CLOSET SWAP: Meet Travante Baker
Giving style ON TOUR (and all the time)!
Hello Costume Change! It’s time for another CLOSET SWAP, a monthly series where I ask a stylish friend of mine a bunch of nosy questions about how they get dressed. This week: the unforgettable Travante Baker. Travante is currently touring the country as a cast member of that little-known-indie-musical-theater-hit, Hamilton, so this issue of CLOSET SWAP includes some fun chat on style, shopping, and his hero pieces, specifically while living on the road. Style on the go! Let’s do it.
Meet the hilarious, wonderful, eternally stylish, and multi-talented (triple threat!) Travante Baker.
Travante and I met many, many moons ago, when we were paired together for [what turned out to be, lol] a full day’s dance audition. While on a break that day, Travante may or may not have let slip that his audition look was a *new purchase*—and, in that moment, I knew we had more than a love of dance in common.
Years (and several shows!) later, Travante is a forever friend. We may go months without seeing each other, but we can always pick up the convo right where we left off—with a “hey sis!” Travante is someone who always listens to his gut and knows who he is, which is a quality that really shines in his sense of style, as you’re about to see below. And I am forever impressed by HOW GOOD he looks while on tour! A truly impressive feat, given he’s been out with the show (and thus living out of suitcases) for over a YEAR. I needed the hows—as in how are you pulling this off?—so I sent that “hey sis” text, and wowza, did sis deliver.
Sis, I am so excited for this! You’ve been serving looks since we met at that NBC Upfronts audition (lol). And you’re maintaining the style on tour! Miraculous! First off, can we start with a quick intro? Anything you want to plug that you’re currently working on?
Hey sis! You’re so sweet. I’ve been serving looks??? I feel like I’m just trying to keep up with YOU, the fashionista herself! Anyway…hi! Yes, my name is Travante, and I’m currently on the Hamilton Philip Tour. I’m always working on myself, but not working on anything industry-related right now. I may dabble in carving out some movement here and there, but that’s more for me! :) [Editor’s note/shameless plug: you can check out some of Travante’s recent choreo here.]
Briefly describe the aesthetic of your day-to-day personal style (right now—style is transient!).
My day-to-day personal style probably falls under the category of athletic leisurewear, with a mix of (some) high-end garments and budget-friendly pieces. Thrifted items add a unique and individualized touch, which help give an eclectic edge to the overall look. Generally, my style combines the function and comfort of athletic wear with a little sophistication from subtle, high-quality streetwear pieces. It makes for a cute combination of colorful, fun, sporty, and trendy!
Are there any aspirational vibes/style words you’d like to throw in the mix? Anything you feel like you’re working towards?
I actually am content with where my style is right now. If I had to add anything to the mix I might aspire to add a vibe that introduces some allure.
Werk allure! Keep the mystery alive! Okay—I’m finding I like to ask this question as a marker in time—is there anything fashion-related that you’re newly into *right now*? A color or vibe? A trend that is tempting you? A TV or movie character’s style?
Haha. I love this. I think I’m into baggy right now, and everything that brings me nostalgia about the 90s. Like a fun pattern/tie-dye moment on a pant or a jacket. I think in the near future you might be seeing me in more bucket hats!?!?!
You’re currently on the Phillip Tour of Hamilton, and before that you were touring with Wicked. That’s a lot of time on the road! If you compare/contrast what you were wearing a few years ago—pre pandemic—with how you dress now, can you see a style evolution happening? Or do you still feel pretty true to your OG New York closet?
Oh yes, 1,000%! I definitely can see a style evolution. I think personal style adjusts over time, and is dependent on where you are, how you feel, and what you’re currently experiencing. However, your true sense of style never leaves you—it just takes on different forms. I’ve always leaned towards “comfortable yet stylish,” especially living in New York—you’re always traversing. I’ve always specifically dressed for that, and I feel like I still do now. Maybe just a little more mature?
What are the clothing items or accessories that are your big MVPs—the stuff you can’t live without?
I have a fanny pack that I pretty much carry with me everywhere. It functions as an accessory and also as a piece to keep my belongings together, because I’ve been known to misplace my things! I also own an overcoat and denim parka that I simply cannot go through the winter without, and I like to layer them. I typically need some type of hat accessible, just in case the outfit calls for it. And most days I’m probably going to be in a boot. A casual boot, or a formal boot for events.
If you do a little shopping while on tour, how do you decide something is worth buying/adding to the edit? Do you ship stuff home/swap stuff out?
Ooo, great question! I have fights with myself about this—the struggle not to purchase everything is really real! I have a few questions that I ask myself before a purchase:
1) Is this going to fit in my luggage?
2) Is this going to fit in my trunk? [Ed note!: cast members on long national tours get a footlocker that travels by bus/with the set, in addition to their checked luggage.]
3) If I fly, is this going to put me overweight? Is it worth it?
4) Do I not have anything like this in my closet right now?
5) Can I live without it? Or will I be thinking about this after I leave the store? (Lol.)
6) Is this a piece-piece, or is this giving regular?
If I like an item, I usually won’t buy it that day. I will go home, ponder, ask myself all the Qs above. If after 2-3 days it’s still on my mind, and still available, I will march my butt back to the store and purchase immediately—without hesitation!
Let’s say a formal event comes up while you’re on the road—a party, or a big night out. (I’ve seen some pretty excellent fits on the gram that fall into this category!) How do you decide what to wear?! Any greatest hits?
Well first, thank you sis, I’m doing the best I can with what I GOT! OH!
LOL. I’m cackling!
Lol OK—I decide what to wear by thinking about what aligns best with the vibe for the night, and also what articles of clothing mesh well together. Days prior to the event I’ve loosely begun brainstorming (this usually begins with envisioning a color first), then I think about what’s actually in my closet and go from there.
It’s important to note: If I am absolutely sure of what I want to wear, and I don’t have all the articles, I WILL go out and purchase the thing that I need to complete the look. That’s definitely happened before, but not often. And UMMMM, I don’t know about greatest hits but, hmmm…
I’m DYING. It’s so good sis! And this pink?!:
Now THIS was for the WICKED 20th Anniversary Party—it was bold, fun, and scandalacious ;-).
Hello?! I’ll say! Okay okay so then for balance, what about the opposite? What’s the off-duty vibe? What do you wear on a Monday?
Off-duty vibe is going to give you a comfortable vibe, baggy, easy to throw on/off. But also fashionable! I love playing with how I can make something unconventional look conventional, and I feel like Mondays are usually a great time to explore that.
Gotta ask–any packing hacks or tips? (Fashion-related or not!)
Umm… be really good at charming the desk agents at the gate, just in case your luggage is overweight—lol jk! I am really great at folding and organizing, which comes in handy when it’s time to distribute weight. Always wear layers to the airport, including your heaviest items, so that you free up a little space and it keeps the weight down. Example: a jean or overalls, a heavy shirt, a jacket, and a boot on the foot.
Love. OKAY. Any last words to leave the people with? Style inspiration? Kooky stories? TV recs? Advice to ward off the seasonal sads?
Okay, I’m letting out my secrets now sis—Lenny Kravitz is BIG style inspiration for me. So is Zendaya—but less of her glam style, and more of her day-to-day look. If you do a deep dive the aesthetic is super cute.
Oh my gosh! Everyone please go and watch Fellow Travelers on Paramount+! You will not regret it—incredible work done by ALL!
Have fun with your style and what you wear! Love what you love and make it fun, make it YOU. It’s kinda like throwing spaghetti at a wall and seeing what sticks, but you can’t be afraid to throw it. I see it as an expression of self—you can’t be wrong. Most importantly dress for you, and no one else.
To ward off the seasonal sads? Wear more color! Take vitamin D. Go to the gym? Are we eating (as in are we literally making sure to feed ourselves)?!
Last thing I’ll say is I’m so proud of you SIS! You’re amazing! Thank you for inviting into this special space you’ve created. It’s been a true pleasure and I had so much fun talking about something I know we both love—dressing up!
Ughhhhh sis love you so. You’re a dream! THANK YOU! So fun.
And that’s that on that. Hope you enjoyed that fashion xtravaganzah—hello hello I did! It’s giving RANGE—athleisure to formal wear. Boots and hats, people—they’ll set you free! Much gratitude to my friend for all the style inspo above. Soy good.
OKAY BABES. Go forth and get dressed with joy this week! See you soon.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Costume Change is a styling newsletter (vs. a shopping newsletter). There’s no spon-con in the above convo. Thanks for reading, and reminder to keep those comments kind!
Okay LOVEEEEEEEE this!!! I can feel the fun dynamic between the two of you and I read the whole thing with a smile on my face. Thank you for doing this - I love reading!