and forests of The Cabot Trail
• Bumming it at Port Hood Beach (Lifeguard Beach)
• Hiking and photographing the pastoral landscapes and rugged beaches of neighboring Port Hood Island
• Beach photography day at Port Hood Lifeguard Beach and the Port Hood Wharf Beach

I lived in: sweaters with strategic “ventilation” ie. shoulder cut outs, leopard button downs, tanks a plenty, shorts, high waisted skirts, leggings, my trusty walking boots (albiet at an unflattering height). And, of course, we can’t forget my deep plunge backless once piece bathing suit. But I shouldn’t totally denounce the function of a good sweatshirt. I did wear a one at least one or two times…