The truth is I’m not heading out on a trip anytime soon — unless you count my appointment with my wonderful hairdresser this afternoon. Still, today’s outfit happens to be my all-time favorite travel outfit. In fact, I wore this same combination on a recent trip to Alberta with my husband, and it proved ideal for both comfort and style.
When I think about the perfect travel outfit, three essentials come to mind — comfort, smart layering, and wearing the bulkiest items on your person. These elements make flying, long drives, and short hops through airports much smoother, and they’re great travel packing tips for anyone trying to travel light with only a carry-on.
- Comfort: Choose pants and a top that fit well and feel comfortable for sitting long hours. Stretchy, breathable fabrics like knits or soft denim blends are my go-to because they allow movement and stay comfortable during extended travel.
- Layers: Layering is the key to adapting to changing temperatures while traveling. I usually wear a tank or a lightweight tee, a long-sleeve shirt over that, and a cozy long sweater on top. On planes the cabin temperature can vary, so a long sweater works great as an extra layer or an impromptu blanket. A scarf is indispensable — it keeps you warm, and when folded or rolled, it becomes a perfect neck pillow on a flight.
- Wear the bulkiest items: To save space in your luggage, wear the heaviest shoes and largest jacket on travel day. If you’re limiting yourself to carry-on luggage, this strategy frees up valuable suitcase room. I also find it useful to secure jewelry and belts in my carry-on so I can remove them quickly at security without losing them.
Layering does mean you’ll need to be quick in the airport security line. I’ve become adept at swiftly shedding a scarf, sweater, belt, boots, and bracelets when the moment comes. It’s a small bit of extra exercise and helps the whole process go faster. Remember to choose clothing that’s easy to slip on and off — shoes without complicated laces or buckles and a coat that’s simple to remove make security checkpoints much less stressful.
Accessories and functionality matter just as much as comfort. A scarf that doubles as a blanket or pillow is a multi-purpose travel essential, and a tote or crossbody bag with accessible pockets helps keep important items like boarding passes, phone, and passport within reach. Small choices like avoiding stiff or noisy fabrics also make the journey more pleasant for both you and your fellow travelers.
Although it’s not technically part of the outfit, I want to highlight a new favorite travel accessory: my laptop bag.
I picked this bag up at Staples the day before we left — a last-minute purchase that turned out to be a smart upgrade. For an extra $20 above the cheapest option, I got a sturdy tote with great organization, roomy compartments, and a strap that slides over my rolling carry-on handle. It fits a surprising amount of items: laptop, chargers, a paperback, wallet, and a small pouch for toiletries and tech accessories. If you travel with electronics, choose a bag with padded sections and easy accessibility to protect your devices and speed up screening at the gate.
edited to add: Here is the link to the laptop bag.
Now it’s your turn — what do you prefer to wear while traveling? Comfortable shoes and a layered, practical outfit like mine? A dress and heels? Or pajamas for long flights? Share your travel outfit preferences, packing tips, or must-have accessories.
Have a wonderful day, Pretty Ladies!
Rita Joy
Linking to: I Feel Pretty, Pleated Poppy