There’s something to be said about the woman who still dresses to the nines at the airport; she’s elegant, she’s evolved, and she respects the glamour of travel — but doesn’t she also limp the entire half-mile trek to the end of the terminal? If your clothes prevent you from getting past security swiftly, booking it to your gate, and sitting comfortably for your three- or 13-hour flight, it’s time to reassess. You can still exercise a little dressing-effort without sporting a Sunday hangover look out in public, and we have the 17 style solutions ahead to prove it.
There’s an entire wardrobe world out there that exists between pajamas and formalwear — with plenty of clothes that not only help you get snuggly in your seat but also make transitional sense when the wheels touch down. So, in anticipation of all your warm-weather wandering, we put together an outfit manual for in-flight and beyond to reference before you book that Uber to the airport.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
A Cotton Kaftan
Made of natural fibers, this beach party-friendly dress works with leggings and sneakers on the plane but is completely vacation ready for the rest of your trip paired with sandals. It’s as cozy as a nightgown, but with a design special enough that you could deboard and go straight to a poolside lunch.
& Other Stories Metallic Polka Dot Kaftan, $99, available at & Other Stories
The Elevated Scrunchie
Flights have a way of putting our sebaceous glands into overdrive, making our hair feel like it’s been through a week of skipped showers even if your flight was simply an overnight one. If your blowout can’t be salvaged once you touch down, pull your tresses back with a stylish scrunchie to make your emergency ponytail look intentional.
Pixie Market Ivory Scrunchie Scarf, $22, available at Pixie Market
The Goldilocks Legging
If there was one item of clothing we’d have to take to a deserted island, it would probably be leggings. The same goes for travel — nothing is more of a layering and comfort workhorse that this stretchy, second-skin pant. However, the legging in question must be just right, and summer voyages call for a layer that won’t suffocate you. We found a lightweight pair (made from recycled fishnets) that will keep you ventilated and covered.
Girlfriend Collective Girlfriend LITE, $78, available at Girlfriend Collective
The Slip-On Sneaker
No one wants to be the person who holds everyone up in the security line with pesky laces or thigh-hugging boots that just won’t come off. Keep things simple and efficient with a chic and comfortable pair of sneakers you can slip on and off with ease.
Vans Classic Slip-On, $59.95, available at Zappos
Stretchy Jeans
If you’re set on wearing denim during your journey, make sure to opt for a pair that contains fabric fibers that move (i.e., you won’t find us wearing any Levi’s Wedgies mid-flight — we’ll save those for when we land). Look for jeans with a hint of spandex so that you can look tough on the outside, but stay comfy on the inside.
H&M Super Skinny High Jeans, $34.99, available at H&M
A Slashie Textile: Scarf / Blanket / Towel
Get yourself a natural Turkish cotton swath of fabric that can do it all. This three-in-one wonder is absorbent, soft and matches absolutely everything from your airplane outfit to your beach chair.
Mebien Turkish Cotton Beach Blanket, $22, available at Amazon
Elastic-Waist Palazzo Pant
There’s a reason that this silhouette conjures something we refer to as the “jet set.” We’re just now discovering what glamorous, well-traveled women have known for generations: the palazzo pant is a stylish-but-easy-wearing secret weapon, especially with a forgiving waistline and a light-as-air fabrication.
Kaarem Gingko Wide Leg Pull-On Pant, $180, available at Need Supply
A Lightweight Cardigan
Sure, you’re destined for a summer vacation, but between snagging your hometown taxi and arriving at your hotel destination, you’re sure to encounter some major temperature fluctuations. A cotton cardigan in a peppy color will make sure you adjust to any and all environment changes with pizzazz.
Eloquii Tie Waist Cardigan, $16.99, available at Eloquii
The Most Comfortable Bra That Money Can Buy
Do yourself — and your girls — a favor by getting a new, perfectly-fitting, frippery-free bra for your journey. Discomfort awaits you in that crowded, abnormally frigid cabin, and the last thing you need is a rogue wire digging into your sides. 1,340 customers vouched for the comfort of this seamless t-shirt bra, aptly named the Cloud 9.
Warner’s Cloud 9 Wire-Free Contour Bra, $21.99, available at Amazon
A Utility Layer
When stepping off the plane after several hours of hunching, sitting, and dozing off, you may be rumpled beyond repair and in need of something to hide the evidence of your journey. A chic nylon trench can unfurl from your carry-on with a whisper and add some polish to your outfit until you can get to the hotel and change.
Penfield Benson Hooded Longline Jacket, $240, available at Need Supply
The Deceptively Sturdy Slide
Just because your footwear has to be durable enough to withstand the trek from long-term parking to security to the gate, doesn’t mean it can’t be ready for jaunt down to the pool too. There are plenty of cute, summer-friendly shoes in the world that also rank high on the comfort and walkability scale. Bonus points if you find a slide like this one, for easy removal in the security line.
Birkenstock Essentials Madrid Slide Sandal, $29.95, available at Nordstrom Rack
Cute Socks
We’ve all been there. Even though the weather is warm at both origin and destination, you’re enough of a travel pro to have remembered your layers for the masochistically icy plane ride. However, while you took great care to cover your upper extremities, you didn’t think about footwear, and now your sandal-clad feet are freezing. It’s easy to throw an extra pair of socks into your carry-on to prevent this imbalance — and with a pair this cute, you may even end up keeping them on upon arrival.
Stance Snazzy Socks, $14, available at Shopbop
An Easy Skirt
Knit skirts make for great plane-wear — you can stand, stretch, bend, and curl up without worrying about looking rumpled when you deplane. An elongated pencil silhouette lends an added dose of sophistication, without any of the restrictive lines normally associated with this style.
The Mogan Side Slit Ponte Knit High Waist Long Pencil Skirt, $21.99, available at Wal-Mart
The Technical Trouser
If you’re traveling for work, a suiting pant that’s got some give is going to be able to move and stretch as you move and stretch, without ending up crisscrossed in wrinkles. The trick is to find a pair with a touch of Lycra and synthetic fibers.
Everlane The Work Pant, $50, available at Everlane
The Belt Bag
Keeping your essentials close at hand is, well, essential when you’re on the move. Phone, passport, Advil, headphones: these are things that seem to disappear into your bottomless pit of a carry-on the second you need them. Keep all of these items at the ready in a nifty belt bag and breeze through that passport checkpoint like a pro.
Madewell The Simple Rainbow Stripe Pouch Belt Bag, $68, available at Madewell
A Technical Drawstring Short
Easy on/off drawstring closure, quick drying, and pockets for hands and shells makes this pair of shorts essential for your your carry-on so you can have an effortless airport bathroom quick change. These work with a tee and sneakers or can gussied up with mules and matching top for a trendy summer ’19 look that not everyone will get, but that’s ok if you’re into it as much as we are.
Staud Drawstring Coconut Shorts, $185, available at Staud
The Vacation Starts Now Top
So you’ve followed this guide, and you’re all decked out in practical gear that’s going to ensure smooth and comfortable transit. Now you owe it to yourself to lighten up — cap your outfit off with a vacation-ready top that’s going to suit the leisurely, carefree vibes at your destination. A long-sleeved viscose blouse will keep you covered up, but is lightweight enough to keep you cool when you arrive at your tropical getaway.
Yumi Kim Oxford Top, $138, available at Yumi Kim
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