What to Wear on a Plane: Cozy, Cute, and Completely Pulled Together
Let’s talk about the best travel outfit… at least according to me. If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet the night before a trip thinking, What do normal humans wear to the airport?, you are not alone. Travel outfits are a whole category of their own. You want to be comfortable enough to sit for hours, warm enough for unpredictable airplane temps, and still feel like the best version of yourself while you’re rolling through the terminal.
After years of flying for work, for book tours, and for fun, I’ve figured out a few simple guidelines that keep me comfortable and polished every time. Think of this as travel advice from a friend who has learned through many, many boarding groups.
Start With Layers You Can Count On
Airport air conditioning has a mind of its own. You might be hot one minute and freezing the next. Add in perimenopausal temperature fluctuation to that… layers are gonna be your best friend.
I like to create a sort of, 7-Layer Dip of clothing. I start with a fitted tank or tee, a soft long-sleeve or lightweight sweater, and then a jacket that looks great but doesn’t make you feel bulky. I love a packable jacket for this. I’ve had a green one from Madewell for almost a decade and my newest from Jarbo is magic. You can roll them into a ball, toss them in your tote, and somehow they come out looking great. If you’ve ever wondered what sorcery feels like, it’s that.
Choose Pants You Can Move In (But Not Sleep In!)
This is my gentle—but firm—travel rule: your pants should stretch and move with you, but still look like you’re headed somewhere, not like you rolled out of bed.
Here are refined options that always work:
- Tailored knit trousers
- Soft ponte pants with structure
- High-quality straight or wide-leg denim with stretch
- Polished pull-on trousers that read elevated but feel easy
These pieces are comfortable without looking like loungewear. You can sit comfortably for hours, but you wouldn’t feel tempted to nap in them. That’s the sweet spot.
Shoes That Love You Back
You’ll walk more than you expect on any travel day. Between security, gate changes, and the never-ending hunt for a decent airport salad, your shoes matter.
Great options include:
- Clean sneakers that look intentional
- Soft loafers
- Flat boots or low-heeled boots
Just make sure, if you don’t have pre-check that you get pre-check asap! But until then, choose shoe options for your travel outfit that are easy to slip off in the security line.
A Tote That Makes You Feel Put Together
Around here we love a good tote. It’s like a great assistant: it carries the chaos so you don’t have to.
I always look for one with a flat bottom because it sits securely on top of my carry-on. That small detail makes such a difference. No more wrestling your bag as it flops around while you’re trying to strut through terminal three.
Inside the tote:
- Approximately 25 smaller bags to keep the tote organized
- A couple pockets to find things quickly
- Enough structure that it holds its shape
- A strap that stays put over your shoulder
When your tote works, you work.
Travel Extras That Make the Day Easier
These little things make a big difference:
- A refillable water bottle so you can stay hydrated
- Delicious hand cream, Bamford makes my favorite
- Socks in your tote if you run cold
- Headphones for the perfect airport soundtrack
- Charging cables for ALL the things
- A great book to read
You’ll never regret being prepared.
The Heart of It All: Comfortable and Confident
Travel days can be stressful. Your travel outfit should be the easy part. You deserve to feel comfortable, capable, and put together from the moment you grab your suitcase until you arrive at your destination.
