10 Iconic Game of Thrones Costumes to Inspire Your Next Travel Look

The visual world of Game of Thrones is a masterclass in design. Beyond the narrative, the costuming presents a deliberate architecture, telling a story of place, purpose, and power. It is a world where rugged Northern function meets the fluid elegance of the South.

Translating this fantasy into a practical travel wardrobe is an exercise in curation. It is about distilling the essence of a character’s style down to a functional blueprint. We are not creating costumes, we are building a framework for travel that is both intentional and impeccably stylish.

The first step is always context. Your destination’s climate, your planned activities, and the aesthetic you wish to project are the key parameters. A well-designed travel wardrobe ensures you are prepared for any scenario, from navigating ancient city streets to an elegant dinner overlooking the coast.

The right pieces are not merely clothing. They are components of a system, designed to make you feel composed and confident, allowing the main event, your travel experience, to unfold seamlessly.

Finding Your Westerosi Style: Key Questions to Ask

Before any item is placed in a suitcase, we must establish a clear strategy. This process ensures your selections are not only practical but form a cohesive and effective collection.

• What is the climate of your destination? Are you engineering a wardrobe for the cool, damp air of the North, or for the dry heat of Dorne? The environment dictates the material foundation.
• What functions must your wardrobe perform? Will your days require the durability needed for hiking, the polish for navigating urban centers, or the ease required for coastal relaxation?
• What is your personal design aesthetic? Do you gravitate towards the structured tailoring of a Lannister, the pragmatic layers of a Stark, or the flowing minimalism seen in Essos?
• How can you construct a capsule? Select pieces within a complementary color palette, the same way a designer would for a specific project. This ensures every item relates beautifully to the whole, maximizing versatility.

Answering these questions will guide you toward a travel wardrobe that is a model of style and function.

Essential Packing Strategy & Regional Layering

Intelligent layering is the core principle of a successful travel wardrobe. From the cold fronts of the North to the variable climate of the Crownlands, an adaptable system is essential.

• Base Layer: The piece closest to your skin. Its function is to provide a smooth, comfortable foundation for the rest of the composition.
• Mid-Layer: This is your primary insulation and the core of your aesthetic. This layer defines the outfit, from a structured leather vest to a fine-gauge knit.
• Outer Layer (Shell): This piece serves as your protection from the elements and is your most significant silhouette statement. Think of it as the facade of your sartorial architecture.

Regional Adjustments

• For the North (e.g., Iceland, Scotland): The focus must be on insulated and weather-resistant materials. The system requires thermal bases, dense wool mid-layers, and a substantial outer coat.
• For the South (e.g., Italy, Greece): Pack for warm days and mild evenings. The core materials will be lightweight, such as linen and silk. A light jacket or shawl is a necessary component for temperature shifts.
• For Essos (e.g., Morocco, Jordan): Similar to the south, but with an emphasis on breathable fabrics that offer sun protection. The blueprint includes flowing silhouettes, loose trousers, and functional head coverings.

Versatile pieces that transition from day to evening are the most valuable assets. This strategy ensures you look composed and feel comfortable, whatever the day holds.

10 Versatile Looks for a Flawless Westeros-Inspired Wardrobe

Here is my edit of ten iconic character aesthetics, reinterpreted as essential blueprints for modern travel. Each composition balances a high-concept inspiration with the practical demands of a journey.

1. Daenerys Targaryen: The Desert Wanderer

This look is a study in dressing for arid heat, capturing the Targaryen queen’s balance of ethereal grace and grounded strength.

• The Look & Feel: A composition of fluid shapes anchored by structured, practical details. The palette is elemental: sand, cream, and a signature Targaryen blue.
• Best Suited For: Navigating the markets of Marrakech, exploring ruins in Jordan, or any sun-drenched destination.
• The Formula: A flowing maxi dress in a breathable cotton or linen + sturdy leather gladiator sandals + a defining metallic belt.
• Styling Tips & Versatility: The dress is a complete outfit that transitions from day to evening with the addition of refined jewelry. The sandals provide the necessary support for a full day of walking.
• Packing & Practical Perks: A single maxi dress is an efficient use of luggage space. Breathable fabrics are a non-negotiable for comfort and protection from the sun.

2. Sansa Stark: The Northern Queen

Channel the quiet power of the Queen in the North with a look built on superior texture, a strong silhouette, and uncompromising warmth.

• The Look & Feel: Sophisticated, structured, and commanding. The design is articulated through heavy, high-quality fabrics, a severe color palette, and a formidable silhouette.
• Best Suited For: A winter trip to the Scottish Highlands, exploring Iceland, or a city break in a cold climate like Stockholm.
• The Formula: A long, dark wool coat with a strong collar + a high-neck knit sweater + elegant leather boots.
• Styling Tips & Versatility: The coat is the architectural statement piece. It elevates the simple, functional layers beneath it. The sweater and boots are versatile anchors for any cold-weather wardrobe.
• Packing & Practical Perks: A quality wool coat is an investment in serious warmth. A tight, neutral color palette allows for maximum outfit combinations with minimal components.

3. Cersei Lannister: The Vineyard Villain

Embody the unapologetic power of Cersei with a look defined by rich color, luxurious texture, and a sophisticated composition.

• The Look & Feel: Regal, opulent, and impeccably constructed. This style is built around a core of deep jewel tones, plush velvet, and sculptural gold hardware.
• Best Suited For: Wine tasting in Tuscany, a formal dinner, or a fall city escape that requires a polished evening look.
• The Formula: A velvet blazer or wrap dress in crimson or gold + slim-fitting dark trousers + heeled ankle boots + a piece of bold, sculptural jewelry.
• Styling Tips & Versatility: A velvet blazer has high utility. It can be layered over a simple black top and jeans to instantly construct an evening-appropriate outfit.
• Packing & Practical Perks: Velvet’s rich pile travels well and conceals minor wrinkles. A single piece of statement jewelry can transform a look without occupying significant luggage space.

4. Margaery Tyrell: The Garden Party Socialite

Capture the strategic charm of the Tyrell style, a blueprint for navigating social occasions with effortless elegance.

• The Look & Feel: Feminine, fresh, and intelligently composed. This style utilizes floral patterns, a light color palette, and graceful silhouettes.
• Best Suited For: A summer wedding, exploring the English countryside, or an event on the French Riviera.
• The Formula: A floral midi or maxi dress with a clean, flowing line + delicate gold jewelry + chic espadrille wedges or flats.
• Styling Tips & Versatility: The dress is a complete composition on its own. A light cardigan or a well-cut denim jacket can be added for cooler temperatures.
• Packing & Practical Perks: A single dress is a highly efficient packing solution. A well-chosen print is also adept at camouflaging minor travel spills.

5. Ygritte: The Wildling Wanderer

Embrace the fierce pragmatism of a free folk wanderer with a look engineered for warmth, comfort, and rugged exploration.

• The Look & Feel: A layered, textural aesthetic where function dictates form. The key materials are shearling, chunky knits, and other earthy, durable fabrics.
• Best Suited For: Hiking in national parks, a cabin retreat in the mountains, or any trip focused on outdoor activity.
• The Formula: A shearling-lined jacket or vest + an oversized wool sweater + performance leggings or cargo pants + waterproof hiking boots.
• Styling Tips & Versatility: Each layer is a functional component. The sweater is ideal for indoor lounging, while the jacket adds a strong stylistic element to any casual base.
• Packing & Practical Perks: Layering is the most logical system for dressing in unpredictable weather. Quality hiking boots are an essential foundation for comfort and safety on uneven ground.

6. Arya Stark: The City Explorer

Channel the resourceful, no-nonsense spirit of Arya with a practical framework for navigating the streets of any new city.

• The Look & Feel: Utilitarian, clean-lined, and designed for movement. The style uses a muted color palette, durable fabrics, and a focus on pure function.
• Best Suited For: A multi-day city break in Rome, exploring the markets of Istanbul, or navigating the transit systems of Tokyo.
• The Formula: A multi-pocket utility jacket + slim-fit dark denim + durable ankle boots + a secure crossbody bag.
• Styling Tips & Versatility: This is the essential blueprint for a travel capsule wardrobe. The jacket, denim, and boots form a reliable base for countless outfits.
• Packing & Practical Perks: Durability and comfort are the primary design considerations. A crossbody bag secures valuables and keeps hands free, while reliable boots are the key to a successful day of exploration.

7. Margaery Tyrell: The Dornish Diplomat

This is a reinterpretation of Margaery’s style for the climate of Dorne. The look is a study in fluid elegance for high heat.

• The Look & Feel: Sun-drenched, flowing, and golden. This aesthetic trades structured florals for liquid silks and shimmering metallics.
• Best Suited For: A beach resort in the Greek Islands, an elegant evening in southern Spain, or a luxurious coastal destination.
• The Formula: A silk or satin slip dress in a metallic hue + layered gold necklaces + flat metallic sandals.
• Styling Tips & Versatility: The slip dress functions as a beach cover-up by day and transforms into a stunning dinner outfit by night. It is a piece with high functional density.
• Packing & Practical Perks: Silk and satin are lightweight and occupy minimal space. This look provides maximum aesthetic impact with a few, easy-to-pack components.

8. Missandei: The Coastal Minimalist

Capture the serene, elegant minimalism of Missandei with a clean, modern, and comfortable travel uniform.

• The Look & Feel: Clean lines, a restricted color palette of blues and greys, and a focus on interesting silhouettes in natural fabrics.
• Best Suited For: Exploring the Amalfi Coast, a wellness retreat, or any chic, warm-weather coastal destination.
• The Formula: A matching linen co-ord set (crop top and wide-leg trousers) + minimalist leather slide sandals + understated silver jewelry.
• Styling Tips & Versatility: A co-ord set offers three outfits from two pieces. The components can be worn together for a polished, monolithic look or separately with other items for greater versatility.
• Packing & Practical Perks: The system of a matched set is highly efficient. Linen is exceptionally breathable, making it the ideal material for heat and humidity.

9. Brienne of Tarth: The Utilitarian Tourist

Embody the unwavering purpose of Brienne with a wardrobe that is practical, protective, and a model of stylish function.

• The Look & Feel: Structured, durable, and protective. This translates the concept of armor into modern, high-quality outerwear and reliable basics.
• Best Suited For: A multi-city trip through Europe, exploring ancient ruins, or any journey where pragmatism is the guiding principle.
• The Formula: A high-quality trench coat or field jacket + dark, simple basics + sturdy, waterproof walking boots + a functional backpack.
• Styling Tips & Versatility: A classic trench coat is a timeless architectural piece. It lends structure to even the most basic jeans-and-tee combination.
• Packing & Practical Perks: This look is built on an investment in functional, high-quality equipment. A well-designed backpack properly distributes weight, and waterproof boots are a critical travel asset.

10. Melisandre: The Monochrome Mystic

Channel the powerful, enigmatic presence of the Red Woman with a bold, monochromatic approach to dressing.

• The Look & Feel: Striking, simple, and dramatic. The power of this look is derived not from detail, but from the confident application of a single, bold color.
• Best Suited For: A stylish winter trip to Paris, a gallery opening, or any context where you want to make a memorable statement.
• The Formula: A complete outfit in a single, saturated hue (traditionally red) + a clean, strong silhouette + minimal accessories.
• Styling Tips & Versatility: The strength of this look is its absolute clarity. It is an easy composition to assemble, yet it has a significant visual impact.
• Packing & Practical Perks: A monochrome dress is a complete, high-impact outfit in one piece. This strategy removes the complexity of coordinating colors, streamlining the packing process.

Putting It All Together: Sample Compositions

Observe how these individual blueprints can be combined to create a functional system for any itinerary.

• Urban Exploration: Begin with Arya’s framework: a utilitarian jacket and dark denim. Integrate Brienne’s sturdy walking boots and backpack for all-day comfort and function.
• Cold-Weather Retreat: Use Ygritte’s layered system (chunky sweater, rugged boots) as the foundation. Add Sansa’s dramatic collared coat as the finishing architectural element.
• Mediterranean Holiday: Employ Missandei’s minimalist linen set for daytime. Transition to evening with Margaery’s “Dornish Diplomat” slip dress and metallic sandals.

Conclusion: Find Your Signature Travel Blueprint

Packing for a trip is an act of intention. It is an opportunity to build a functional, beautiful system that supports your journey. The design principles found in Game of Thrones offer a superb reference for creating travel wardrobes that are as intelligent as they are stylish. By curating a selection of versatile, high-quality essentials inspired by a clear aesthetic, you can construct a compact wardrobe perfectly suited for any destination. Use this edit as a guide to engineer your own travel look.

Curate your day,
Wahiba