How to Look Chic While Traveling
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There was a time when travel was considered a glamorous affair. During the golden age of air travel—from the 1940s to the early 1970s—people dressed up for flying when it was more exclusive and an event in itself. Men in suits and ties, women in dresses, heels and hats.
Fast-forward to today, travel is much more accessible and casual. You’re more likely to see leggings and oversized hoodies than tailored coats and leather gloves.
Don’t get me wrong, I love how we’ve embraced comfort when it comes to dressing, but sometimes I want to feel a bit more pulled together.
Whether you're boarding a red-eye to Paris or catching a train upstate, looking polished in transit is entirely doable. Here’s how to master the art of looking stylish on the go (without sacrificing comfort). Keep in mind these 8 tips as you curate your next travel outfit or plan your travel capsule wardrobe.
How to Look Chic While Traveling
1. Create a Travel Capsule Wardrobe
The secret to looking pulled together on the go? A tightly edited capsule of versatile, elevated basics.
What you pack will depend on the season and your destination, but there are a few staples I always return to: tailored trousers, a button-up shirt, classic tees and tanks, and a jacket that layers well with just about anything.
I suggest starting with a neutral color palette—a mix of black, white, navy, ivory, camel or brown shades that are incredibly easy to mix and match. Then, weave in pops of color or print through a few key clothing items and accessories: a silk scarf, a bold handbag, a statement blouse, a day-to-night dress, etc.
If you need a little inspiration, I have an entire section on the blog dedicated to capsule wardrobes that’s perfect for planning your next chic escape. You can also shop some of my favorite capsule pieces below!
2. Master the Airport Outfit Formula
Gone are the days of shapeless sweatpants and UGG boots (unless they’re intentional and styled just so). The modern chic traveler leans into elevated comfort through thoughtful layers, relaxed tailoring, and cozy fabrics.
As you prepare your packing list, plan an airport outfit that suits your type of travel. For short flights, try wide-leg trousers with a cashmere sweater or stretchy jeans paired with a silky blouse or heavy white tee.
You should definitely consider comfort for long-haul journeys, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish. My go-to uniform for 10-hour flights to and from France is a matching set. On my most recent trip from Frankfurt to Chicago, I wore this cotton-linen sweatshirt and sweatpants set from American Vintage. It was perfectly lightweight for stepping off the plane into the summer heat but still cozy enough for the flight itself. Below I’ve rounded up a few more of my favorite coordinating sets for long travel days.
And always, always layer. It not only adds dimension to your outfit but also lets you adapt to changing temperatures during your journey. A lightweight scarf or cashmere wrap can double as a blanket, while a classic trench coat is easy to stash in your carry-on, and then throw on when you land.
For your airport outfit, especially for lengthy flights, you should avoid anything too restrictive. Tight clothing, be it leggings or form-fitting tops, can limit circulation, which leads to swelling and discomfort.
For even more outfit ideas, I have a full blog post dedicated to airport outfit formulas, plus inspiration for summer airport outfits perfect for warm-weather getaways.
3. Prioritize Fabrics That Travel Well
Wrinkles are so not stylish, especially when you step off a flight and head straight to your next destination. Reach for wrinkle-resistant materials that are comfortable, breathable, and easy to care for.
Some fuss-free fabrics to include on your packing list are jersey, Tencel (lyocell), lightweight knits, and Spandex (Lycra, elastane). They tend to hold their shape and stay smooth, even after hours in an airplane seat or suitcase. Even fabrics that are typically prone to wrinkling like cotton, rayon, and linen are less likely to do so when blended with these materials.
If you’re packing a fabric that’s less forgiving, be sure to bring a travel steamer with you, or check ahead to see if your hotel or accommodation provides one. I’d also recommend giving your airport outfit a quick press or steam the night before to ensure it’s crisp and ready to go before your flight.
4. Choose Comfortable Footwear
Comfortable footwear is a non-negotiable for chic travel. Something that’s stylish, yet practical will easily carry you from security to sightseeing.
For international flights, a sleek pair of sneakers is always my first choice. If you read my post about the best walking shoes for Paris, you already know how much I love (and recommend) the Veja Campo sneakers for travel. They’re supportive enough to handle miles of walking but with a slim silhouette that feels a bit smarter than your average tennis shoe.
Slip-on styles are even easier for breezing through security, though in many airports these days, removing your shoes isn’t even required anymore. Still, it’s a nice option to consider depending on which airports you frequent.
For shorter flights or destinations where you’ll head straight to a meeting or dinner, leather loafers or classic ballet flats are oh-so-chic. If you like a little lift, a pair of low block heels can be surprisingly walkable.
One chic travel upgrade I highly recommend is slippers. A simple pair makes long-haul flights infinitely more comfortable. I bring a pair of mule slippers in my carry-on and immediately change into them after boarding. They’re easy to slip on and off and perfect for walking around the cabin without feeling barefoot. Plus, when you arrive at your destination, you have something to wear while getting ready in your hotel room or AirBnb. I also love these ballerina-style slippers on Amazon.
5. Accessorize Smartly
You shouldn’t go overboard with accessories while traveling. Not just to avoid problems at airport security, but also to keep your look fuss-free. That said, a couple of carefully chosen touches can make you feel more put together.
I normally stick to my everyday jewelry: small gold hoops and a dainty necklace. Any bulky metal jewelry should definitely be tucked in your carry-on to avoid potential alarms at the detectors.
Sunglasses are also in my travel bag at all times. You might not think about them if you’re leaving for the airport at 5 a.m., but they’ll certainly come in handy when you arrive at your destination.
Speaking of bags, a leather tote or weekender does double duty to elevate your travel look and keep you organized. Something structured with an insert or hidden pockets is always a good idea—having a place for your passport, wallet, and other travel essentials makes all the difference. If you're more of a backpack person, there are some gorgeous leather options out there that feel a bit more chic and city-ready than your average one. Below, I’ve recommended some stylish travel bags that make the perfect personal item.
Once you’ve arrived, the right accessories can completely transform your look without taking up precious suitcase space. What you pack will likely depend on your destination and the season.
For spring and summer, I’d suggest a silk scarf, packable sun hat, and oversized sunnies. A portable hand fan is another underrated essential, especially for stuffy cities, train stations, or non-AC rides. If you’re visiting Europe this summer, I’d especially recommend it—there are so many gorgeous styles that make staying cool look so chic.
In the fall and winter, accessories start to get a bit bulkier, but I typically pack a wool or cashmere scarf, matching gloves and hat set, and thermal leggings or tights.
One accessory I never travel without is a foldable tote bag. I always find some use for it, whether it’s for groceries (especially in Europe where bags cost extra) or transporting souvenirs back home. It even doubles as a makeshift laundry bag in a pinch.
If you want to see more of what’s in my travel bag, I have an entire post dedicated to my carry-on essentials.
6. Give Thought to Grooming
Looking stylish while traveling isn’t just about what you wear. It’s also how you care for yourself before, during and after your journey. Even in the most casual outfit, I can feel incredibly stylish just by paying attention to my beauty routine.
Start with skincare. I always pack a few in-flight essentials: a cleanser, moisturizer, and antimicrobial spray. It’s quite trendy to wear face masks on long flights, but I prefer to save any serums and treatments for when I’ve checked into my hotel.
Flying can seriously dehydrate your skin, so don’t forget to hydrate from the inside out. I drink plenty of water the day before travel and pack electrolyte packets (sans lots of sodium) to boost hydration.
When it comes to makeup, you don’t need a full face. A dab of concealer, tinted moisturizer, brushed brows, and a dab of lip color goes a long way. I usually skip makeup for the flight itself, but I do my no-makeup makeup routine before landing so I feel a little more glowing and fresh at my destination.
Hair makes all the difference in my opinion. The night before traveling, I like to give myself an at-home blowout. Nothing makes me feel more like I have it together. If you're short on time, go for a low bun or a slick ponytail. We want to look anything but unkempt.
Lastly, I keep a few beauty essentials in my carry-on to stay fresh: Colgate Wisps, hand cream, a mini deodorant, and a travel-size vial of my current perfume. I never spritz on fragrance during the flight, but I love having it on hand to freshen up before arrival.
7. Invest in Quality Luggage
Even though it’s a practical item, your luggage itself can contribute to your overall travel style.
While shopping for a suitcase, look for durable materials like polycarbonate, aluminum, or leather that can withstand the wear and tear of cobblestone streets and crowded cabins. As for features, here are my non-negotiables: 360° spinner wheels, expandable zippers, interior compartments and a built-in lock that’s TSA-approved.
When it comes to color, go with what reflects your personal aesthetic. Neutrals like black, beige, or navy are timeless, but a bold hue or metallic finish is an easy way to add personality (and find your suitcase at baggage claim). At the very least, pop on a distinctive luggage tag to make yours stand out.
Quality luggage can seriously streamline your travel experience, and if you travel often, it’s something you’ll never regret. I travel between France and the U.S. several times a year, and upgrading to a nice luggage set has made each trip so much less stressful.
Along with a large check-in suitcase and smaller carry-on, I’d also recommend having a weekend bag for shorter trips. My Longchamp travel bag has come in handy more times than I can count!
You don’t need a high-end Rimowa luggage either—there are plenty of stylish and functional options at accessible price points. Below, I’ve curated a selection of my favorite suitcases and travel bags.
8. Decorum Is Always Chic
Long travel days can bring out the worst in us. We’re tired, irritable and hungry. We don’t always feel like our best selves, especially surrounded by strangers in a cramped cabin.
But nothing makes you look (and feel) chicer than good decorum. It might seem old-fashioned, but good manners never go out of style. And elegance isn’t just about what you wear, but about how you carry yourself.
The easiest thing to start with is posture. Standing tall and sitting with grace doesn’t just make you look better, but it helps reduce tension and back pain, so you arrive feeling refreshed (or at least less sore).
Then there’s the art of being polite. A warm smile for the gate agent, a “thank you” to the flight attendants, a bit of kindness toward the person seated next to you. It costs nothing, but instantly says a lot about you. Even if others aren’t as courteous, taking the high road will always make you feel better. Decorum doesn’t need to be stuffy or overly formal either. It’s about showing up as the best version of yourself, the chicest statement of all.
I hope these 8 stylish travel tips help you look and feel your best on your next adventure. Wishing you très chic travels—bon voyage!
What are your best tips and products to look chic while traveling? Let me know in the comments below.
