As a seasoned travel content creator at travels.edu.vn, and having explored countless destinations, I understand the art of dressing for travel. Comfort and style are key, especially when it comes to long flights. Over years of globetrotting and countless red-eye flights, particularly across the Atlantic to Europe, I’ve perfected the science of Travel Outfits. This guide will help you master the art of travel dressing, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Long-haul flights present unique challenges. Beyond the hours spent in cramped spaces, there’s the potential stress of luggage mishaps, tight connections, and flight delays. Having your essential travel items readily accessible and a thoughtfully chosen outfit that balances comfort and versatility can significantly reduce travel anxieties. I’ve found that the right travel outfit is as crucial as packing your passport.
Woman in a stylish and comfortable travel outfit, including a sweater, trousers, and sneakers, standing in an airport.
Crafting the Perfect Travel Outfit
When planning your travel outfits, especially for long flights, the goal is to strike that perfect balance: looking presentable while feeling utterly comfortable. Don’t compromise your personal style for airplane attire. Instead, aim for looks that allow you to step off the plane and start your adventure without needing a major wardrobe change. Think about outfits that are both airport-appropriate and destination-ready.
Consider the entire travel journey when selecting your outfit. Airplane bathrooms are notoriously small – avoid overly complicated garments like bodysuits or jumpsuits. Airport security lines are another factor; coats with numerous buttons or clothing with metal embellishments can slow you down. Personally, I advise against flip-flops for air travel. They aren’t ideal if you need to rush to catch a connecting flight, and frankly, they aren’t the most hygienic choice for extended travel. Jeans on overnight flights? I try to avoid them whenever possible for maximum comfort.
This article is packed with travel outfit ideas perfect for cruising at 30,000 feet. I’ll also share my favorite brands that excel in creating travel-friendly clothing – pieces that are not only ideal for flights but also versatile enough to be incorporated into your travel wardrobe throughout your trip.
For more travel inspiration and style tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram @meghandono and @enroutetoreverie. Let’s explore the best travel outfit ideas!
Long Flight Outfit Essentials: Comfort and Style Combined
Woman wearing a cozy and stylish travel outfit, featuring a sweater, comfortable pants, and sneakers, perfect for a long flight.
1. Comfy Separates: The Ultimate in Relaxation
For those ultra-long flights where immediate arrival-ready style isn’t essential, or when you have time to change after landing, comfy separates are my go-to travel outfit.
Think soft joggers paired with a luxurious cashmere hoodie or a warm merino wool sweater. I’m always cold on airplanes, so a cashmere hoodie, like my beloved one from Jenni Kayne, is perfect for staying snug and comfortable.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing an oversized cardigan, leggings, and a tee shirt, ideal for long flights and comfortable travel.
2. Coatigan + Athleisure: Elevated Comfort
A coatigan is a travel wardrobe hero. It’s a stylish outer layer that saves valuable luggage space and instantly elevates athleisure wear.
The Vuori coatigan is an excellent choice – stylish, comfortable, and travel-ready.
Woman wearing a Vuori lounge set, paired with a coatigan, as a comfortable and stylish travel outfit for a long flight.
3. Matching Lounge Set: Effortless Chic
For a put-together yet supremely comfortable travel look, a matching lounge set is unbeatable. It’s the epitome of effortless chic for air travel.
The lounge set pictured is from Vuori – consistently one of my top athleisure brands. (Read my Vuori Review for more).
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing a Kilte knit set, a matching two-piece outfit perfect for comfortable and stylish travel.
4. Matching Knit Set: Warmth and Versatility
For winter travel, a knit set of separates is a brilliant choice. These sets are not only cozy for flights but also incredibly versatile for mixing and matching once you reach your destination.
This knit set from Kilte exceeded my expectations. The quality is exceptional, feeling luxurious and comfortable while still looking polished. I’m wearing a size 2. Paired with my favorite Adidas Gazelle sneakers.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing trousers and sneakers, a comfortable and casual yet stylish outfit suitable for travel.
5. Trousers + Sneakers: Warm Weather Travel
For warmer weather long flights, especially to Europe, I often opt for light-colored trousers and a lightweight knit jacket. Layering a basic tee under the jacket adds versatility.
Here, I’m wearing the Sézane Betty Jacket (size L) and the Artizia Effortless Pant (size 8 – size up!).
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing a travel outfit consisting of trousers and a knit jacket, perfect for long flights and stylish airport looks.
6. Knit Sweater Jacket + Trench + Trousers: The Layered Look
This was my outfit for a recent New York to London flight. My comfiest trousers, a stylish knit jacket that I restyled throughout my trip, and my trench coat (the bulkiest coat I packed, making it ideal to wear on the plane).
These J.Crew Trousers are my absolute favorite travel pants for long flights to Europe, especially when I need to be ready to go upon arrival and changing isn’t immediately possible. (Wearing size 8 – size up recommended).
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing a knit sweater jacket, trench coat, and trousers, a layered and sophisticated travel outfit for long flights.
7. Linen Set: Summer Travel Breeze
For summer travels, a comfortable yet refined linen set is perfect. These breezy separates can double as beach cover-ups or casual poolside attire during your trip if you’re heading to a sunny destination.
For extra warmth, I always travel with my favorite cashmere travel wrap (I own it in three colors!). It serves as a blanket, wrap, or scarf, keeping me cozy and warm on chilly flights.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing a white company boyfriend cardigan, showcasing a comfortable cardigan as a key travel outfit piece.
8. The Travel Cardigan: Your Cozy Companion
What I call “The Travel Cardigan”—a cardigan specifically designed for comfortable travel days. Pair it with leggings or your most comfortable jeans for an effortlessly cozy travel outfit.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing a travel cardigan, leggings, and sneakers, a comfortable and practical outfit for air travel.
9. Athleisure + Trench Coat: Spring Travel Style
For spring trips, a trench coat is essential. Pair it with a matching athleisure set, sneakers, and a stylish ball cap for an effortlessly cool, off-duty street style vibe – perfect for navigating airports in comfort and style.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing a Vuori athleisure outfit with a jacket, showcasing athleisure as a comfortable yet stylish option for travel.
10. Comfy Leggings: The Exception
While I don’t typically wear yoga pants on planes, I make exceptions for exceptionally comfortable leggings on long flights. Sometimes, comfort truly reigns supreme.
(Related: All My Favorite Leggings)
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing comfortable leggings, a sweater, and sneakers, a relaxed and easy travel outfit for long journeys.
11. T-Shirt Dress: Effortless Summer Style
For spring and summer travel where heavy layers aren’t needed, a cute midi t-shirt dress is a fantastic option. It’s comfortable, versatile, and easily dressed up or down depending on your destination and plans.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing Vuori joggers, highlighting joggers as a comfortable and stylish travel pant choice.
12. Joggers: Domestic Travel Favorite
Joggers are my go-to comfy pants for domestic travel involving longer flights. Particularly Vuori Joggers – incredibly soft and comfortable, and when styled well, they maintain a put-together look.
If I know I can be casual upon arrival, this is often my travel outfit of choice for long flights, especially when traveling from New York to California.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing joggers, a sweater, and sneakers, presenting a casual and comfortable travel outfit suitable for long flights.
13. Matching Half Zip Set: Sporty Comfort
A matching half-zip set is a stylish and comfortable option for long flights. Brands like Varley and Spanx offer some of my personal favorites.
The Spanx AirEssentials Zip Up and AirEssentials pants are made from a wonderful fabric – cozy yet breathable and comfortable. I wear a size M in both. Budget-friendly sets are also available on Amazon.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing a Spanx AirEssentials travel set, a matching half-zip set showcasing comfort and style for travel.
Frank & Eileen travel sets are another excellent option. I own one in size M. Super high quality, comfortable triple fleece that’s warm but not too heavy. The brand offers a range of chic and practical travel sets. For a more affordable option, check out this set from Amazon.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing a Frank and Eileen travel set, highlighting a high-quality travel set as a comfortable and stylish choice.
14. Satin Pants: Elevated Comfort
Satin pants are a dream for travel. Comfortable yet slightly dressy, they can be styled with heels for evenings out after arrival or dressed down with sneakers for daytime exploring.
I particularly love the Varley satin pants (size S). The LaLigne Colby pant and Jenni Kayne Demi Pant are also fantastic if you prefer a wider leg style.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing satin trousers and sneakers, demonstrating how satin pants can be comfortable and stylish for airplane travel.
Travel outfit idea: Woman wearing Toteme patterned silk pants with an oversized sweater, showcasing luxurious and comfortable travel attire.
These Toteme patterned silk pants are perfect for airplane travel – feeling like pajamas but looking elevated and beautiful. I wear size 36.
15. Travel Bra: Comfort is Key
Underwire bras are a definite no-no for long flights! Instead, opt for a supremely comfortable yet supportive bra like these options.
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Don’t forget essential travel accessories like compression socks! They help reduce tired, achy feet and prevent deep vein thrombosis and blood clots during long flights in pressurized cabins. If you’re a travel pillow devotee, make sure to pack yours. I always aim to sleep on overnight flights and find an eye mask essential for blocking out light and getting some rest. Even a few hours of sleep can significantly combat jet lag upon arrival. And for ultimate comfort, consider wearing a comfortable bra specifically designed for travel.
Shop Travel Outfit Ideas
These curated selections feature brands I personally love and shop from. I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect travel outfits for your next adventure!
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