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We're Fashion People—These Are the Chic Outfits We Wear to Travel in

By Swedan Margen

We're Fashion People—These Are the Chic Outfits We Wear to Travel in

I’ve always believed that what you wear to travel sets the tone for your entire trip. There’s something about stepping out of the house in a polished (but practical) outfit that makes everything from airport queues to train snacks feel a little more elevated. Summer, of course, brings its own set of considerations—namely heat, creases and the kind of early starts that can make dressing well feel like a chore.

But that’s where a few clever outfit formulas come in. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on a rotation of stylish yet comfortable looks that work for short- and long-haul trips alike. What's more, these combinations have also been given the fashion person seal of approval, too. Think wide-leg linen trousers that feel like pyjamas but look like effort, or a matching co-ord that requires zero styling but always earns compliments. I’ve also seen more and more people embracing full skirts and roomy cotton shorts for their breezy charm, while loose-fit jeans remain a staple for good reason—they just work.

Regardless of your plans, having a handful of go-to summer travel outfits makes packing and getting dressed that much easier, especially if your flight is scheduled pre-7 am. Ahead, I’ve pulled together a few of my favourites—each one comfortable and guaranteed to start your holiday on a stylish note.

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1. Cardigan + Cargo Trousers + Canvas Bag

@_loissterling wears a pair of khaki cargo trousers with flip flops and a black jumper

Style Notes: I recently travelled wearing a pair of cargo trousers complete with side pockets and I can't tell you how handy it was being able to breeze through security and my gate with my documents easily accessible. Up top, look to light layers like a vest top and cardigan to help beat the inevitable plane cabin chill.

Shop the Look:

Relaxed Wool Cardigan

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Relaxed Wool Cardigan

Ribbed Silk-Blend Vest Top

H&M

Ribbed Silk-Blend Vest Top

Marcelle Cotton Tapered Cargo Pants

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

Marcelle Cotton Tapered Cargo Pants

Loewe, Puzzle Fold Tote in Cotton Jacquard

Loewe

Puzzle Fold Tote in Cotton Jacquard

Eden Platform Thong

Reformation

Eden Platform Thong

2. Long-Sleeve Dress + Mary Janes + Shoulder Bag

@courtney__flowers wears a black two-part dress with Mary Jane shoes and a slouchy shoulder bag

Style Notes: When I'm travelling long distances, my outfit of choice is always a dress. Yes, that's right, a dress. Look for stretchy materials like jersey, roomy styles like the outfit above with a full skirt or, better yet, a combination of both.

Shop the Look:

Black Long Sleeve A-Line Penni Midi Dress

Nobodys Child

Black Long Sleeve A-Line Penni Midi Dress

Slouchy Tote Bag - Raffia

COS

Slouchy Tote Bag in Raffia

18k Gold Vermeil

Mejuri

18k Gold Vermeil Earrings

Butterfly S320 Sunglasses in Acetate

CELINE

Butterfly S320 Sunglasses in Acetate

Chrissy Mary Jane

3. Jumper + Full Skirt + Tote Bag

@marina_torres wears a white cotton skirt with a black jumper and Mary Janes

Style Notes: Applying the same logic as the above outfit here, a full skirt can be a great travel solution if you generally find trousers or jeans uncomfortable to sit in for long periods. Shoe wise anything goes, but a pretty ballet flat will work for shorter trips where you need to be off the plane and straight into your itinerary.

Shop the Look:

Heavy Knit Wool Blend Jumper – Dark Blue – Men – Arket Gb

ARKET

Heavy Knit Wool Blend Jumper

Julia Agate and Cord Pendant Necklace

HEAVEN MAYHEM

Julia Agate and Cord Pendant Necklace

Studio Bowling Bag - Leather

COS

Studio Bowling Bag - Leather

White Drop Waist Maxi Skirt

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White Drop Waist Maxi Skirt

Leather Mary Jane Flats – Black – Women – Arket Gb

ARKET

Leather Mary Jane Flats

4. Knitted Co-Ord + Baseball Cap + Loafers

@nlmarilyn wears a knitted trouser and jumper set with loafers and a baseball cap

Style Notes: Particularly useful for longer road trips or plane journeys, there really is no bettering a knitted co-ord. Sleek but incredibly comfortable, just add your favourite flats, a baseball cap and a chic hold all for an elegant look.

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