Backpacking and fashion are not two concepts that would normally be associated, unless you were talking about what not to do ie. cargo pants, which, despite what anyone will argue, really belong in the same basket as Crocs: comfortable yet utterly and ridiculously unattractive, no excuses, there are better options. However, the task of packing what will become the total of your material possessions into a somewhat restrictive 80 L rucksack can teach you quite a lot about what you actually need and the value of what you have already got. Add to that the fact that you are often preparing yourself for an entire barrage of climates and situations and you will discover that another skill you acquire will be sourcing aesthetically pleasing yet versatile and sensible pieces of wardrobe. It will also teach you that you can, in fact, survive with just four pairs of shoes (for the record, your four basics are: mary-jane heels, flat boots, thongs & joggers). Here is what you can learn from living out of suitcases and rucksacks...

You have far more than you need: regular wardrobe clean outs are essential. Get rid of your 'just in case' pile! 'Just in case' it ever fits me again. 'Just in case' tie dye makes a come back. 'Just in case' I decide leopard print is my thing. 'Just in case' my feet grow into the fabulous yet one size too big heels. Sell them on Ebay, donate it to charity, give it to your sister - if you haven’t worn it in the last month or two, give it the flick.

Basics are key: this is particularly vital if you are working in corporate offices to support your habit (travel, that is). Basics such as plain cotton t-shirts/singlets can work well casually with jeans as well as making a top choice tucked into a high wasted skirt or teamed up with a blazer to wear into the office. They also tend to travel well, requiring minimal bag space & ironing. Another example of a versatile basic is a simple black vest. This can be used to layer over other pieces (shirts, dresses, t-shirts) for corporate or casual to deliver a different look. A good pair of fitted straight leg dark coloured jeans will become a wardrobe staple too, respectable enough to team up with a nice top to wear out and being jeans they are the epitome of appropriateness for casual wear, and lets not forget suitable 'casual Friday' attire. A good, warm, double breasted charcoal coat will do you will too. Although this choice of colour may not be your usual, it is versatile in that you should not tire of it as quickly as say, a red trench, and it is versatile enough to wear with most all of your other wardrobe pieces. Basics in general are the most practical and stylish way to go when in comes to travelling, packing according to the current trend will see you soon turfing the contents of your pack and wasting money better spent say, drinking champagne in ... Champagne, than on keeping up with the latest fad- choose classic & avoid this!

Mary-jane heels are the epitome of versatility: comfy, classy, essential. Mary Jane heels aren't sky scrapers and they have a wider heel compared to most, making them more comfortable for day to day wear. They can take you from the office to the pub and right back around to the Sunday morning crawl to home/to Starbucks. Corporate, night out, casual... one shoe fits all. They are the style conscious travellers ultimate investment.

You can't have it all so choose wisely: develop succinct personal style. Use Polyvore to create some sets to refine the basic style of looks you want to achieve while travelling. Print out your creations and paste them into your moleskin to create a more defined personal style. Keep this handy when shopping or picking from your current wardrobe in preparation for travel. Remember your space is limited and what space you do have you should use wisely - choose items based on three key factors: Respectability, Comfort, Flexibility. Try and fill your luggage up with pieces that fulfil these criteria and you'll be one happy, stylish traveller.

Be grateful: for the amount of clothes you usually have. For your wardrobe space. Your shoe collection. Your accessories.

The saying 'you don't know what you've got until it's gone' certainly rings true when it comes to your wardrobe & travel. It's difficult to see just how much excess exists in our wardrobes until having to cull work wear, casual outfits, going out gear, accessories, coats, shoes etc.. down to the airline allowable 20 kilograms. Learning to live out of your suitcase can be difficult but it certainly allows you to develop a greater understanding of need vs. want and therefore teaching you a lesson in being grateful for life's little extravagances - like a full wardrobe!