There was a time when going to the airport called for dressing up. It was an era of pillbox hats and glamorous coats. (It was also a time of cigarette smoke-filled cabins, so we’ll take our wins where we can.) But when it comes to today’s travel outfits, suffice it to say the reality of dressing for a flight, no matter how short or long, is typically uninspiring. It’s time to change that: While you’re planning your vacation wardrobe, picking out something to wear to feel put together on the trip itself can make long travel days a little more special. (And, with the right knitwear, a lot more cozy.)
Vogue’s Travel Outfit Essentials:
From airport outfits to road-trip-ready loungewear and lightweight pieces best for layering, the right ensemble mostly depends on your jet-setting plans. If you need everything to squeeze into a carry-on, opt for versatile basics you can mix and match with the rest of your holiday styles. Try wide-leg pants you can pair with a tiny tank top for an apéro outdoors or oversized totes that work just as well as a personal item for the plane as they do strolling the vintage markets in the South of France. If you’re headed somewhere far, far away and staring down a 15-hour travel day, comfort is key. Invest in some cozy loungewear and supportive travel shoes for best results. Need something to see you through a weekend getaway? Your travel outfit should double as a real outfit—no need to waste valuable time changing at your hotel.
Ahead, ten travel outfit ideas to cover every possible itinerary.
The Better-Than-PJs Look
For bleary-eyed, early-morning check-ins when putting together a stylish ensemble seems like a Herculean task, co-ords are your friend. Donni’s pointelle set is seriously soft and comes in a range of neutrals—though the cream color is perfect when paired with bold burgundy sneakers and a navy knit. In the way of accessories, an iridescent checkered claw clip is both functional and fun.
The Spring-Ready Uniform
Ahead of transitional weather dressing, prep for the season with an assortment of easy layers. Toteme’s canvas car coat is a great lightweight outerwear piece for this time of year—and a timeless pair of loafers you can slip on and off is a smart investment. Plus, a menswear-inspired button-down is the ultimate versatile travel piece; take it from Clara Cornet, who always packs one in her carry-on: “A good crisp shirt will always elevate an outfit, whether it’s casual with white denim pants or thrown over a swim suit.”
The Color-Blocked Combo
When comfort is key, color is your best bet for adding visual interest. A simple T-shirt and wide-leg trouser base is made more intentional when done in rich burgundy; add a contrasting sweater in butter yellow to stay warm and bring a bit of brightness to the palette. Tie it all together with a pair of slip-on Birkenstock clogs to get you through TSA and to your gate in record time; no laces here.
The Perennial Prepster
Lean into East Coast prep—no matter your locale—with this easy travel uniform. Start with a baseball cap (classic Ralph Lauren preferred but not necessary), add a cozy crewneck, and finish with loose pull-on trousers comfy enough for long car trips. And to squeeze a little luxury into an early-morning call time, you may as well splash out on cashmere crew socks.
The Cold Climate Bundle
Begin with a base of black for easy mixing and matching, like leggings, a boxy sweater (this turtleneck one from Allude is made from a toasty wool-cashmere blend), and Chelsea ankle boots. From there, a chocolate brown scarf and classic camel trench elevate your airport style and will come in handy for chillier destinations—Me + Em makes theirs from water-resistant wool, so if the destination in question is also a rainy one, you’ll be covered.
The Post-Flight ’Fit
The key to looking fresh upon arrival lies in sartorial savvy; that is, choosing an outfit that’s optimally designed for a day of sightseeing and lazing on sunny terraces but is composed of surprisingly comfortable staples. For example: a slim-fit tank top and equally minimal mules you can wear both on the trip and out to lunch when you arrive; a suede bag that fits your laptop for the train ride but converts to a tote for exploring; a pair of checked linen trousers with an adjustable waist for hours in the air and pairing with a fun top for dinners out.
The Leggings Look
If all you care about is being as comfortable as possible, athleisure is the way to go. We like Alo Yoga’s Airbrush leggings because they have a bit of compression, which is great for long-haul flights. You likely already have a simple white tee and ultra-baggy sweatshirt in your closet, but just in case, basics from Skims and Varley are going to last you for many travel seasons to come. (And since no one wants to deal with dry contact lenses at 40,000 feet, this is the time to break out your Miu Miu glasses.)
The Comfortable Jeans
Allow us to make the case for jeans as travel pants. For one, they’re warm enough to combat the arctic temperatures of most airplane cabins; plus, as long as you choose a relaxed fit—like this wide-leg style from Frame—they won’t feel constricting. Keep the rest of your outfit casual with a slouchy tee and retro runners. For accessories, a sleek white passport case keeps your essentials within reach, while a French pin tucks your hair out of your face and won’t dig into your skull every time you lean back in your seat.
The Sweatpant Alternative
Think of these cargo pants as a more polished version of sweats: The elasticized waist and soft fabric are still there, but they look significantly more put together. Pair them with an easy, long-sleeve top from Leset and cushy sneakers. (As for your travel bag, Naghedi’s tote is surprisingly roomy—and since it’s made from durable neoprene, it can double as a market bag for all your vacation souvenir hunting.)
The Nautical Touch
Nautical styles can work for pre-summer trips, too—no yacht required. A sailor cardigan fits the theme perfectly, and Maje’s ever-so-slightly oversized one is perfect for when you want something roomy to layer on planes. Swap leggings for ponte pants, and you’ll be able to mix and match with the rest of your vacation wardrobe. Choose a sleek (read: packable) pair of ballet flats for comfort to round out the look.
