The Frequent Flyer's Edit: Chic, Comfortable Essentials for Every Trip

The best travel outfits are the ones that look the same on arrival as they did at departure. Soft fabrics, a shoe that slips on and off at security, a coat that doubles as a blanket and a bag with room for all of it. That is the whole brief, and it is more stylish than it sounds.

 

Begin at the feet. On's Cloudsurfer 2, the New Balance 990v4 and adidas Originals' BW Army are the comfortable choices for a long terminal walk, Nike's Air Max Dolce adds some energy and Lemaire's Gummy Grips sneakers are the quiet designer option. The Loewe x On Cloudventure covers a trip that starts with a hike, and Christian Louboutin's Plato penny loafers and Saint Laurent's Loaferino are the shoes to change into at the other end.

 

For more outfits built around a great pair of shoes, read The Sneakers Fashion Girls Are Wearing Everywhere Right Now.

Travel dressing is mostly about the second layer. A straight trouser with room to move and a knit that does not wrinkle will get you through eight hours without a second thought.

 

The Row's Kenton corduroy pants, Khaite's Hunter wool and cashmere pants and Acne Studios' Degredé trousers are the polished options, while James Perse's cotton-terry wide-leg sweatpants are the most comfortable. On top, Gabriela Hearst's Linna and Lawrence cashmere sweaters, The Row's Leith cashmere and silk turtleneck and Jil Sander's frill-detail cardigan all stay smooth after hours in a seat.

Cabins are cold, and a wrap you can pull around your shoulders is worth more than any neck pillow. Look for cashmere, mohair or a heavy wool in a colour that works with everything you packed.

 

Lisa Yang's Vani cardigan, Khaite's Takeo cardigan and James Perse's hooded cashmere zip-up cardigan are the cosiest, and YMC's Atomic cardigan is a lighter option. Toteme's leather scarf and Acne Studios' mohair scarf add a line of texture, and Max Mara's suede gloves and Brunello Cucinelli's mohair and alpaca beanie are the small pieces that make a cold terminal bearable.

The coat is the piece you will wear the longest and carry the most, so it should be warm and still look right when you get to the hotel. Choose a clean silhouette in a neutral colour that sits easily over everything underneath.

 

Toteme's wool and cashmere-blend peacoat and Jardin des Orangers' belted double-breasted coat are the tailored picks, and Studio Nicholson's Lismore jacket is the lightest. For real cold, Moncler's Courcelles down coat and its teddy and wool zip-up jacket are the safe choice, and Jil Sander's denim padded blouson is the unexpected one. Arma's Ariana reversible shearling jacket and Nour Hammour's Dalma leather jacket bring serious texture.

A carry-on has to look as good as it works. Pick a bag with a structured base and a closing top, so everything stays where you put it and nothing spills under the seat.

 

Anya Hindmarch's Neeson Square tote, Loewe's Puzzle Fold tote and Chloé's Clover and Spin totes are the roomy ones, and Lemaire's Fortune Croissant is the lightest. Finish with sunglasses that look good on a gate-side bench, Jacques Marie Mage's Ravello, Chloé Eyewear's Izia or Gucci's Horsebit round pair.

Start with the coat and the shoe, since those two decide how comfortable the day will be. Add a knit you would happily sleep in, a bag that holds more than you think you need, and you are ready.

 

For more ways to dress comfortably from morning to night, read The Pilates-to-Coffee Uniform and The Winter Wellness Edit.