Here’s the deal with travel outfits—comfort is a must.

We can look back wistfully on the days when people used to get dressed up to fly on a plane, but the reality is that travel can be stressful and tiring.

Planes are cramped, uncomfortable and subject to wild temperature fluctuations (aka why am I freezing one minute and sweating the next??) but travel is always worth it to explore new places and cultures.

You never know whose path you might cross at the airport or on a plane, from your high school frenemy to a potential business contact to your future true love.

So this is no time to forgo fashion. Combining comfort and style is doable when it comes to choosing an outfit to wear on a plane.

Check out these ‘fits and tips.

Layer up at the airport

Tie a sweatshirt around your waist so you can cozy up at a moment’s notice.

Best Fabrics To Travel In:

Keep it cozy

Be realistic and you won’t go wrong. Pencil skirts and heels are not airport/plane friendly. And cute as yours may be, this is not the time for the jumpsuit or bodysuit. You don’t want to do fancy maneuvers in an airplane bathroom or be in there any longer than needed.
Rely on the tried and true pieces (leggings, joggers, cardigans) that still show off your style.

Lean on layers

You want to build in flexibility to pop on a topper or peel one off if needed.
As for the individual layers, keep them lightweight enough to avoid overheating, but weighty enough to keep you comfortable when the cabin temperature gets chilly

Wrinkle-free

Now’s the time to skip linen, which is notoriously wrinkle-prone, and stick to fabrics you know will survive the sardine squeeze of airplane cabins.
Cottons and other natural fibers like wool stand the test. Jersey knits and sweatshirt fabrics are good choices that will not read messy.

Versatile

How will it serve you when you get to your destination?
Factor your travel day outfit into your wear when you're there and plan to get the most fashion mileage. The beauty of basics like leggings and a cardigan is that those pieces are excellent outfit builders.

Best pieces to wear while traveling:

Leggings

Opt for comfort and class with fabric that’s soft but also holds its shape.
Top partners: Statement sweatshirt or tank top and cardigan.

Joggers

Joggers give you a different kind of legroom for a long plane ride. Slip on a cropped tank to match the ease vibe and top it with a jacket to match the joggers. Think track suit with style.

Jeans (??)

Don’t discount denim. Your trusted pair may be perfect for the jet especially if they’ve got a little give. That’s one less bottom option for you to pack and your go-with options are endless.

Puffer Vest

A plush puffer vest will pull layers together and double as a pillow for a snooze. This is also a great option if you’re traveling in the spring or fall and want an in-between layer.

Matching sweat sets

If you want to take all of the guesswork out of your airport outfit, a matching sweat set is the way to go. Cottons and waffle-knit fabrics are my favorite for travel.

Blazer

It’s all about the base. Soft elevated sweat sets are perfect or leggings and a pullover and top it with a blazer.
Benefit: The blazer turns the cozy bits into a polished look, plus it’s an important travel wardrobe essential that you won’t have to pack.

Match the outfit to the destination

If you’re headed somewhere warm, a flowy midi dress topped with a moto jacket or denim jacket gives you a super comfortable base with an edgier top.

Slip out of the jacket on arrival and enjoy.

If you’re traveling somewhere colder, layer up at the airport so you don’t have your heavier pieces weighing down your bag.

Just make sure you leave room in your carry-on or under the seat to tuck bags.

Travel-right accessory ideas:

Sunglasses: perfect for avoiding unwanted eye contact at 6am at the airport
Small cross-body bag: keep your valuables in here and tuck in your carry-on after going through security
Cute tote: the ideal “bag that fits under the seat in front of you” option
Noise-canceling headphones: in case you have chatty neighbors
Portable phone charger: on the off-chance that your seat outlet isn’t working
A sleep mask: great for taking a snooze no matter what time it is
Passport case: make your most valuable item easy to find

Shop the post:

Have other questions about what to wear to the airport? Leave me a comment!

yours,

Austen

Airport Outfit Ideas: What To Wear When Traveling