As a semi-recent Los Angeles transplant, I’ve made so many travel plans over the past two years to take advantage of my new West Coast life, whether it’s an international flight to Tokyo or multiday road trip to Sea Ranch, just north of San Francisco. And when I was living in New York City, a quick four-day trip across the Atlantic to London or Paris felt like a breeze. Then there are the long-haul flights I’ve done from L.A. to Monte Carlo and from Orlando to Hong Kong that take up to a full day of travel. And I’ve done all this with just a carry-on, mind you, so it’s safe to say that I’m kind of a travel and packing expert. This is why I rounded up 20 of the best travel outfits if you’re sitting on a plane, in a car, or walking 10 miles in a day to explore your vacation destination.
In theory, your vacations are filled with a never-ending supply of chic new outfits that are more than deserving of a few Instagrams, but the reality is that your travel outfits need to be equal parts stylish and comfortable. Yes, achieving that balance is possible, and we have the stylish looks of the below fashion girls to prove that looking good and dressing functionally can coexist.
From roomy jeans and breezy dresses to versatile boots and bold sneakers that can withstand any mileage, scroll down for 20 travel outfits you’ll want to copy for upcoming out-of-office dates.
Breezy Pants + White Button-Down
Don’t deny yourself roomy silhouettes! This is the kind of outfit that can take you off the plane and straight to lunch if you don’t have time to decompress and change outfits at your hotel.
Shop the key pieces:
H&M
Oxford Shirt
$20
AGOLDE
Daryl Pants
$258
Jenny Bird
Florence Earrings
$138
Cutout Dress + Sandals + Net Bag
If it’s more of a beach vacation, you definitely want to travel with some comfortable sandals and a larger tote that can fit all your beach-day belongings. I find that these net bags fold very flat in a suitcase, but they can fit a seemingly endless amount.
Shop the key pieces:
LSPACE
Libra Dress
$139$98
Mdouly
Crochet Bag
$21$20
Tony Bianco
Loop Sandals
$120
Jacket + Plaid Skirt + Sneakers
Going somewhere with pretty mild weather? Opt for plaid skirt and sneakers. You can add a bomber in this rich brown shade if the temperature fluctuates.
Shop the key pieces:
GRLFRND
Distressed Leather Oversized Bomber
$645$200
Topshop
Disjoint Plaid Knee Length Skirt
$58
Adidas
Handball Spezial Shoes
$110
Jacket + Bold Sneakers + Comfy Pants
Comfortable pants and shoes are key whether you’re on a plane or walking 10,000+ steps, but they don’t have to feel drab. Add pops of color with your accessories.
Shop the key pieces:
Onitsuka Tiger
Mexico 66 Sneakers
$103
JW ANDERSON
Jwa Corner Bag
$650
Matching Sweatsuit + Sneakers
A matching sweatsuit is a must in any wardrobe. With a fashionable pair of sneakers, you can wear it both on and off the plane.
Shop the key pieces:
Reformation
Classic Crew Sweatshirt
$68
Gap
Gapfit High Rise Runaround Trousers
$41
Donni
Rib Cardi Sweater
$144
Quarter-Zip Sweater + Long Coat
Bundle up in a monochrome ‘fit like this cream quarter-zip and coordinating coat. Finish it off by adding bottoms with stretch and a trusty pair of shoes.
Shop the key pieces:
MANGO
Oversized Knitted Coat With Pockets
$140
Varley
Mentone Half Zip Sweater
$148
Bomber Jacket + Jeans + Shoulder Bag
For a day in a new city where you’re constantly moving, it’s best to stick to the basics like a roomy shoulder bag, your go-to pair of jeans, and a zip-up jacket for transitional temps.
Shop the key pieces:
Lioness
Bomber Jacket
$129
Reformation
Mini Rosetta Shoulder Bag
$248
Leggings + Oversize Sweater
There’s something about gray that makes any outfit look so much more comfortable. Throw on a cream sweater with your gray leggings for some contrast. Then put on your headphones so no one bothers you while you’re waiting to board.
Shop the key pieces:
MANGO
Oversize Knit Sweater
$80
Skims
Stretch Cotton Rib Leggings
$54
Track Pants + Statement Coat + Flats
Track pants are a staple that can look dressy given the right styling. Take a cue from Helena and add the one statement coat you packed this trip to a pair of sporty bottoms.
Shop the key pieces:
Reformation
Talli Jacket
$368
Bishop + Young
Bishop + Young Ford Track Pants
$128
Sam Edelman
Kacy Flats
$60
Jumpsuit + Big Tote
A one-and-done kind of outfit is ideal for travel. When you have a jam-packed day that starts when the sun rises, you don’t want to waste any time picking out what to wear. This is where a jumpsuit or boilersuit comes in handy.
Shop the key pieces:
Amo
Skip Jumpsuit
$398
MANGO
Natural Fiber Shopper Bag
$130
Midi Skirt + Crossbody Bag + Sweater
A crossbody you can keep close to you will ensure your belongings are secure on public transportation. An A-line skirt, a sweater, and statement kicks complete the look.
Shop the key pieces:
Cos
Ripple Crossbody
$99
Noisy may
Kenya Cargo Maxi Skirt
$65$36
Flowy Top + Wide-Leg Jeans + Flats
I tend to turn to less-fitted silhouettes on vacay to keep things easy and effortless. A flowy top and wide-leg jeans are just the solution.
Shop the key pieces:
Levi’s
Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans
$98
Tony Bianco
Miami Black Nappa Flats
$180
Maxi Skirt + Knit Polo
For an ensemble that looks pulled together but actually takes five minutes to put on, a knit polo and maxi skirt are all you need. Add your crossbody or top-handle bag to really level things up.
Shop the key pieces:
MANGO
Slit Knitted Skirt
$60$26
& Other Stories
Mohair Knit Sweater
$129
Tory Burch
Petite Lee Radziwell Double Bag
$598
Quilted Coat + Shoulder Bag + Chunky Sneakers
A coat that doubles as a blanket and/or a pillow on the plane and one you can wear on the daily is a great travel piece if you’re heading somewhere chilly. Pack a pair of chunky dad sneakers and a shoulder bag, and you’re ready for a day of exploring.
Shop the key pieces:
Bernardo
Diamond Quilted Long Coat
$190$120
New Balance
1906R
$155
Knit Sweater + Jeans + Bold Accessories
A cozy sweater, straight-leg jeans, and red accessories are an outfit formula you’ll want to remember. And definitely make sure to stop by a café while you’re out to fuel up before you hit the pavement again.
Shop the key pieces:
EDIKTED
Jessy Oversize Cotton Cable Stitch Sweater
$62
Dolce Vita
Reyes Mary Janes
$120
Joanna Maxham
Baguette Bag
$265
Wrap Coat + Comfortable Boots
Rainy weather won’t get you down if you have a fab coat to stay dry in. A trench or raincoat is a must if it’s a rainy forecast during your travels, but you can liven it up with bright footwear.
Shop the key pieces:
Steve Madden
Ilia Trench Coat
$78
Sorel
Brex Waterproof Chelsea Boots
$180
Coat + Sneakers + Baggy Jeans
Layer up with a scarf and beanie if your long coat isn’t enough to keep you warm. Layering pieces that can go with several outfits are always great to pack, and as someone who lives in sunny Los Angeles, I now relish the trips where I can finally pack my versatile winter clothes.
Shop the key pieces:
New Balance
x Ganni 1906R Sneakers
$280
Agolde
Dame High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
$258
Ganni
Fringed Recycled Wool-Blend Scarf
$127$70
Track Jacket + Comfy Jeans
I’ve worn Adidas shorts on so many trips now, and I’ve found that sporty pieces are the best to pack. They are durable, made to withstand the elements, and come in handy when you start sweating from all those steps you’re getting in. A track jacket is a great piece to wear over a T-shirt or tank. Simply add some fun jeans and a colorful bag, and you’ll feel like a street style star wherever you are.
Shop the key pieces:
Alo Yoga
Cropped 1/4 Zip Alumni Pullover
$118
AllSaints
Half Moon Leather Crossbody Bag
$229$150
We The Free
Loren Barrel Jeans
$98
White Blouse + Black Maxi + Sneakers
A sheer white top is a godsend for those extremely hot travel days. Also, I’ve worn this black cotton maxi skirt on countless trips. It’s one of the best travel items I own thanks to the breezy fit and elastic waist.
Shop the key pieces:
DÔEN
Nalina Linen Top
$158
Staud
Sea Skirt
$225
Coat + White Tee + Jeans
Ogling this Rimowa suitcase situation. But a shaggy jacket and unique jeans will dress up any white tee.
Shop the key pieces:
Ena Pelly
April Faux Fur Teddy Jacket
$360$152
Levi’s
501 ’90s Straight Leg Jeans
$98
