The Ultimate Travel Outfit
As a seasoned travel writer, I’ve spent over a decade perfecting my long-haul flight travel outfit. After countless hours in airports and on planes, I’ve finally nailed down a combination of clothing items that can go the distance. No matter where I’m headed, I reach for the same tried-and-true combination every time.
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The key to my travel uniform is a simple yet effective combination of a white tee, polished black pants, comfortable white sneakers, and a bomber jacket. This outfit is practical, stylish, and most importantly, comfortable, whether my flight is delayed or I’m hurrying to make a tight connection.
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The Comfortable Sneaker
When it comes to my travel outfit, I prioritize comfort above all else. A supportive and comfortable shoe is the foundation of my travel uniform. I rotate between a few different styles, but no matter the pair, they’re always sneakers I can rush around the airport in and wear socks with in case I need to take my shoes off in the security line.
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A podiatrist recently recommended I try a pair of shoes from New Balance because of how supportive they are for long walking days. I’m currently favoring my New Balance 327 sneakers because I can comfortably wear them all day long, thanks to their super cushioned sole. Plus, I love that the classic, slightly retro look goes with everything, from athleisure to sundresses without looking too touristy.
I also love my stylish Adidas Sambas if I need a versatile white sneaker, my Hokas if I need a cushioned walking shoe, and my lace-free Kiziks if I need something easy to slip on and off.
The Perfect Tee
No matter what time of year it is, I always have a plain white tee on me. It’s an essential layering piece for fall and winter, sure, but I’ve also found that the hotter the destination, the cooler the AC indoors—and on the airplane, of course. My favorite for keeping cozy on chilly flights and for matching effortlessly with my capsule wardrobe is this sweater from Reformation, which is perfectly oversized and made of soft cashmere.
I also love the versatile Gaspard cardigan from Sézane, a French brand known for its knits, because it has a secret superpower: It can be worn open-front as a cardigan and backward as a regular sweater with buttons down the back. But you don’t have to shell out for a soft sweater, as evidenced by the $50 Mongolian cashmere sweater from Quince.
The Reliable Luggage
I’m a carry-on only traveler, which means I never check my bag if I can help it. My trusty Away Bigger Carry-On lets me pack up to two weeks’ worth of clothes, is easy to roll through the airport, and is the largest possible size allowed in most airplane overhead bins. I have the original hard-shell version, but there’s also a Softside Bigger Carry-On available if that’s your thing.
The Everywhere Tote is the personal item I always pair it with—considering it holds everything I need, including my 13-inch laptop. I love that it has a handy strap that slips right over my suitcase handle to secure it to the carry-on, plus a top zipper that keeps all my items contained when it’s placed under the airplane seat.
The Essential Accessories
No traveler’s wardrobe is complete without a no-fuss, hands-free bag that keeps their most valuable belongings secure and within arm’s reach. Mine is the Nomatic Access sling bag, which I’ve worn so much over the years that the label is wearing off from sheer overuse. It’s practically a part of my body at this point.
It’s not only a great size but is also made of a durable, scratch-proof material that’s anything but flimsy. It’s also RFID-safe and tamper-resistant, so I know my belongings are secure.
