Airport Style: My Favorite Travel Outfits

My travel outfits always include a layering piece I can remove easily if I get warm on the plane or when I reach my destination. Usually that’s some type of jacket—it’s one of the heaviest items I bring, so I like to wear it instead of trying to squeeze it into my suitcase. I aim for something versatile that works with other pieces in my travel capsule, but sometimes I’ll go with a bold or colorful option, like this fun pink denim jacket.

KUT from the Kloth Kara (M) // FRAME tee (XS) (option) // Frank & Eileen jeans c/o (29) (similar for less) // Paul Green sneakers (8) // Yurman earrings // similar pendant // Goyard tote (similar for less) // AWAY The Medium

But sometimes I break from my usual travel outfit formula and just go with what feels right for the trip. This is what I wore flying to Florida back in February. It was downright cold here in Philly, and Sarasota was cool and rainy the day I arrived.

stripe sweater (M) // Pistola Kinsley Flare (29) // Paul Green Hadley (8) (option) // AWAY The Medium // AWAY The Bigger Carry-On // AWAY The Everywhere Bag

I wore a cotton sweater and brought my trench coat, figuring they’d keep me warm enough to get to the airport—and both could still work with lighter pieces once I was in Florida. (The purpose of this trip was to shoot a bunch of spring content for the blog—hence the two suitcases!)

similar trench // stripe sweater (M) // Pistola Kinsley Flare (29) // Paul Green Hadley (8) (option) // AWAY The Medium // AWAY The Bigger Carry-On // Away The Everywhere Bag

Here’s another look where I diverged a bit from my usual travel outfit formula. We were heading to Nashville for Parent’s Weekend, and the forecast called for warm weather with lots of rain. I wore a cute top with jeans and sneakers, and brought my raincoat along because I knew I’d need it once we got there—and I sure did! We just happened to be there during Hurricane Helene!

Nation LTD muscle tee (M) // Frank & Eileen jeans c/o (budget option) // similar rain coat // Paul Green Hadley (8) // AWAY The Bigger Carry-On 

For winter travel, I stick to the same basic formula but swap in a cozy sweater, a warm coat, and often a scarf. This particular travel look was for a trip to Chicago in December. I wore my long black wool coat to travel because I knew I’d want a more elevated look for some of our holiday events that weekend. Turns out, it also looks great with blue jeans! It was a practical choice for the weather, but also pulled double duty as a polished layer for dressier occasions.

Andrew Marc wool coat (S) // Rails sweater – still a favorite, and 60% off at Revolve! (S) // similar scarf // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // LØCI sneakers (39) // similar pendant // similar Jenny Bird earrings // Goyard tote (similar for less) // AWAY The Medium

Travel Outfits for Long Flights (or When Comfort Takes Priority)

When I really want to prioritize comfort—especially for longer flights—I’ll wear joggers or some type of athletic pant. You all know about the Athleta Brooklyn Heights Cargo Pants I recently discovered. They’re lightweight, polished, and perfect for warm weather trips (and warm weather destinations, too!).

Z Supply tank (M) // EVEREVE utility jacket (M) // Athleta cargo pants in Aspen Olive (6) // On Cloud sneakers (9) // LAGOS earrings // similar necklace // AWAY The Everywhere Bag // AWAY The Medium

For our most recent trip to Florida, I paired these pants with a striped tank that I could also wear with shorts once we arrived, along with my On Cloud running sneakers. On the way down, I layered on my favorite black utility jacket for a more pulled-together look (above), but on the way home, I went full comfort mode and threw on my white fleece hoodie instead (below).

Gap Factory hoodie (S) // Z Supply tank (M) // Athleta Brooklyn Heights Cargo Pants in Aspen Olive (6) // On Cloud sneakers (9) // AWAY The Medium // AWAY The Everywhere Bag // NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo in Cashmere

I know a lot of people feel icked out by the idea of wearing wide-leg jeans to travel, especially because of the challenge of keeping the hems off the bathroom floor. I just pull them up at the knee and hold them off the ground, but if you really want to avoid that hassle altogether, take a look at the Athleta Endless High Rise Pant and the Athleta Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant. Both are reader favorites and popular choices among frequent travelers.

left: Athleta Endless High Rise Pant (6) // Nordstrom tee (S) // right: Athleta Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant // Athleta tee (M)

And of course, joggers are another option. I don’t always feel as pulled together wearing them, especially now that they aren’t quite as current as they were a few years ago, but sometimes practicality trumps style. They’re definitely a viable option for travel days, and my personal favorites are the Vuori Performance Joggers. They’re incredibly soft, stretchy, and lightweight—ideal for staying comfortable on long flights.

old denim jacket // Splendid tee (M) // Vuori joggers (M) // similar Brooks sneakers (9) // AWAY The Medium // LV Neverfull MM

Case in point: For a long-haul trip to Italy a few summers ago, I wore the lightweight Villa Jogger from Vuori. They were breathable, comfortable, and perfect for the long flight, along with a lightweight tee and my cozy Athleta Pranayama Wrap. That exact style is no longer available, but Vuori now offers the Villa Ankle Pant and the Villa Trouser in that same lightweight moisture-wicking fabric.

Vuori Sunset Easy Tee (S) // Vuori Villa Jogger c/o (S) // Athleta Pranayama Wrap (S) // Taos Plim Soul Lux (8.5) // Sheec Socks

All that to say, long-haul travel sometimes calls for slightly different priorities: comfort, layers, and fabrics that can handle being worn for hours on end. I’m actually in the process of finalizing my travel outfit for my upcoming flight to England next week, and I’ll be sure to update this post once I get that all sorted—stay tuned!

Luggage + Carry-On Bags

I have another blog post in the works with all the details on my favorite luggage, but I’ll quickly mention what I usually bring on board. My carry-on bag is typically a large tote that holds my laptop and other travel essentials. If I’m using a carry-on suitcase, the tote counts as my personal item, and I stash my purse (usually a crossbody bag) inside so I have it handy once we arrive.

Splendid Diana French Terry Blazer (S) // Sanctuary tee (M) // Citizens jeans (29) (budget option) // Paul Green Hadley (8) (budget option) // similar belt // similar camera bag // AWAY The Bigger Carry-On // Goyard tote (similar for less)

A few years ago, I splurged on the Goyard Saint Louis GM bag. I found it second-hand on Fashionphile, and like most luxury items, the price has gone up significantly since then. For a more budget-friendly option, Tory Burch makes a great coated canvas zip tote, and Sam Edelman has an open monogrammed tote that gives a similar look for less. Neither one is quite as large as the Goyard, though—I haven’t found much that matches that size.

I like having a tote to use when I get to my destination, but it can be a bit unwieldy when propped on my suitcase. Plus, if I’m not careful, a few things may escape when I’m going through security, so I’ve started using the AWAY Everywhere Bag more recently. It’s compact, structured, and does a better job of keeping everything organized and zipped in place. It also slides securely onto my suitcase handle, which makes airport navigation a little easier.

EVEREVE Aviator Bomber (S) // Stevie Pullover (S) // Pistola Lennon (29) // similar sandals // similar necklace // Jenny Bird bangle // similar crossbody // AWAY The Everywhere Bag // AWAY The Bigger Carry-On 

I’m working on a full post reviewing all of my AWAY luggage—so stay tuned for that!

See also: What’s In My Carry-On: My Go-To Travel Essentials and Travel Beauty Essentials: What’s In My Makeup Case and Toiletry Bag.

I hope this gave you some helpful outfit ideas for your next trip—whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or gearing up for a long-haul flight. Safe travels!