I'm a Fashion Editor: 8 Comfy Yet Chic Travel Outfits I Always Come Back To
The last time I flew long-haul, I wore jeans for the duration. Big mistake. In my opinion, no matter how worn-in and stretchy your favourite Levi's are, an airplane is no place for denim.
For a flight of any length, comfortable clothing is a good idea, but it's especially important for longer journeys on which you're hoping to catch some Z's—not least to help you get ahead of the jetlag. If you're boarding the plane in restrictive clothes, you can forget about it. So, do yourself a favour and plan your travel outfit carefully, keeping a few key things in mind.
Comfort doesn't just come down to wearing non-clingy fabrics. You should also consider any potential changes in temperature. Are you leaving the UK and headed somewhere balmy? You'll need layers that you can peel off on landing. Think about your whole trip from start to finish, and imagine what you'll need to stay comfy at each step.
But fear not, all of these practical factors don't mean you have to abandon any semblance of style. In fact, you can look just as chic as you always do as you glide through security and onto your long-haul flight. Just keep scrolling to see eight looks that tick all the boxes, then shop the pieces you need in time for your next getaway.
See 8 Comfy Travel Outfits That Are Editor Approved:
1. Co-Ord + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: A relaxed co-ord is just the ticket to a comfortable plane journey. An interesting texture like plisse will keep you looking on-point as you get some shut-eye at 30 thousand feet.
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It's always refreshing when an on-trend shoe is affordable.
2. Cardigan + Soft Shorts + Basket Bag
Style Notes: A cardigan comes with me on all my travels, and I like teaming it with a pair of soft cotton shorts (no denim, trust me!). Take note from Jessica and finish the cosy look with a spacious basket bag.
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3. Relaxed Shirt + Vest Top + Drawstring Trousers
Style Notes: This is a look you can take straight from airport to beachside bar. Slip on lightweight, breathable trousers (planes can get stuffy, after all) and simple separates that you'll re-wear once you arrive at your destination.
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4. Long-Sleeved Tee + Tracksuit Bottoms + Sliders
Style Notes: When in doubt, you can always rely on trackies to deliver on the comfort front. Opt for leather slides instead of trainers for a fashion spin.
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5. Relaxed Jumper + Leggings + Trainers
Style Notes: If you've got an early start and you're travelling from somewhere cool, a chunky jumper is a non-negotiable. Style it with leggings and a tee underneath so you can remove the extra layers when you land.
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6. Sweatshirt + Flowy Skirt + Trainers
Style Notes: From breakfast bar to boarding gate to window seat, you'll feel light as air in this comfortable combination. A long cotton skirt is basically a wearable blanket, and it doubles as a versatile piece for days by the beach.
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7. Linen Set + Cross-Body Bag
Style Notes: Linen is breathable, natural, and therefore ideal for a long flight. Make things easy for yourself and choose a matching set.
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These trousers are easy to dress up for dinner out.
Plenty of space for your passport, cosmetics bag and airpods.
8. T-Shirt + Stretchy Dress + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: I know what you're thinking—a dress? For a long flight? If it sounds like a strange choice, that's because you're picturing the wrong kind of dress. You want one in a super-stretchy jersey fabric that you won't mind sitting in all day (or night) long, with a tee underneath in case there's a chill on-board.
Shop the look:
Make sure you break these leather shoes in before take-off.
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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