My Travel Outfit Formula

Being a luxury travel advisor and trip leader for Atlas Adventures, I’m constantly traveling to scout locations and host trips. Something I’ve worked on perfecting is my go-to travel outfit formula. These wardrobe heroes leave me feeling pulled together while traveling and also being comfortable. Having a go-to combination helps take the guesswork out of outfit planning so that I’m not frantically picking out what to wear that day while trying to get out the door. I find that many people forget this important step in their packing process. They spend so much time figuring out what to pack for the trip that they forget about what to wear while traveling. Here’s my formula for an outfit that’s chic yet comfortable on a long-haul flight. 

For shoes, I love a loafer that’s easy to slip on and off in case you’re required to remove them during security. Even if you have TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry, many airports still require you to remove your shoes during security screenings. I also want to be able to easily slide my shoes off in flight to put on my compression socks and easily slide them on again to get up and walk around. I combine these with a pair of loose, comfortable trousers. Comfort is a must! Wide-leg pants tend to be not only more comfortable, but also easier to put on compression socks. In warmer months, I opt for linen while in cooler months, I love a black trouser that looks polished.

On top, I prefer something with sleeves so I don’t get cold, and ideally in a material with enough structure to not wrinkle. Your base layer also shouldn’t be too warm.  A basic shirt like this tends to work nicely. I hate being cold, so regardless of the time of year, I always have a cardigan or jacket with me just in case. Even to just drape over my shoulders.  Being able to add or shed layers based on fluctuating environments is key.

I love adding a silk scarf because it’s such a simple way to elevate a casual outfit to look more chic and elegant. You can tie it in dozens of ways or simply just drape it around your neck. They’re also nice to have an extra layer you can drape over your shoulders if you need it. Even when I style my hair, I find it doesn’t always outlast the length of my travel day. I almost always clip my hair back while on the go. The combination of bending over to lift bags, removing layers to pass through security (putting them back on), and trying to get comfortable in flight can almost guarantee my hair will be in the way if left down. This chic tortoise shell claw clip is always on hand to keep it out of the way. 

And there you have it! The looks will differ each flight, but I love this travel outfit formula, simultaneously feeling pulled together yet comfortable.

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