Along with the holiday cheer of twinkling lights, mugs of hot cocoa, and a bout of last-minute gift shopping comes another December inevitable for many of us: holiday travel. Travel is hectic enough on its own, and adding in the general chaos of the holiday season definitely doesn’t help. After packing your family’s gifts, holiday outfits, and all the essentials to survive multiple consecutive days with your family, your travel outfit is likely the last thing on your mind—but we’re here to change that.
Travel outfits have taken quite a turn over the past few years. Airport outfits have slowly gone from curated to comfortable, with athleisure and loungewear pieces leading the way as the obvious outfit choice for travel. But if there’s one thing we know, it’s that you don’t need to sacrifice style for comfort anymore—and these travel outfits prove it.
Going home for the holidays? Whether you’re going by train, plane, or car, these eight outfits will get you where you need to go in style.
1. A puffer vest, leggings, and a sweatshirt
Haven’t you heard? It’s vest season. A puffer vest is an easy way to add dimension to your winter outfits, keeping you both cozy and warm while staying on top of your layering game. While traveling, it’s an easy piece of clothing to lean on to take on or off if need be, and it helps ensure you stay warm without overheating. Win, win.
2. An oversized fleece jacket and a scarf
When a travel day has a 100 percent chance of including a nap—it’s tiring being a passenger princess, OK—an oversized fleece jacket can double as a blanket. If you need extra warmth on rest breaks to run into the gas station for some snacks, a color-coordinating scarf is your best bet (nobody needs to be spending time blindly reaching into the trunk to try to find where you threw your coat). With leggings or sweats, this travel outfit will be in it with you for the long haul.
3. An oversized crewneck sweater and leggings
When in doubt, your comfiest crewneck sweater is the perfect option to wear while traveling. It’s a piece you can wear on repeat throughout your trip (that’s why it’s your favorite), and wearing it rather than packing it will save you much-needed suitcase space. To get more into the holiday spirit, opt for a cable-knit sweater. Chris Evans, who?
4. A trench coat over leggings and sneakers
If you’re prone to overpacking (guilty!), consider wearing your heavier coat while traveling to save extra room in your luggage. A trench coat paired with leggings and sneakers will make everyone in the TSA line think you have it all together, and with packing skills this strategic, they wouldn’t be wrong.
5. A matching lounge set and Uggs
If you want an outfit that’s a level up from a sweat suit but is just as comfortable, a matching knit set with wide-legged pants is your best bet. Pair yours with a jacket in a similar color for a monochrome effect, and complete the look with a pair of Uggs.
6. A flannel, comfortable jeans, and Uggs
Nothing screams “road trip” like a worn-in plaid flannel. If you’re making frequent stops and sightseeing while traveling this holiday season, a flannel and jeans are the perfect outfit to wear for your journey. For maximum comfort, pair this outfit with Uggs and your softest jeans.
7. A matching sweatsuit
Gone are the days when sweats entail your old sorority T-shirt and sweatpants from high school track. A matching sweatsuit will provide you with equal comfort, but in a way that doesn’t make you embarrassed for people outside of your pets to get a glimpse of you in it. Layer your wool coat over it—again, rather than packing it—for an elevated sweats experience made for a long day of travel.
8. An oversized leather jacket, leggings, and boots
Transform your simple white tee and leggings into your new go-to travel uniform by adding a leather jacket and boots into the mix. A leather jacket is quintessentially cool, which makes it a perfect addition to complete a travel outfit in a chic, styled way. Trust us: Nobody will even register that you’re wearing leggings.
