The Ultimate Multifunctional Travel Dress: Review of the Chrysalis Cardi by Encircled
This post was sponsored by Encircled
Whether you are an expert traveller or totally new to travel all together, packing for a trip (particularly packing the best clothes to wear in Africa) can be difficult! Even after nearly 50 countries, I still find it painful tough to pack. It can be hard to find a balance between looking fashionable and packing garments that will actually be practical in diverse climates and social/cultural contexts.
The biggest lesson I have learned over the years, is to avoid overpacking — both literally and figuratively, it WILL weigh you down. Now, regardless of whether I use a carry-on or a larger backpack for long-term travel, I aim to pack convertible and multifunctional clothing.
I think I have finally found a solution to the fashion vs. function dilemma: The Chrysalis Cardi by Encircled.
A Multifunctional Travel Dress for Africa: The Chrysalis Cardi
Encircled is an ethical clothing brand based in Toronto, Canada, offering minimalist and sustainable garments that are both locally sourced and sewn. With a simple 2-snap system, the Chrysalis Cardi can be worn in 8 different ways (though in my experience, I was able to wear it in EVEN MORE ways to suit my body type and the situation).
Image curtesy of Encircled
Recently I travelled from Cape Town, South Africa all the way up to Mwanza, Tanzania by land — with one backpack containing everything for one year abroad (hence the need for multifunctional clothing). If you are wondering about the best clothes to wear in Africa … well the Chrysalis Cardi has been my absolute go-to essential!
In Cape Town, I wore the one shoulder dress exploring the historic and colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap…
…and the grecian tunic version of the Chrysalis Cardi while strolling through the beautiful Kristenboch botanical gardens.
Wondering what to pack for a safari in Africa? While road tripping in Namibia, I wore the scarf styled as a double-looped infinity circle on my self-drive safari through Etosha National Park. I also discovered how warm and comfy it is while sleeping camping in the back of my car in the Namib desert.
I glammed up in this daring halter variation to enjoy a glass of wine at a restaurant overlooking the Zambezi river in Zimbabwe.
In Malawi, I found numerous ways to style the cardi for swimwear by the pool and lake. The halter top variation, one strap dress and single loop scarf are super easy swim-suit coverups (depending on the amount coverage you want).
I also wore the cape as lake-side lounge wear (though in colder climates, I think this would be comfy to throw over leggings and boots).
…and I styled my black bikini with the Chrysalis Cardi’s belt over my pony tail.
More versatile ways to wear the Chrysalis Cardi while traveling:
– Wear the one loop scarf to cover your head and shoulders in a mosque or temple, or for sun protection.
– Get cozy in the cocoon cardi or wrap on a chilly flight, or use it as a blanket (I’m not pictured in these variations as I was traveling in warmer climates).
– Glam yourself up in the X-back halter for a night on the town (this one didn’t work with my body type but looks oh-so pretty).
– Use the cardi as a beach sarong, clipping or tying it at your waist.
– Wear the double or triple-loop scarf in colder climates, over a top or under a parka.
So is the Chrysalis Cardi really practical for travel in Africa?
If you are looking to pack light for Africa, then yes, I would highly recommend you bring along the Chrysalis Cardi based on its versatility. The continent of Africa is SO diverse, meaning you need to be prepared for the climate and culture of each country to be different from the next. For example, in Namiba, I was FREEZING in the desert at night and was so happy I had the cardi as an extra layer to throw on. In Tanzania, the climate is much hotter, so the tunic dress has become a go-to that I can throw on and not worry about sweat, yet also not draw too much attention to myself in its relatively conservative style.
But isn’t black a poor choice for hot climates or safari?
Yes in theory black attracts and absorbs heat…but it’s also the best colour to hide dust and dirt (which is a HUGE aspect of African overland travel). After the 3575 miles of travel by land that I just did across the continent…I would personally choose the black cardi again if I had the choice, just to avoid dirt and sweat stains on lighter garments (and honestly, when the weather tips over a certain point you will feel hot and sweaty regardless of the colour you are wearing).
The only time I would recommend to avoid wearing black, is if you plan to safari in areas known for teste flies. These flies are attracted to the colour black and will torment you. I have only personally experienced the flies in the Namib desert of Namibia and in the Tarengire and Serengeti Parks of Tanzania. If you are unsure whether flies will be an issue for you, ask your safari company or guide for more details.
Overall, this garment by Encircled is a win!
Whether you are planning to backpack on dirty buses, camp or hike in the bush, relax at Lake Malawi or explore an urban city centre – the Chrysalis Cardi is a solid choice as a multifunctional travel garment to pack for Africa (and anywhere else for that matter).
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This post was sponsored by Encircled.
As always, I only recommend brands and experiences to you which I have personally tried and loved.
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