Let's Cut to It—These Are the 4 Simple Outfits I Always Travel In

I just booked my first getaway of the year—a solo sojourn in the South of France—and the anticipation is mounting. While I'm oozing with excitement for the dozens of pain au chocolat I expect to consume, and the longed-for feeling of dipping my toes in the Mediterranean Sea, my thoughts keep returning to one thing: My holiday wardrobe.

Unlike most people I know, I love packing. From the mental planning of which outfits I want to sport as I stroll down sunny boulevards and sip Mojitos on the beach, to the actual process of rolling up my cotton dresses and stuffing them in my suitcase, the experience only makes me more eager to get going. And while I usually nail the contents of my luggage (after *a lot* of consideration and last-minute changes), I've always struggled with what to wear as I board the plane (or car, train, bus...You get the idea.)

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(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

If you go for jeans, like Taffy, pick a stretchy, wide-leg pair for maximum comfort.

Over the years, I've learned that this particular ensemble needs to meet a strict list of criteria. Firstly, and most importantly, it must be comfortable. That one is a non-negotiable. No rigid jeans or wobbly wedges allowed. It's also crucial to keep two climates in mind when assembling your outfit; the one you're leaving and the one you're arriving into.

Of course, the criteria changes depending on the mode of transport and the destination, so I've put together four different looks with a variety of circumstances in mind. Whether you're joining me on the Cote d'Azur or staying in the UK for a relaxing staycation, you'll find a suitable travel outfit below, all made up of clever layers and pieces you'll wear again during your trip. Enjoy!

1. Joggers + Slogan Tee

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: A long stint on an airplane calls for a pair of elasticated-waist joggers—and for some, nothing else will do. But you can still keep your outfit on-point by adding a punchy slogan tee and refined outerwear, plus a few trendy accessories to show off your fashion know-how.

SHOP THE LOOK

2. Slip Dress + Cosy Knitwear

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: For a train journey to the French capital or a long car ride with the windows down, a camisole dress will keep you cool and collected. Keep a slouchy knit on hand to beat the evening chill, and opt for fuss-free footwear that you can easily slip on and off.

SHOP THE LOOK

3. Sweatshirt + Stretchy Trousers

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: Stretchy trousers? Check. Oversized Sweatshirt? Check. Practical accessories? Check, check, check. This versatile outfit would suit pretty much every journey type, and additional layers can quickly be added if you're headed somewhere chilly.

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4. Breathable Separates

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: Hopping from one balmy destination to another? Stick to lightweight natural fabrics in case the aircon cuts out, and keep your hair out of your face with a claw clip. The last thing you want is to be fussing about with a heavy handbag in the heat; a cross-body bag will be your best friend.

SHOP THE LOOK

Next Up: The Elevated Basics to Add to Your Capsule Wardrobe This Spring

Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer. After receiving an Audrey Hepburn box set for her 10th birthday and subsequently swooning over the actor’s wardrobe, Bébhinn felt pretty confident she wanted a career that involved clothes. She started her first blog at age 14—the title was a pun, but we’ll leave it at that—and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine


A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor for Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and updated takes on classic designs. 


While she still loves Audrey Hepburn films, these days, Bébhinn’s sartorial taste sits closer to Annie Hall’s and Alexa Chung’s. In her spare time, she’s likely cooing over cute dogs on rescue websites, playing folk songs on her guitar and browsing bookshops for new additions to her already-overpacked shelves.