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These days, it can feel like a small victory to reach your destination without an unexplained flight delay or a standstill traffic jam along the way. Expectations around travel may be low, but the right outfit has the power to elevate the entire experience, bringing a sense of ease and intention to even the longest journeys.
From departure to arrival, our editors have mastered the art of dressing for travel. Some editors swear by an oversized scarf or wrap, favoring its versatility as a blanket (or, in one editor’s case, a makeshift pillow), and as a polished finishing touch—while others reach for a perfectly slouchy sweater that delivers warmth without sacrificing style. No matter how unpredictable the journey—and the cabin temperature—our editors never travel without their favorite travel wraps and sweaters.
Vogue Editors’ Favorite Travel Sweaters and Scarves:
Buckle up and read on for our editors’ unwavering takes on the best scarves and sweaters for travel—and if you’ve got a holiday trip in the works, pick one up for yourself.
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping
“Right now, I’m leaning into the travel wrap: It’s a blanket on the plane and a shawl to wear to dinner once you land. My two favorites right now are from White + Warren and Sézane—the former a blissfully oversized cashmere one, the latter a thicker baby alpaca fabric for truly frigid destinations.”
Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
“I often turn to turtleneck sweaters for traveling. I love these wool and cotton picks from Cos and Everlane. They’re wardrobe staples!”
Andrea Zendejas, fashion market editor, shopping
“When it comes to traveling, a cashmere scarf is a non-negotiable. My go-to is this Lisa Yang wrap, which is lightweight and truly perfect for any season. I love it so much that I have it in multiple colors!”
Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
“When I’m traveling, I pack one single sweater for the entire trip. I try to travel light, and I’m always surprised by how many people congratulate me for just bringing a carry-on bag! This Francegiving with my family-in-law in Paris, I was quietly thanking Tina Chai for styling me in this brushed-cashmere striped crewneck from White + Warren. I wore it every single day, from Eiffel Tower group photos, to golf cart rides in the Gardens of Versailles, to a stroll down Château de Chantilly’s Island of Love, to a facial at L’institut Sothys. For a Chicago Christmas, I’ll be in the Rugby Stripe Polo for a cozy extended staycation.”
Sache Taylor, director, special events
“At my late age of 29, I have learned it’s not scarves versus sweaters—it’s me versus the cold. I am a sweater girl through and through, but slicked-back hair (everyday) means my neck is always freezing, so a scarf is essential. I’ve traveled for years with the same black cashmere COS scarf (though I buy a new one every time I inevitably lose it). I always have it embroidered with my initials—because losing a scarf is traumatic, but losing one anonymously is unacceptable.”
Taylor Lashley, manager, social media
“I’m a self-proclaimed sweater-as-as-scarf-aholic. While this styling trick is a chic addition to any outfit, this holds especially true when traveling. I love that it allows me to bring an extra layer without the piece taking up space in my suitcase.”
Irene Kim, production and editorial associate
“I travel really lightly. I hate checking a bag when it’s not necessary, which means I only pack essentials. I will always be #teamsweater, because while you can always make use of a sweater, scarves are more practical in the wintertime. A thin scarf can only do so much for you when you’re on a cold airplane, yet traveling with a hefty knitted scarf just adds unnecessary space and weight to your bags.”
Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer
“On travel days, I tend to turn to T-shirts with cozy sweaters for the perfect layering formula, no matter the season. I love Heidi Merrick’s Daily sweater for year-round layering—its lightweight cashmere fabric and crewneck cut makes it such an easy choice. Lingua Franca’s Classic cashmere cardigan is another favorite for its extreme softness and versatility. Plus, you can order it with special hand-stitched customizations! Even though I layer these sweaters over T-shirts, I tend to never take them off until I reach my destination.”
Florence O’Connor, associate content manager
“I swear by the Artizia triangle scarf. Not only does it keep you warm and looking chic with it draped around your shoulders as you bop through the airport, but it doubles as a blanket, head scarf, and even a pillow (if you fold it correctly) while on the plane. The use cases of this garment truly know no bounds!”
Kasey Busiel, marketing production manager, shopping
“Living in New York City after growing up in the Midwest means my winter travel usually takes me from one cold place to an even colder one. So naturally, I’m on a mission to cover every last inch of skin just to survive the plane ride. I’m a sweater girl through and through—and honestly I’ve been known to layer two mocknecks at once. Whatever it takes to beat the chill!”
Margaux Anbouba, senior editor, beauty wellness
“Both at once! The beloved Guest in Residence ‘Sweater Scarf’ that I bought shortly after the brand launched is sadly no longer available (bring it back!), but similar versions are for sale at other brands. It’s the mullet of knits: Scarf sleeves hang loosely over your shoulders in the front, or, it can be wrapped around the neck—it’s the warmest, most ingenious layering solution.”
Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer
“I am a sweater girl hands down, and I gravitate towards zip-up hoodies. My absolute favorite is from Charlie Beads because it has the most perfect vintage, lived-in feel and falls at just the right spot on the hip (which I find is not the case for most zip-ups). Another sweater I reach for constantly is Nadaam’s zip-up. The fact that it’s cashmere is a nice, elevated twist on a classic shape—plus it’s super soft and cozy.”
