It’s a divisive time to be an airplane outfit. The subject itself is a fraught one, fares are soaring, and delays are at an all-time high—it’s fairly difficult to care about the message your loungewear set is sending to the good people of Terminal 2 when your flight to New York may arrive on time, but it may also arrive in the morning, or not at all, and no one really seems to be in charge. To this, we say: fair. But picking the right travel outfit—especially when traveling during the holidays, an especially busy and stressful time—can, at the very least, make your journey a little more comfortable. That’s where our editors come in, with 10 road-tested holiday travel outfit ideas you can recreate with pieces from your own wardrobe.
Vogue Editors’ Winter Travel Essentials
There’s the travel wrap that doubles as a blanket for the cabin; the perfectly sized weekender bag that can be used to house gifts too breakable to check with your luggage; the sleek shoes that slip off easily at security and are ready to go for a just-off-the-flight lunch date. There are plenty of winter travel essentials in our edit; as well as a few elevated pieces that might just add a touch of luxury to your 7 a.m. wake-up time.
Ahead, here’s what Vogue editors are wearing to travel home for the holidays this year.
Libby Page, executive shopping director
“This is honestly the softest sweater set I have ever worn. It s light, too, so perfect for rolling into your suitcase if you don’t want to wear it for the return journey back. I love layering this with a tailored coat to make it feel smarter. A notepad is my flight go-to for journaling.”
Talia Abbas, shopping director
“The only method to my madness is this: one larger-than-life tote, always wear the coat, and no hoodies, just cashmere sweaters. If it serves no purpose after the flight, it stays home.”
Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
“I like to show up to my destination with the ability to go somewhere else after the airport—which means, never slumming it in order to be cozy. Matching sets always guide me, and a sleek loafer and suede tote bag are my go-tos for a lot of walking, waiting, checking in, and dozing off on the plane.”
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping
“I’m going to Lisbon for New Year’s Eve, and reserving most of my suitcase space for all the ceramics I plan to smuggle back. To that end, I’m mostly packing (and wearing) light layers: my favorite slim-fit long-sleeve from Éterne, a travel wrap from White Warren, and jeans from AYR comfortable enough to wear on the plane. I recently came into this perfect suede tote from Parker Thatch, and I’m thinking this will be its maiden voyage as my personal item.”
Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
“My travel outfit philosophy is somewhere between comfort and ‘wear whatever doesn’t fit in your carry-on.’ In practice, this involves a comfortable pant, though I don’t mind flying in jeans—the flight home to Virginia is less than an hour. I have a very chill family, so we really cozy up inside most of the time. I like the versatility of a riding boot—an easy throw-on for errands and a polished touch to an out-to-dinner fit. They’re far too large for a suitcase, so I’ll wear them on the plane paired with a comfortable crewneck sweater and a filled-to-the-brim tote bag.”
Kasey Busiel, marketing and production manager
“Putting together the comfiest outfit for a holiday plane ride—without sacrificing style—is truly an art. I’m all about staying warm while still looking put-together. A roomy crossbody is a must so all my travel essentials—boarding pass, chargers, AirPods, face masks, lip gloss, sour gummy worms, and more—are strapped on and within easy reach at all times.”
Andrea Zendejas, fashion market editor, shopping
“When traveling, I always layer as planes run cold. I opt for a relaxed barrel leg denim that offers ease without sacrificing polish, Brave Pudding sock shoes for effortless travel, and a cashmere wrap that seamlessly shifts from a neck scarf to an in-flight blanket. And, of course, an extra-large tote to fit all travel essentials.”
Minty Mellon, fashion market editor, shopping
“I always fall back on a failsafe uniform of sleek neutrals: a cozy knit, black sweatpants, and a leather jacket that feels comfortable yet polished. I let accessories add some bold accents with a statement bag, sleek boots, and a classic pair of sunglasses. It’s an easy combination to recreate many ways with pieces already in your wardrobe while still looking put-together.”
Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer
“I will be traveling to freezing Canada for the holidays and since I like to travel light, I usually don’t pack much because I figure I’ll be stealing bulky coats and warm sweaters from my mother and sisters. These are the essentials that will be coming with me: easy low-rise bootcut jeans, flattering basic tees, cozy footwear, and a versatile bag.”
Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer
“I am a strictly ‘home for the holidays’ type of girl! I love warm weather during any other time of the year, but during the holidays, anything tropical is out of the question—I much prefer to get in the spirit by freezing in upstate New York. I will be curling up by the fire, strolling through the village of my small hometown, baking dozens of cookies, and dressing for the occasion, with comfort as my top priority.”
