6 Travel Outfit Ideas That are Polished AND Comfortable

When I travel, I want comfort without looking sloppy. These are the outfits I reach for again and again, with elevated basics and soft layers that work for long flights, road trips, and everything in between.

If you have a winter capsule wardrobe (or are building one), you should already have some of these pieces!

6 Travel Outfit Ideas That are Polished AND Comfortable

1. Matching Sweat Set with a Light Jacket

A matching Spanx set or a neutral sweat set is always my go-to for travel. It looks intentional, feels like loungewear, and layers perfectly with a trench or longline jacket. I wear this for daytime flights, but we all know a sweat set is perfect for long overnighters too. This sweat set is much more elevated than oversized, sloppy sets, especially with their more structured tops so you can look polished without sacrificing comfort.

The two bags I always travel with are the Abby Alley crossbody and Beís Travel Tote (which can attach to the handle of your suitcase). And my hsuband and I are both big fans of the Away suitcases (we own four).

2. Jeans, Tee & a Polished Layer

You can never go wrong with soft denim, a white tee, and a simple layer on top. An unstructured blazer like this keeps it elevated, or swap in a classic trench (wool coat in winter) if you need more of an outerwear piece for your trip. If you don’t have jeans that are comfortable enough for travel, these jeans from AYR are the most comfortable, flattering jeans I’ve ever own. And they’re polished enough to wear for the rest of your trip after you land.

3. Barrel Pants with an Easy Top

Barrel jeans or lightweight barrel trousers like these from Ruti make such a cute travel outfit with almost no effort. Pair them with a simple tank or striped tee and throw on an oversized cardigan, denim jacket or long-sleeved striped top. It’s breezy, comfortable, and great if you need easy breastfeeding access or if it’ll be hot when you land. This is what I wore when I flew to Turks & Caicos earlier this year.

(Headed somewhere warm? Here are some resort wear ideas. And here’s how to style barrel jeans if you’d rather wear those instead of trousers.)

4. Leggings with an Elevated Layer

When you know you’ll be doing a lot of walking – or juggling kids and luggage – leggings are the move (my favorite leggings are from Amazon). Add a long knit blazer to make it look polished, or keep it casual and go for an athleisure look with an intentionally oversized sweatshirt like this Le Weekend one and clean sneakers – I love the New Balance 530 sneakers.

Here are more cute athleisure outfit ideas.

5. Wide-Leg Trousers & Sweater

This is the best option for cooler destinations when you want to arrive at your destination looking chic and put-together. Wide-leg trousers like these from Aritzia somehow feel like pajamas but look so elevated, especially with a lightweight sweater. This look is comfortable, classic, and always photographs well. Throw on white sneakers – here are my favorites!

6. Joggers with a Structured Blazer

For days when comfort is mandatory but you still want to look like you tried, a pair of slim joggers with a structured blazer is perfect. It’s polished but still cozy enough for road trips or long travel days.

Here are other ways to style a blazer for the rest of your trip.

Quick Travel Outfit Principles

• Layers are essential since airports and planes run cold.
  
• Stick to breathable fabrics that won’t wrinkle instantly.
  
• Neutrals always look more elevated. 
  
• Matching accessories always make it look more intentional.
  
• Keep your bag streamlined with pockets for essentials.

Safe (and chic) travels! (Need packing tips? Here’s how to use packing cubes!)

Shop the Post