Seasoned travelers always have an eye out for great-looking gear that makes life easier, safer and worry-free. We scoured Sarasota for the best ideas local retailers have to offer and found an array of stylish must-haves, from wrinkle-proof silk dresses and chic French walking shoes to statement handbags with lots of secure compartments and zippers.

So faux, so good

Only your jeweler will know for sure (and he’d need a loupe to discern whether the stunning travel bijoux at Dana Tyler are real or faux). Inspired by top couture jewelry at a fraction of the price, pieces like this chunky gold necklace with coral or green stone ($69) make for a carefree journey. Dana Tyler, 17 N. Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armands Circle, (941) 388-1747. 

 

Cover yourself for any occasion with Eileen Fisher’s versatile handkerchief-linen, notch-collar blazer, the perfect segue from office to night on the town. Slip it on over a sundress on cool summer nights or when restaurant air conditioning is uncomfortably cold ($218). Eileen Fisher, 1501 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 365-2435.

 

Travel insurance

Renowned for never-wrinkle clothes made from nylon spandex swimsuit fabric, the fashion-right J. McLaughlin is now open on Main Street with favorites like the boathouse tank, banyan cap-sleeve dress and this Charlotte maxi dress ($185). J. McLaughlin, 1503 Main St., Sarasota, jmclaughlin.com.

 

These shoes are made for walking!

Not your mother’s clunky Birkenstocks, the French brand Arche combines comfort with witty styles and fun colors in glove-soft nubuck leather (from $295). With bouncy lightweight latex soles, you’re good to go. Reason’s Shoes, 57 S. Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armands Circle, (941) 388-1602. 

 

Social security

Amid travel finds from apparel to flight bags, we spied packable straw hats and sleek whistle necklaces Sarasota travelers buy in case they need to summon help in far-off places ($104 in gold). Juno & Jove, 1425 First St., Whole Foods Market Centre, Sarasota, (941) 957-0000.

 

Make the case

Great-looking and high-performing, an adorable new jewelry case ($65) and three cosmetics cases (from $55) by Tory Burch now come in classic stripes in either navy or beige. Addison Craig, 28 S. Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armands Circle, (941) 388-3400.

 

Smooth sailing

Formal night is no longer a packing nightmare: Mashiah’s dressy crushable silk dresses come out of the suitcase ready for the captain’s table ($999). Dream Weaver, 364 St. Armands Circle, (941) 388-1974.

 

Jet set

Must-have travel totes: Consuela’s pink “snakeskin” carryall for the plane ($250) and coordinating cross-body bag for sightseeing ($170), both with lots of secure zippers. Write On Sarasota, 1423 First St., Sarasota, (941) 953-2800.

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This article appears in the June 2012 issue of Sarasota Magazine.

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