Stylish Traveler Outfit
As someone deeply immersed in the world of travel, both as the founder of En Route to Reverie and a long-time travel blogger, I spend a significant portion of each year on the move. Countless red-eye flights, particularly to Europe, have turned packing and outfit selection for long journeys into a finely tuned skill. Comfort and style are key when considering Outfits When Traveling.
Long-haul flights inherently involve hours of confinement and can be accompanied by travel anxieties like lost luggage, tight connections, or flight delays. Having your essential travel items readily accessible and choosing a comfortable yet versatile outfit can significantly reduce these stressors. The right outfits when traveling can make all the difference.
Essential Considerations for Long Flight Outfits
When planning outfits when traveling, especially for long flights, my goal is always to strike the perfect balance between looking presentable and feeling completely comfortable. As you create your packing list for your next long plane ride, consider how your travel day outfit can be both stylish and practical, allowing you to step off the plane ready to explore your destination.
Think about the entire travel experience. Fussy clothing can become a major inconvenience. Bodysuits or jumpsuits can be challenging in airplane bathrooms, coats with numerous buttons slow down airport security, and excessive layers might be uncomfortable due to temperature fluctuations or metal detector requirements. Personally, flip-flops are not ideal for navigating airports, especially if you need to rush to catch a connecting flight, and they aren’t the most hygienic footwear for extended travel. Whenever possible, I also avoid wearing jeans on overnight flights for maximum comfort.
This guide provides outfit inspiration specifically tailored for long flights, featuring both outfit ideas and my preferred brands known for creating travel-friendly and versatile pieces that can be incorporated into your travel wardrobe throughout your trip.
Continue reading for a curated selection of long flight outfits and for ongoing travel inspiration, be sure to follow@meghandono and @enroutetoreverie on Instagram.
What to Wear on a Long Flight: Prioritizing Comfort and Style
Comfortable and Stylish Outfit for Long Flights
Comfortable Separates: Your Go-To for Relaxed Travel
For long flights where immediate post-flight commitments aren’t pressing, or when I have time to change upon arrival, comfortable separates are my preferred choice for outfits when traveling. This approach prioritizes ultimate comfort for those extended journeys.
A comfortable pair of joggers paired with a cashmere hoodie or a merino wool sweater is an ideal combination. I tend to get cold on airplanes, so a luxurious cashmere hoodie, like my favorite Jenni Kayne option, is perfect for staying warm and cozy throughout the flight. Merino wool offers similar warmth and breathability, making it another excellent choice for comfortable outfits when traveling.
Oversized Cardigan, Leggings, and Tee – Comfortable Travel Outfit
Coatigan + Athleisure: Elevating Comfort with Style
A coatigan is an exceptional layering piece for travel. It eliminates the need to pack a bulky coat in your luggage and effortlessly elevates athleisure wear, making it a stylish yet practical choice for outfits when traveling.
This Vuori coatigan is a perfect example, offering both warmth and a touch of sophistication. The beauty of a coatigan is its versatility – it can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for various travel scenarios.
Vuori Lounge Set with Coatigan for Travel Outfits
Matching Lounge Set: Effortless Style and Supreme Comfort
A matching lounge set is a simple way to appear put-together while maximizing comfort, making it a fantastic option for outfits when traveling. This is particularly useful for those who want to look presentable without sacrificing comfort during long journeys.
The featured lounge set is from Vuori, a brand I consistently recommend for athleisure wear. For more insights, check out my Vuori Review. Matching sets minimize decision fatigue and ensure a coordinated look with minimal effort, perfect for busy travelers.
Kilte Knit Set for Comfortable Travel
Matching Knit Set: Warmth and Versatility for Colder Climates
For winter travel, a knit set of separates is invaluable. These sets are not only comfortable for travel days but also offer excellent remixing and re-matching possibilities once you reach your destination, maximizing your wardrobe efficiency for outfits when traveling in colder climates.
This particular set from Kilte exceeded my expectations. The quality is exceptionally luxurious, and it’s incredibly comfortable yet still looks polished. I’m wearing a size 2 for reference. Paired with my favorite Adidas Gazelle sneakers, this knit set offers both warmth and style.
Woman wearing a knit travel outfit with sneakers
Trouser + Sneakers: Polished Comfort for Warmer Destinations
For warmer weather long flights, especially when heading to Europe, I often choose light-colored trousers paired with a lightweight knit jacket. Layering a favorite tee under the knit jacket adds versatility and comfort. This combination is ideal for outfits when traveling to destinations with milder climates.
I’m wearing the Sezane Betty Jacket (size L) and the Artizia Effortless Pant (size 8 – sizing up recommended!). This outfit balances comfort and a chic, European-inspired aesthetic.
Travel Outfit with Trousers and Knit Jacket
Knit Sweater Jacket + Trench + Trousers: Sophisticated Layers for Long Haul Flights
This is the exact outfit I chose for a flight from New York to London. It features my most comfortable trousers, a knit lady jacket that I styled in various ways throughout my trip, and my trench coat, which was the bulkiest coat I was bringing, making it practical to wear on the plane. Layering is key for outfits when traveling across different climates.
These J.Crew Trousers are my ultimate travel pants for long flights to Europe, especially when I need to be ready to go upon arrival and may not have immediate access to my accommodation to change (I wear a size 8 – sizing up recommended). This ensemble provides both comfort and a polished appearance, ideal for international travel.
Trench Coat, Knit Jacket and Trousers Travel Outfit
Linen Set: Breezy Comfort for Summer Travel
For summer travels, consider a comfortable yet refined linen set. These breezy separates are not only perfect for travel days but can also double as swimwear cover-ups or casual poolside attire during your trip, making them incredibly versatile outfits when traveling to warm destinations.
For an extra layer, I always travel with my favorite cashmere travel wrap, which I own in three colors. I use it as a blanket, a wrap, or a scarf to stay warm and cozy on flights. Cashmere adds a touch of luxury and exceptional softness to your travel experience.
White Company Boyfriend Cardigan – A Travel Cardigan Option
A Travel Cardigan: The Ultimate Layering Piece
What I consider the ideal cardigan for comfortable travel days is The Travel Cardigan. Pair it with leggings or your most comfortable jeans for a relaxed yet stylish travel outfit. A good travel cardigan should be soft, warm, and easy to layer.
Travel Cardigan with Leggings and Sneakers Outfit
Athleisure + a Trench Coat: Spring Style with Practicality
For spring trips, I always pack one of my favorite trench coats. It pairs effortlessly with a matching athleisure set and sneakers. Top it off with a ball cap for a cool, off-duty street style vibe, creating a chic and comfortable outfit when traveling during spring.
Vuori Athleisure Outfit with Insulated Jacket
Comfortable Leggings: When Comfort Takes Priority
While I don’t typically opt for yoga pants on a plane, I make exceptions for a favorite comfortable pair of leggings for long plane rides. Sometimes, prioritizing ultimate comfort is essential for surviving long-haul flights.
Related: All My Favorite Leggings for recommendations on finding the perfect pair. Leggings are incredibly versatile and easy to move in, making them a practical choice for outfits when traveling.
Leggings, Sweater and Scarf Travel Outfit
T-Shirt Dress: Effortless Style for Warmer Weather
For spring and summer travels where heavy layers are unnecessary, consider a cute midi t-shirt dress that’s both comfortable and versatile. This piece can easily be dressed up or down, offering flexibility for various travel occasions. A t-shirt dress is a simple and stylish option for outfits when traveling in warmer climates.
Vuori Joggers – Comfortable Travel Pants
Joggers: The Ultimate Comfort Pant for Travel
A go-to comfortable pant for me, especially for domestic travel involving longer flights, are my Vuori Joggers. They are incredibly soft and comfortable, and when styled thoughtfully, they still maintain a put-together appearance. Joggers provide the comfort of loungewear with a slightly more polished look.
If I know I can be casual upon arrival at my destination, this is often the type of outfit I choose for long flights, particularly when traveling from New York to California. Joggers are a reliable and comfortable staple for outfits when traveling.
Joggers, T-shirt and Denim Jacket Travel Outfit
Matching Half Zip Set: Coordinated Comfort for Travel
A matching set with a half-zip is an excellent go-to for comfortable style on long flights. Brands like Varley and Spanx offer some of my personal favorites in this category. Matching sets simplify outfit planning while ensuring a cohesive look.
The Spanx AirEssentials Zip Up and these AirEssentials pants are made from a fantastic fabric – cozy yet breathable and comfortable. I wear a size M in both, as shown below. For more budget-friendly options, explore sets on Amazon.
Spanx AirEssentials Travel Set
Frank & Eileen Travel Set
Another great option is this Frank & Eileen travel set. I own it in a size M. It features super high-quality, comfortable triple fleece that isn’t overly warm. The brand offers a range of chic and practical travel sets. For a more affordable alternative, consider this set from Amazon.
Satin Trousers Airplane Look
Satin Pants: Elevated Comfort for the Stylish Traveler
Satin pants are a dream to travel in, offering both comfort and a slightly more dressed-up aesthetic. I wear them with heels in the evenings after arriving at my destination or dress them down with sneakers, as shown below, for daytime exploring. Satin pants are a versatile and comfortable choice for outfits when traveling.
I particularly love the Varley satin pants (I wear a size S). The LaLigne Colby pant and Jenni Kayne Demi Pant are also excellent if you prefer a wider leg style.
Satin Toteme Pants with Oversized Sweater Travel Outfit
These Toteme patterned silk pants are perfect for airplane travel. They feel like pajamas but still look elevated and beautiful. I wear a size 36.
Travel Bra: Prioritizing Comfort and Support
Underwire bras are not ideal for long flights. Comfort is paramount! Instead, I always opt for a truly comfortable yet supportive bra, such as this option or this one. A comfortable bra is a crucial element of outfits when traveling for extended periods.
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Don’t forget to consider traveling with compression socks as an essential in-flight travel item. Compression socks help reduce tired, achy feet and also aid in preventing deep vein thrombosis and blood clots, which can be a risk during long-distance travel in pressurized cabins. These are a vital health consideration for outfits when traveling long distances.
And if you use a travel pillow, make sure to pack it. Personally, I always try to sleep on overnight flights, and I find it only possible when I pack this eye mask. Even a few hours of sleep on a long flight can significantly help combat jet lag upon arrival. Prioritizing rest is also part of a comfortable travel experience.
For a truly comfortable bra to wear on long flights, I highly recommend this one.
Shop Travel Outfit Ideas
The curated items above are from brands I personally love and shop. I hope this guide is helpful as you plan your next trip and select your perfect outfits when traveling!
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