Wherever you’re traveling to, and whichever mode of transport you’re using, it can seem hard to combine comfort and style. We’re here to share some of our tips + tricks for accomplishing both while traveling this holiday season.

Written by Laura Slingo

Many of us end up sacrificing one of the two when we’re picking our travel outfits and accessories — either going for the “I rocked up to the airport wearing my pajamas!” look, or trying to look like a glam A-lister coming straight off a flight (but having to spend all our time on the plane rearranging our shirts, undoing buttons on our high-waisted pants and kicking off those impractical heels).

But you don’t have to choose between the two. It’s perfectly possible to come up with an outfit that is stylish and comfy on your journey — and that will work just as well when you get to your destination.

In the guide below, we’ve covered some of our top tips for how to stay comfortable (and in style) while traveling. Read on to find out more. 

Wear some breathable basics 

What with being on the move, lugging your bag around, and fluctuating temperatures (why are airports so hot, but airplanes so cold?), it’s very easy to overheat when you’re traveling, especially in the summer. 

Wearing a cute tank top with a built-in bra as a base layer will help your skin to breathe, tackling overheating and discomfort. Moisture-wicking tanks like this one are specifically designed to beat sweat issues by drawing the moisture away from your skin and up to the surface of the material — making it easier for sweat to evaporate (which keeps you cool). 

Plus, they look cute enough that you can wear them as a top and pair with a cute wraparound cardigan, or as underwear if you’d prefer.

Layers will serve you well

Now you’ve got your base layer sorted, you can start adding more to create a cute layered look that is both comfortable and stylish.

Wrap-around cardigans, slouchy jumpers, kimonos, and even ponchos are all perfect to add to a travel outfit (though maybe not all at once!). Versatile pieces like this are super comfy to travel in, warm when you need them to be and look chic too. 

Layers are great for traveling because you can take them on and off when the temperature fluctuates. Aim for relatively thin materials rather than chunky items like big knitted jumpers, as these will be difficult to squeeze into your bag!

We’d also recommend bringing along a cute scarf — it’ll finish off any outfit, and it can double up as a shawl when the plane or bus air conditioning gets too much!

Statement maxi dresses 

Who doesn’t love a maxi dress? Pair them with sandals for a boho summer vibe, or add boots and a leather jacket for an edgy winter look, the maxi dress is your ultimate travel companion. 

Not only does a maxi dress look amazing, but it also feels amazing, keeping you cool when it’s warm, and covered when it’s cold. Go for a floaty, loose-fitting dress if you want to be super comfortable when you’re traveling — no more fidgeting and pulling down your dress in uncomfortable seats! 

Maxis work perfectly once you’ve arrived at your destination too, because of their versatility; you can dress them up with accessories like a statement necklace or oversized earrings for dinner, or chuck on a pair of sneakers for your walking tour. 

Invest in a good travel bag + fill it with travel treats 

Many travel bags end up looking too frumpy and practical to look cute — and at the other end of the spectrum, many “normal” handbags aren’t big enough to fit in everything you need for traveling. 

Investing in a travel bag that you truly love will help you to feel more stylish and more comfortable. Everyone is different, so pick a style that you prefer and that works for you — whether it’s a satchel, backpack or a big carpet bag.

Go for something that’s roomy and has plenty of compartments so that you can split up your belongings and find them more easily (there’s nothing worse than panic-rummaging around in a huge bag trying to find your passport in the security queue!). 

And when it comes to packing your travel bag, fill it with things that will make your journey that little bit more comfortable, like:

• A neck pillow

• An eye mask

• Face wipes for freshening up

• Hand sanitizer

• Moisturizer

• Snacks for the journey (trail mix will keep your energy levels up, without the inevitable sugar crash that candy will give you)

Finish your look off with some low maintenance footwear

We cannot state the importance of good footwear enough when you’re traveling. 

Wearing shoes that are painful or don’t fit you well will make you feel so uncomfortable during your journey. We’d avoid anything with too big a heel (unless you really like wearing heels and don’t feel the pain) as well as anything too restrictive — your feet will probably swell if you’re traveling in heat or flying. You also don’t want your shoes that are too tight, because they’ll rub and cause painful blisters. Ouch.

Ideally, you want to aim for something with a thick sole and plenty of support for your arches.  This way, you’ll feel more comfortable during your journey, and your feet won’t be hurting before you’ve even got to your destination!

Smart sneakers are a great shout; they’ll provide you with support and comfort while traveling, work well in both hot and cold temperatures, and they’ll work well with pretty much all outfit choices! (God bless the current trend of pairing chunky sneakers with dresses). Alternatively, some loafers, moccasins or boots will also work — just make sure you go for comfy as well as stylish.

Our top tip? If you aren’t going to wear socks, at least bring them along in your travel bag! You’d be surprised how cold you get on the plane once the air conditioning gets going. 

Staying both comfortable and stylish while you’re traveling may sound like an impossible combination, but it really isn’t. No longer do you have to decide between dressing like a kid ready for bedtime or a traveling businesswoman — just remember to follow our top tips, and you’ll never look back!