I Travel 5 Times a Year—These Easy Outfits Have Never Once Failed Me

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

As a semi-recent Los Angeles transplant, I've made so many travel plans over the past two years to take advantage of my new West Coast life, whether it's an international flight to Tokyo or multiday road trip to Sea Ranch, just north of San Francisco. And when I was living in New York City, a quick four-day trip across the Atlantic to London or Paris felt like a breeze. Then there are the long-haul flights I've done from L.A. to Monte Carlo and from Orlando to Hong Kong that take up to a full day of travel. And I've done all this with just a carry-on, mind you, so it's safe to say that I'm kind of a travel and packing expert. This is why I rounded up 20 of the best travel outfits if you're sitting on a plane, in a car, or walking 10 miles in a day to explore your vacation destination. 

In theory, your vacations are filled with a never-ending supply of chic new outfits that are more than deserving of a few Instagrams, but the reality is that your travel outfits need to be equal parts stylish and comfortable. Yes, achieving that balance is possible, and we have the stylish looks of the below fashion girls to prove that looking good and dressing functionally can coexist. 

From roomy jeans and breezy dresses to versatile boots and bold sneakers that can withstand any mileage, scroll down for 20 travel outfits you'll want to copy for any upcoming out-of-office dates. 

Coat + White Tee + Jeans

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Ogling this Rimowa suitcase situation. But a shaggy jacket and unique jeans will dress up any white tee. 

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Jacket + Bold Sneakers + Comfy Pants

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(Image credit: @himichelleli)

Comfortable pants and shoes are key whether you're on a plane or walking 10,000+ steps, but they don't have to feel drab. Add pops of color with your accessories. 

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Matching Sweatsuit + Sneakers

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

A matching sweatsuit is a must in any wardrobe. With a fashionable pair of sneakers, you can wear it both on and off the plane. 

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Quarter-Zip Sweater + Long Coat

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(Image credit: @piabaroncini)

Bundle up in a monochrome 'fit like this cream quarter-zip and coordinating coat. Finish it off by adding bottoms with stretch and a trusty pair of shoes. 

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Bomber Jacket + Jeans + Shoulder Bag

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(Image credit: @alessandragl)

For a day in a new city where you're constantly moving, it's best to stick to the basics like a roomy shoulder bag, your go-to pair of jeans, and a zip-up jacket for transitional temps. 

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Leggings + Oversize Sweater

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(Image credit: @devonleecarlson )

There's something about gray that makes any outfit look so much more comfortable. Throw on a cream sweater with your gray leggings for some contrast. Then put on your headphones so no one bothers you while you're waiting to board. 

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Track Pants + Statement Coat + Flats

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(Image credit: @helenacuesta)

Track pants are a staple that can look dressy given the right styling. Take a cue from Helena and add the one statement coat you packed this trip with a pair of sporty bottoms.

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Jumpsuit + Big Tote 

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(Image credit: @dronme)

A one-and-done kind of outfit is ideal for travel. When you have a jam-packed day that starts when the sun rises, you don't want to waste any time picking out what to wear. This is where a jumpsuit or boilersuit comes in handy. 

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Midi Skirt + Crossbody Bag + Sweater

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(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

A crossbody you can keep close to you will ensure your belongings are secure on public transportation. An A-line skirt, a sweater, and statement kicks complete the look.

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Flowy Top + Wide-Leg Jeans + Flats

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

I tend to turn to less-fitted silhouettes on vacay to keep things easy and effortless. A flowy top and wide-leg jeans are just the solution. 

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Maxi Skirt + Knit Polo

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(Image credit: @livvperez)

For an ensemble that looks pulled together but actually takes five minutes to put on, a knit polo and maxi skirt are all you need. Add your crossbody or top-handle bag to really level things up. 

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Breezy Pants + White Button-Down

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(Image credit: @elizagracehuber )

Don't deny yourself roomy silhouettes! This is the kind of outfit that can take you off the plane and straight to lunch if you don't have time to decompress and change outfits at your hotel. 

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Quilted Coat + Shoulder Bag + Chunky Sneakers

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(Image credit: @naomigeorgeo )

A coat that doubles as a blanket and/or a pillow on the plane and one you can wear on the daily is a great travel piece if you're heading somewhere chilly. Pack a pair of chunky dad sneakers and a shoulder bag, and you're ready for a day of exploring. 

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Jacket + Plaid Skirt + Sneakers

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(Image credit: @chanelmckinsie)

Going somewhere with pretty mild weather? Opt for plaid skirt and sneakers. You can add a bomber in this rich brown shade if the temperature fluctuates. 

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Knit Sweater + Jeans + Bold Accessories

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(Image credit: @maddiebriell)

A cozy sweater, straight-leg jeans, and red accessories are an outfit formula you'll want to remember. And definitely make sure to stop by a café while you're out to fuel up before you hit the pavement again. 

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Wrap Coat + Comfortable Boots

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(Image credit: @spicy.mayo )

Rainy weather won't get you down if you have a fab coat to stay dry in. A trench or raincoat is a must if it's a rainy forecast during your travels, but you can liven it up with bright footwear. 

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Coat + Sneakers + Baggy Jeans 

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck )

Layer up with a scarf and beanie if your long coat isn't enough to keep you warm. Layering pieces that can go with several outfits are always great to pack, and as someone who lives in sunny Los Angeles, I now relish the trips where I can finally pack my versatile winter clothes. 

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Track Jacket + Comfy Jeans

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(Image credit: @anaasaber)

I've worn Adidas shorts on so many trips now, and I've found that sporty pieces are the best to pack. They are durable, made to withstand the elements, and come in handy when you start sweating from all those steps you're getting in. A track jacket is a great piece to wear over a T-shirt or tank. Simply add some fun jeans and a colorful bag, and you'll feel like a street style star wherever you are. 

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White Blouse + Black Maxi + Sneakers

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(Image credit: @ladhav)

A sheer white top is a godsend for those extremely hot travel days. Also, I've worn this black cotton maxi skirt on countless trips. It's one of the best travel items I own thanks to the breezy fit and elastic waist. 

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Cutout Dress + Sandals + Net Bag

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

If it's more of a beach vacation, you definitely want to travel with some comfortable sandals and a larger tote that can fit all your beach-day belongings. I find that these net bags fold very flat in a suitcase, but they can fit a seemingly endless amount. 

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Lauren Adhav
Freelance Fashion Editor

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town & Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.

After five years in NYC, she moved to the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and now Who What Wear. She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.