6 Ways To Dress And Pack For Effortless Travel
Once your bags are packed and the online check-in is complete, the final quandary is what to wear while traveling (and cram into your carry-on). Here, we round up seven ways to ensure your airport aesthetic is always on point
Embrace the ’90s
Pared-back airport style had its heyday in the ’90s, so it makes sense to look back for inspiration. Start with a simple teeand leggings, the ultimate comfort combination – lululemon’s elevated ‘Yoga Align™’ leggings are made from the brand’s signature Nulu™ fabric that’s flexible, lightweight and irresistibly soft, while Sporty & Rich’s printed sweatshirt looks great draped over your shoulders for a dose of preppy nostalgia. A denim jacket is also a travel favorite and a closet staple you’ll wear on repeat. Look for vintage details and washed-blue denim – The Row’s ‘Joras’ design is inspired by classic trucker styles and is the perfect piece to throw on over a sun dress once you arrive. A compact shoulder bag is the ideal way to carry your essentials (passport/wallet/phone) – try Gucci’s ‘GG Emblem’, a future classic that will elevate your airport look.
Go oversized
For a look that deftly balances ease and style, opt for clean lines, luxe fabrics and roomy cuts. Enter Toteme – the Stockholm-based brand that excels at creating refined off-duty staples, including this timeless organic cotton-poplin shirt. The relaxed style looks effortlessly elegant with Citizens of Humanity’s cotton and linen-blend pants and Saint Laurent’s barely-there ‘Cassandra’ sandals. In terms of finishing touches, Liffner’s ‘Mega Sprout’ suede tote from our NET SUSTAIN edit is the ideal size and shape to carry all you need during transit, while Oliver Peoples’ ‘Aero II’ aviators serve a dual purpose: ready for sunshine on touchdown and the perfect cover-up for tired eyes. The final flourish? A pinky ring from Foundrae adds polish, ensuring you’re ready to hit brunch by the beach.
Look to luxe loungewear
Loungewear has seriously upped its game in recent seasons, which is good news for our in-transit wardrobes. Look to The Elder Statesman and The Row for chic cotton and cashmere separates that are comfy enough to sleep in but elevated enough to get an upgrade. The Elder Statesman’s tie-dyed track pants from our NET SUSTAIN edit are guaranteed to boost your mood, even on an early morning flight. Don’t forget your feet – Bottega Veneta’s ‘Orbit’ sneakers are a practical and polished style to wear in the airport lounge and easy enough to kick off once you’re airborne. A pair of sunglasses, such as Saint Laurent Eyewear’s ‘Sulpice’ style, are ideal for concealing tired eyes after a long-haul flight – and will be the only pair you need for the rest of your trip. Finally, slip on Completedworks’ recycled silver hoops to tie everything together.
Think smart-casual
Athleisure and tailoring might once have been an unlikely pairing, but, these days, they’re a perfect match, especially when it comes to traveling. Start with The Park’s stretch-TENCEL™ Lyocell ‘Josie’ leggings and wear them with Alaïa’s ruched top, then add a blazer – Brunello Cucinelli’s checked wool version offers a dose of elevated elegance, especially when paired with a minimal bag; Gucci’s ‘Softbit Maxi’ tote in burgundy textured-leather delivers the ultimate in quiet-luxury design. Meanwhile, ballet flats – like Gianvito Rossi’s Mary Jane pair – neatly balance comfort and style, plus they’re easy to slip off for in-flight comfort.
Wear light layers
The in-flight temperature is very rarely ‘just right’ – either blasting out cold air or a stuffy mid-flight warmth. The sartorial answer? Layers. Cue Saint Laurent for a classic gray tank top – this ribbed cotton-jersey tank is perfect for pairing with high-rise, straight-leg jeans in a vintage blue wash, like Agolde’s pair from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Then, add a sleek jacket – Nour Hammour’s tan suede style is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER and sharpens even the most crumpled and cozy of ’fits. Meanwhile, Cartier’s timeless ‘Ballon Bleu’ watch will bring a touch of polish to the ensemble, and Saint Laurent’s slouchy quilted leather ‘Jamie Shopping’ tote is perfect for packing your in-flight essentials.
Make sure you’re post-flight ready
Short trips often demand you stroll off the plane and straight into action – the key here is to select fuss-free separates that look put together and won’t emerge crumpled from a flight seat. Faithfull’s white linen ‘Suis’ wrap-effect skirt does exactly that. It’s also worth investing in an oversized shirt, so consider Brunello Cucinelli’s bead-embellished shirt, which you’ll wear with everything, including over a bikini – Faithfull’s recycled ‘Ania’ style (another NET SUSTAIN highlight) comes in earthy shades of olive-green and brown and has a flattering triangle cut. Elsewhere, Isabel Marant’s studded leather sandals are low-key enough for the beach, but sufficiently polished for a post-flight dinner – plus, they make an elegant partner to Lié Studio’s ‘Bianca’ raffia tote.
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