7 Summer Travel Outfits That Are Comfortable, Cool and Chic
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.
7 Chic Summer Travel Outfits to Bookmark This Season
1. Cardigan + Cargo Trousers + Canvas Bag
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:
& Other Stories
Relaxed Wool Cardigan
H&M
Ribbed Silk-Blend Vest Top
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
Marcelle Cotton Tapered Cargo Pants
Loewe
Puzzle Fold Tote in Cotton Jacquard
Reformation
Eden Platform Thong
2. Long-Sleeve Dress + Mary Janes + 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:
Nobodys Child
Black Long Sleeve A-Line Penni Midi Dress
COS
Slouchy Tote Bag in Raffia
Mejuri
18k Gold Vermeil Earrings
CELINE
Butterfly S320 Sunglasses in Acetate
3. Jumper + Full Skirt + Tote Bag
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:
ARKET
Heavy Knit Wool Blend Jumper
HEAVEN MAYHEM
Julia Agate and Cord Pendant Necklace
COS
Studio Bowling Bag – Leather
Next
White Drop Waist Maxi Skirt
ARKET
Leather Mary Jane Flats
4. Knitted Co-Ord + Baseball Cap + Loafers
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.
Shop the Look:
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cotton Twill Ball Cap
The New York | Black Small Grain | Demellier
The Row
Lucca Leather Moccasins
5. Sweatshirt + Shorts + Trainers
Style Notes: If your body temperature runs hot, travelling in shorts can be a viable option, especially if you opt for a loose-fitting, cotton, boxer-type pair. The elasticated waistband was made for optimum comfort, and you can keep toasty by adding cosy crew socks and light layers (including a sporty sweatshirt) on your top half.
Shop the Look:
Navygrey
Vintage-Fit Sweatshirt
Whistles
Chocolate Sia Suede Curved Crossbody Bag
Polo Ralph Lauren
Striped Cotton Boxer
ARKET
Sporty Cotton Socks – White/blue – Men – Arket Gb
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers
6. Boxy Tee + Linen Trousers + Flip Flops
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers are an easy travel option as they provide you with enough room to not feel restricted while you're in your seat, be it on an airplane, train, car or bus. Linen fabrications are light and breathable—just be sure to try yours on for a while before you commit to ensure they aren't prone to severe creasing. I own this H&M pair and can attest to the fact they don't crease at all.
Shop the Look:
& Other Stories
Boxy T-Shirt
MONICA VINADER
Aria Cord 18ct Yellow Gold Vermeil Necklace
THE ELDER STATESMAN
Cropped Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
A.EMERY
Kinto Leather Flip Flops
7. Blazer + Baggy Jeans + Trainers
Style Notes: Wearing jeans to travel in is divisive—some people can't think of anything worse, while others won't entertain anything otherwise. If you're on the fence, I recommend trying a wide-leg pair in a soft cotton wash; with trainers and a blazer for elegance, they make for a combination that's hard to better.
Shop the Look:
Reiss
Stretch-Cotton Racerback Vest in White
Charles & Keith
Aubrielle Metallic-Buckle Top Handle Bag
ZARA
Extra Wide-Leg High-Waist Jeans
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
Samba OG Leather and Suede Sneakers
Source link