Now when you first think “travel outfit,” you may be thinking of what to pack, as in a vacation wardrobe. Sure, it’s preferable to spend time deliberating on the best summer dress for vacay cocktails or a new flattering swimsuit to wear on the beach because those are the fun parts, the reason for traveling in the first place.
No friends, what we are going to explore today is the outfit you wear to get to your destination. For me, vacations are great, but the actual transit part can be kind of a nightmare. Even if the anxiety of travel has you on edge, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear a comfy yet chic outfit while you have a panic attack at the airport. (Joking aside, if you are having a panic attack, no matter your mode of transportation, seek medical help immediately.) That being said, traveling in the right clothing can actually make the experience a bit less stressful, maybe even enjoyable. A long-haul flight will feel much less dreadful if you’re wearing something that keeps you feeling ventilated, yet warm and well-supported, without being restrictive. The same goes for long car and bus rides.
If you’re the type of person who cannot stand seams, buttons, or rough fabrics, and refuse to wear straight-up sleepwear in public, then consider checking out Athleta’s collection of “tights.” These leggings feature buttery soft fabric that pulls sweat away from the body, allows for airflow, and provides supportive compression without cutting into you. They come in various lengths, rises, and colors. I tend to stick with black for leggings, but hey, you may be feeling adventurous for your next trip, so you may want to give the dark Sardina blue a spin. If you go for a higher-waist legging, pair it with a cropped t-shirt like Wild Fable Relaxed Fit tee from Target. Again, this comes in half a dozen different colors and can be easily layered with a denim jacket or cardigan. For footwear, if you’re going with an all-black or monotone bottom and top, pop-of-color shoes will give a bit of polish to your perfectly comfortable look, like Keds’ Kickback Canvas Sneaker in pink.
If you have multiple trips planned or are a frequent traveler, you may need something more heavy-duty than a t-shirt and leggings. Start with a mid-weight tee shirt like For Days’ Vintage V-neck. Then add a fleece crewneck, like Quince’s SuperSoft pullover, which is soft enough to be cozy, but on the fitted side so as not to add bulk and can be easily wrapped around the waist or draped over the shoulder. Next, go with a pull-on pant like Everlane’s Easy Pants or J.Crew Factory’s Linen-Cotton Blend Drawstring Pant. A pant has a more polished feel to it than a legging and can transition from travel to an event or activity more easily if you’re not checking in right away upon arrival.
Shoe-wise, if you’re really putting in the paces, I’d recommend New Balance’s 515 V3 Sneaker. It’s a classic with a durable rubber outsole and foam cushioning.
For shorter trips, you may just need something comfortable and cute. Consider a matching set! Matching tops and bottoms can be fun and don’t require a lot of effort to have a full look. For super casual travel, check out Target’s Tie Dye Lounge Top & Shorts set with some slide-on Vans. For something still lowkey but put-together, try Madewell’s Stripe Stretch Cotton & Linen Camp Shirt and matching pull-on shorts with a cushioned ballet flat.
Lastly, for those long-haul trips, whether by plane, train, or automobile, also be mindful of what’s worn under your outfit. Pack your standard bra and wear a supportive bralette, like Harper Wilde’s Bliss Bralette, which is made from durable microfiber fabric to give you lift without underwire or hooks digging into your skin. For underwear, Bombas makes great pairs that are breathable while providing coverage and comfort. If you’re going with a looser drawstring pants, then check out Ridge Merino’s Ridge Boy Shorts underwear for women for a more supportive feel under baggy pants. And don’t forget compression socks, especially for flights. Amazon is your go-to source for all types of compression travel socks.
There can be so many stressors when traveling, but hopefully, some of these outfit combos can take one less thing off your travel prep to-do list. Or at least help you look put-together on a bumpy flight or hours stuck in traffic.
