As exhilarating as travel can be, hitting the road – whether by train, plane or automobile – often brings a unique set of sartorial challenges: limited suitcase space, early start times, unpredictable temperatures and plenty of high-stress situations. Here’s our guide to looking good on the go, even as you navigate security or sprint for that last-minute platform change.
Cool Kicks
We’ve all read the on-board safety card (right?) and know that in-flight footwear should avoid any kind of pointiness, lest they puncture the evacuation slide in an emergency. However, we’d like to take it one step further and bring comfort into the equation: your kicks should be as close to a pillow as socially acceptable. Not only are trainers a high-comfort choice, but they’ll see you through long days of sightseeing in your destination, and are great for legging it in the event of speedy train changes and short layovers.
Ideally, choose something padded and breathable, especially on longer journeys. For ultimate cosiness, these Ugg mules maintain the soft woolly lining of the classic boot in a more lightweight, travel-friendly style. If you’re packing lean, a classic Stan Smith is sufficiently chic for dinner plans yet comfy enough to wear all day long. The warm off-white colourway will take a little longer to show the grime, so you can hold out until you get home to clean them up.
Another versatile option for light packing is a chukka boot – just dapper enough to wear with chinos for a smart-casual office outfit or date night, but also rustic enough to pair with denim.
On-Trend Tops
One golden rule: even if it’s 40°C at your destination, never board a flight without a second layer.
Start with a breathable cotton T-shirt in white or another neutral shade – it’ll also be useful for plenty of outfits once you reach your destination – and build from there. For those taking the joggers route, a zip-up hoodie allows for more temperature adjustment than an overhead model; with chinos or something a bit smarter, a cardigan offers the same perks. If your second layer will be sandwiched between a neutral-toned tee and coat, it’s perfectly positioned to add some visual interest. Try a textured cardigan or a bright colour for an instant outfit upgrade.
A shacket or chore coat is another lightweight option that pairs well with both the aforementioned trackies and chinos, and you can even layer it with a hoodie or cardigan for warmth (and precious suitcase space savings).
The Best Bottoms
Dressing appropriately for what you’re doing – in this case, mostly lounging around and possibly indulging in an unhealthy amount of screen time – is always the first step toward looking stylish. Therefore, a pair of joggers is our first go-to when spending long hours in transit.
For winter travel, something fleecy like this Puma pair is great, and the zipped pockets are a welcome perk; in summer, light and loose is the goal, like this Kore jogger from Vuori. If you prefer to feel more put-together, the subtly retro look of these Les Deux tracksuit bottoms makes a style statement without compromising comfort.
Unfortunately, we don’t always have the time (or the packing space) to dedicate an entire outfit to the journey. If you have to head to a meeting fresh off the plane, Uniqlo’s wrinkle-resistant Smart Ankle trousers are a safe bet, as is the lightweight AirSense range for warmer climes. If, on the other hand, you’re travelling light and can’t spare the backpack room for bulky loungewear, these Levi’s chinos are softer than a pair of jeans and could read either leisure-chic or business-casual with the right styling. The hidden zipped compartment inside the right-hand pocket is great for hotel keys, tickets, change and more.
Heads Up
Crack-of-dawn wake-up calls leave little, if any, time for preening, making a hat and sunglasses a trusty starting point for your travel look. As well as hiding your bedhead and bleary eyes, they’ll shield you from intense on-board lighting and protect against the elevated UVA radiation found at higher altitudes (but still, don’t forget your sun cream!). They can even assist with on-board napping, should you find yourself without an eye mask.
Picking up a baseball cap at the hotel gift shop or a local attraction is the kind of kitsch holiday style we can get behind, but for those of you who prefer a chicer aesthetic, a neutral colour is the best option – it’ll match whatever clean clothes you have left for the way back. Similarly, go for a model that isn’t too athletic; caps tend to look sporty anyway, so make sure your headgear matches the energy of whatever outfit you choose.
As for the sunnies, a mask shape provides maximum glare protection, while a foldable model like the Persol 714 or these Ray-Ban Clubmasters frees up valuable case space.
If you have pierced ears, swap your studs for small hoops that won’t poke you when wearing over-ear headphones or lying back for a much-needed rest. You can even sleep in them the night before to wake up pre-accessorised. For more of a statement than your classic hoop, these hammered earrings offer textured interest; if you prefer gold, this sleek hoop will become an easy go-to for years to come.
In The Bag
In addition to your delete-as-appropriate checked suitcase/carry-on/backpack combo – which would merit its own article – adding a small extra bag to store your phone, wallet, headphones and ID documents has various advantages. At the airport, it means no rifling through side pockets at security. On the train or plane, it means you can keep everything you’ll need for the flight close to hand and stow the rest away, earning you some precious extra legroom.
A word to the wise: if you’re flying, make sure your extra pouch can fit into your hand baggage during boarding, for any particularly stringent flight attendants. We’d also advise slipping it into your rucksack for onward travel – a small item filled with cash and hard-to-replace documents is easy to leave on the seat.
In terms of models, there are various possibilities. A belt bag or small crossbody bag is easy to carry along with everything else, or this slightly larger Uniqlo model is just large enough to hold a water bottle, yet flattens down to a stowable size. If you’re not constrained by airline regulations, opt for a slightly larger tote. It’s handy for schlepping everything you need around museums, to the beach, or wherever you’re headed, and offers excellent extra storage for any souvenir purchases on the way home.
… And On The Bag
Ever regretted opting for the black colourway as you hunt for your previous cargo on the carousel? One easy way to add a pop of colour is with a luggage tag, like this citrussy number. This cable luggage lock provides peace of mind when you have to leave your bags unattended on the train or coach – use the cable to attach it to the rack before heading to your seat.
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