The Best Travel Outfits for Plane Rides, Road Trips, and More

Some of us may be quite rusty when it comes to savvy travel planning. Before we all spent an extended stretch stuck at home, many of us were able to skillfully pack a tote for a weekend getaway in eight minutes flat, remembering every essential without overstuffing. But this year, the task may feel a bit more foreign as we head into the summer with (hopefully) a few more plans to get out of town than we've had in a while. There’s also the matter of the travel outfit, a look that shouldn’t merely be an afterthought compared to everything else you're bringing on vacation—after all, you'll be wearing it for a long stretch of time and may even want something you can wear for your first activities the moment you arrive.

Whether you’re leaving for a two-hour flight or a 20-hour road trip, travel outfits should tick all the boxes: they’re comfortable, practical, and complement the rest of what you’re bringing for your final destination. This means matching sets you can break up and style into separate outfits later, light layers that work for air-conditioned train compartments and post-sunset beach strolls alike, and even swimsuits that can double as bodysuits.

Read on to find the 15 best travel outfit ideas as you plan your next departure.

The Jumpsuit

Keep travel simple with one of Alex Mill’s jumpsuits—this terry style feels especially summer-ready—and a cozy pair of socks. These Comrad ones are compression socks, ideal for extra-long flights.

The Button-Front Dress

To build the perfect travel outfit, choose versatile pieces. This button-front dress can serve as a comfortable en-route look, a beach cover-up, a long, layered top over denim, and more.

The Jeans and Tee

For a not-so-standard jeans-and-tee ensemble, opt for wide-leg denim and a fun, functional pair of sandals that you can keep wearing once you reach any beach destination. 

The Cardigan

Get vacation started early by wearing your favorite summer dress for the journey. Layer on a sweater for any blasting AC you might encounter while en route.

The Polished Athleisure

Keep things sporty and sleek with a travel outfit combination of bike shorts, sneakers, and a tailored blazer. These are three versatile items you can always restyle over the course of your vacation. 

The Coordinating Sweats

When it comes to travel outfits, you can't get comfier than sweats, and a coordinating set allows you to look stylish with no fuss whatsoever, even if you take a mid-journey nap.

The Swimsuit-As-Bodysuit

A trick to piecing together a great travel look is to use items you were going to pack for vacation anyway, such as a swimsuit. Style this one-piece as if it were a bodysuit and use a colorful oversized tote as your carry-on.

The Travel Wrap

We swear by a cashmere travel wrap in any season, as it can double as a blanket, scarf, sweater, or whatever you need it for. Style this one with a graphic tee and jeans for your next plane ride.

The Classic Button-Down

We always travel with a classic, button-down shirt that can be worn as is, tied up with a skirt, or draped over a swimsuit as a cover-up. Make even more use of the versatile piece by wearing it with shorts and a bucket hat as you head to your getaway.

The Loose-Fit Dress

A printed dress that barely touches your body is a summertime essential, and that’s especially true for any long days of travel. Just add sneakers and a statement mask.

The Maxi Dress

Pair a maxi dress with a timeless denim jacket. This creates an effortlessly put-together look, even if you only have 30 seconds to toss it on before running to catch an early morning flight.

The Light Layers

Pack with light layers in mind, such as with this "shacket" ensemble. This will come in handy when the summer temperature drops after sunset.

The Beach-Ready Look

A quick jaunt to a nearby coastal town calls for a travel outfit that can go directly from the car to your beach towel. Accomplish this by throwing some summery trousers over your swimsuit, then complete the look with a basket bag.

The Knit Set

Another stylish option when you'd prefer sophisticated loungewear is a knit set. Once you reach your vacation spot, the pieces can separately be styled into tons of other ensembles, as well.

The Trench Coat

If you’re drawn to truly classic pieces, the trench coat is a perfect layer for the road. Dress it down with cozy leggings and an oversize tote.