This outfit just might be my new airport outfit. It has all the essentials.
Essential #1: Easy on-off shoes to breeze through security.
Doesn’t that sound nice? “Breezing” through security? I just used that word to make it sound nicer. Because really, who really breezes through security? Not me — I’m always a bumbling mess, dropping my phone and stuff.
Three other reasons these shoes are great for travel: They are flat. They have a closed toe. Their pointed shape elevates the outfit.
Essential #2: Layers to stay comfortable no matter the temperature.
If it’s cold, I can put leggings under my joggers and wrap a scarf around my neck. If it’s warm, I can lose the leggings, the scarf, and the jacket.
Essential #3: Doesn’t look like pajamas — but sure feels like ’em!
I’m basically wearing sweatpants and a tee, but the jean jacket and flats give the outfit a polished look.
Are you traveling anywhere soon? Where are you headed? And what’s your go-to airport outfit?
Jean Jacket: Madewell
Tee: J.Crew
Joggers: old from Aritzia (similar OR similar for less)
Shoes: old from Madewell (this year’s version)
Bag: Nordstrom (also, leather version)
Necklace: Moulton
Love! So put together-the accessories are simple but reallllly make the look for me! You could wear it any day!
Saved for future inspo!
marnie, currently
Hi Caroline, I have recently discovered your blog after considering the idea of a capsule approach to my wardrobe for a while now. I fly on Friday for a long weekend in Oslo and I will definitely be packing light (I’ve been mastering travelling with just hand luggage over my last few trips, but still usually take more than I need). I generally travel in jeans, a comfy warm option and so as not to have to fit them in my bag and will stick to that for this trip, I’ll also definitely wear layers for warmth. I tend to wear boots or trainers, but I might rethink that now as there is definitely advantage to the easy-on-off approach!
Yes, yes, yes and yes! I recently started blogging about planning my travel capsule wardrobe on my blog and one of the main criteria (besides fabric) is comfort. Long flights in anything less comfy than PJs is no bueno. Lovely as always Caroline!
I’m loving the whole jean jacket series :). I don’t travel, but if I did have to go to the airport I’d probably keep it simple with shoes, a tee and a casual jacket, I’d wear jeans though, as they’re a constant in my capsules. I completely agree with all three points you’ve made here :)
I’m in an airport right now! After a few trials and errors, my perfect travel outfit is a maxi skirt, tee, and a jersey blazer, plus flat slip on shoes with socks (for those shoeless moments — not sure I trust airport floors!). The maxi skirt/blazer combo seem deceptively classy, but actually feel like pjs!
I just came back from traveling over Easter weekend, and it was my first chance at minimalist packing! I was able to fit everything I needed into my purse. :D I have two airport strategies:
1. Wear the heaviest thing you’re taking. For me, that was my leather jacket (the only jacket I took) and my Sam Edelman booties (comfortable, but good-looking). I almost always wear flats at the airport, but being barefoot on the cold grimy floor always makes me wish I had worn shoes with socks. That was a nice change this time.
2. Wear stuff that’s easy to take off. These booties were almost as good as flats: just a couple inches of zipper and they slip right off. Knee-high or cowboy boots, or sneakers, are more of a pain. An easy jacket and a non-fussy outfit saves time–no scrambling to undo belts, yank off sweaters, remove big jewelry, etc.
Mine is very similar!! I usually wear a comfy tee (my favorite plain white tee), my soft denim jeans, ballet flats and a scarf which doubles as a blanket. I don’t wear any jewelry. I store it in a tiny organza bag (a pair of studs and dainty necklace) and keep it in the pocket of my purse and when I get off the plane, I put it on…that way I’m comfy the whole plane ride! I travel very frequently and it just starts becoming natural to packing light and dressing both comfortably and practical.
I’m going on a trip to Europe in a few weeks, so I’ll definitely have to think about my travel outfit! I always try to keep it easy and comfortable, so I’ll probably wear something like this. Leggings are the best, especially with a big comfy sweater! I love wearing my TOMs as well- easy on and off and really comfortable for walking miles a day.
NYC on Thursday!! I am planning on leggings and chambrey with my kicks ;) I have to have socks for “breezing” through security lol I become a germaphobe when it comes to walking through there with bare feet! :) I agree with you though, this outfit certainly as all the essentials! Layers are a must when you are coming from 80 degree GA to 40 degree NYC :)
Socks. Socks are a must. I also like to take my shoes off on the plane. Again socks. Especially on flights that take over 15 hours with layovers.
Actually travelling right now! Only my 2nd major trip ever, but I’m finding a pair of harem style pants that I created, along with a tank, light jacket and scarf to be perfect and comfy. Oh and yes please on the easy on-off footwear! :)
Yes! I am going to Spain in early June. I consider myself a pretty good traveler. For domestic flights, I typically just wear jeans with a tee plus a cardigan and I go light on the jewelry with just my wedding rings and earrings. I also always carry on my coat/jacket and largest pair of shoes, boots or sneakers usually. For international flights, I have started wearing leggings and a big baggy sweater as I am usually cold on the plane. My tips are similar to yours as well as wearing your biggest pieces of clothing to save that precious space in your suitcase.
With various family members working for airlines, I’m blessed in that I can fly standby where ever I need to go provided that there is space on the plane. Unfortunately this means I have to look respectable and not like I just rolled out of bed, which is my preferred mode of travel. My cold weather look is an oversized button up and cardigan (layers!) and riding boots with thick leggings and a pashmina scarf. My warm weather look is a button up, leather jacket, some sort of comfortable but classy pant, and flats. I learned to never wear sandals flying because my feet get super cold and I end up putting socks on under them and I become that person wearing black socks with my sandals. I also learned that no matter how short the flight, I always wear glasses rather than contacts because the super dry airplane air makes me miserable. My challenge remains on long flights how to pick the fabrics that are going to look good after 12 hours of travelling and not like I was wrapped like a burrito the whole time. Jeans are great for that, but who wants to wear stiff jeans on a flight! If anyone has a solution that doesn’t involve carrying my steamer in the airport bathroom let me know!
Kate
Myteacherstyle.blogspot.com
Flying a LOT this year. I tried compression socks for a transatlantic flight for the first time and I’m sold … so cute compassion socks, flats, leggings, a knit dress and a cardigan make up my standard airplane outfit. No buttons or zippers or anything poking me, no wrinkles, no problem.
I’m going to Cannes in a week and a half! Will be the first time I’ve traveled since having a capsule wardrobe. I’m going to try to pack from my spring capsule–I kept the trip in mind as I was putting it together, but we’ll see. The temp range here in Germany between April 1 and June 30 is pretty extreme, and throwing southern France into the mix sure does make it interesting. Just today we’ve had snow, hail, rain and sunshine!
Staying comfortable and stylish while traveling can definitely be a challenge, especially when traveling from cold to warm climates and vice versa. I still haven’t found the perfect “formula” for this, but I’m working on it :) Those joggers look really cute on you, but when you’re curvy- as I am – they might not be the best choice, however.
My airport outfit is usually black leggings, an over-sized tee, and an open cardigan. If it’s cooler weather a scarf also. That lets me take off the cardigan without feeling naked, and use it as a pillow/blanket. I’ll go with flat boots in cold weather or ballet flats or nice sandals in warm weather, I like to wear “real shoes” so I feel like I’m wearing real clothes and not PJs in public.
I’m flying to Nashville at the end of the month, then doing two days in Bourbon County and one day at the Kentucky Derby. I might do a maxi dress for that flight since I’m not sure if I’ll be bringing pants with me at all.
I AM travelling soon! I just hit me yesterday that I only have two weeks until I’m supposed to be leaving, and I’m slightly freaking out. My sweetie is going to a work conference in Philadelphia, and I’m tagging along. During the day he gets to do work stuff, and I get to visit the art museum and historical stuff. Then in the evening we get to eat out and explore together! It has been five years since I flew, so I am still figuring out what I’m going to wear for the airport/plane days. I’m thinking either stretchy jeans, flats, a cardigan, and a scarf or a jersey dress. Also trying to figure out what to wear in the Big City since it’ll be a big change from my normal rural Montana life. I’m SO excited, though! I LOVE the city, and I love seeing new places.
I’m flying to Oslo from SFO in 3 weeks with my two kids (2.5 years and 8mo) alone! Am I crazy? Yes. So I’ll need a traveling outfit that is super comfortable and easy slip on shoes is a must! When traveling with kids I always pack an extra t-shirt for myself in my carry on. Who knows what you might end up covered in…
Love this outfit you put together! Comfy yet stylish is always a win! I’m big on having a comfortable wardrobe that still looks put together. I’ll be traveling for my birthday next weekend and I am already putting outfits together. We are going to a vineyard in Georgia. My essentials are my comfy steve madden slip on sandals, my black leather jacket, and grey track shorts!
My next flight will be to Japan! My go-to travel outfit is leggings or jeggings, a loose tee, cardigan/hoodie, a big light scarf and sneakers or boots. Can’t go wrong :)
I’m going to Mexico in May & I need to plan ahead to pack lightly. I seem to overpack since i never know what I’m going to need if I am going to a new destination. (my husband is the WORST! he over packs like he’s leaving for a month, & we’ll only be gone 5 day…sigh)
I want to plan for the capsule suitcase because I REALLY won’t need much more than a couple swim suits!
Traveling from North Florida to Hawaii in the winter means leaving 50 F and landing in 78 F, with connections in places that can be way cold (at least to a Hawaiian Floridian). My outfit is always a comfy pair of sneakers, cushy socks (so I can take off my shoes on the plane), workout leggings, tunic type shirt, a light jacket and a large shawl. I’ve taken the trip several times and I’ve learned to pack everything in one carry on for a two week trip.
*tip: Before returning from your trip buy a large suitcase at a thrift shop (I can always find an oversized one for less than $10) and pack all of the goodies you bought along with the clothes and non-valuable items you had in your carry on. Check the bag for $20-$25. It’s way cheaper than shipping stuff, all your goodies get home at the same time as you, and if you were good any only purchased a few things you may not need to lug your carry on home.
I disagree on the shoes.. I always wear the biggest, bulkiest-to-pack shoes I have that I want to take with me! I need to strip down going through security anyway, so shoes don’t make that much of a difference. Mine are all metalled-out anyway so I have to take them off – always.
Great outfit! I’d wear it to the airport…or to the park with the kids :) I love how flexible your looks are. Question…I followed the link to the t-shirt (I’m always on the hunt for the perfect white tee) and noticed it says hand wash only. Do you actually hand wash it, or have you thrown it in the machine without destroying it?
Oh my gosh YES! I always wear comfy stretchy pants on the plane– and black leggings are a great go-to. And it’s important for shoes to be a bit stretchy because your feet stretch on long flights! :)
Until now, I was absolutely sure I hated the sweatpants trend. I’m not so sure after I saw this outfit of yours though! I absolutely love how they look with pretty flats, and this whole combination is just so well put-together! I seriously want to print it and hang it on my wall as a spring inspiration haha!
I started following your blog a few months ago and it soon became my favourite. I don’t have a capsule wardrobe but I do wear a similar colour palette and most of my wardrobe’s key pieces are similar to yours so I get a lot of inspiratiomn here. You also made me think about approaching life in a more minimalistic way. Thank you! x
So cute! Ditto having socks through security, I just use easy-off booties. Also, when I fly it’s typically for 5+ hours, so I use cute compression socks to help with swelling. Once I could hardly get my flats back on when we landed in London, so I haven’t worn them since. :) I also go with whatever pants I can curl up in the seat in – love these joggers as an option! And what every packing tip blog post says – some kind of wrap or giant scarf is a lifesaver!
T-shirt, stretchy jeans, warm scarf, and my Nikes :)
the only thing i’d add is huge scarf that doubles as a blanket because i always freeze on the plane! :)
http://www.thismomsgonnasnap.com
Looks cozy-comfy!
The only reason I like to wear a different type of shoe is because I like to have on socks so that I am not walking barefoot on the dirty carpet. But I am a bit fanatical like that. You could just hand-sanitizer your feet and be good to go ;)
http://www.graceful-light.com
I am heading to Italy and Paris next month! So excited! My go to outfit is super comfy black skinnies, layers, and a warm snuggly sweater.
Kari
http://www.Sweetteasweetie.com
I’ve kind of reversed this outfit – I have blue chambray joggers and a unstructured jersey blazer in grey, with a white t and some leopard flats, sunnies and a wrap I’m good to go! Shame there is no holiday on the cards anytime soon!!
I travel for business a lot, and never check my luggage, so I wear my heaviest clothing. When I travel in the winter I’m always wearing my warmest boots and a thick coat, under that khaki skinny dress pants, a pretty tee that I can wear later with a pencil skirt, and a wrap cardigan with my blanket scarf. On a few really long flights I’ve worn my favourite jersey office dress and wooly tights with boots!
I ditto the others who like to travel in leggings, a loose T and a warm cardigan. I am going to Europe for two weeks in May and it will really be my first attempt at a capsule wardrobe. It’s super complicated to think about pieces that work together – I have a new appreciation for what you do! Thanks for that link you shared a while back about layering for warmth – I ordered one of the Athleta wool sweaters she mentioned for my trip. It’s so hard to find wool that’s cute.
YES! My go-to outfit travel outfit is always this: comfy leggings, easy-on shoes, and a (usually jean) jacket with lots of pockets to hide wallets and passports and such).
Ever since I’ve seen you wearing these joggers, I’ve wanted to try them myselfes. But no matter what, I feel like they don’t fit my frame (despite I’m at average height, with narrow hips and more of an H-figure). They always look super relaxed, but not sloppy on you, but on me… they look and feel like I just turned into a trashy movie character, maybe out of “My name is Earl” (his super trashy-flashy wife, you remember?)
Right now they have the perfect copy of your pants, and I’m stll thinking about giving it a go.. How do you do to make them work so perfectly, without all sloppy-ness and how to keep away the trahsy vibe that might come with it? I’m really curious to know!
Oh, I wanted to add a thing: I’m always super nervous at security controls, because I don’t fly much, and want to ge through really quickly. But somehow, they always have me undress (take off scarves, cardigans, pullovers, shoes, almost everything in public!), last time they even sniffed and double-xrayed my french bread I brought with me as a souvenir (they have the best, best, best bread I’ve ever had in france)!
To make it easier for me, I always wear super wide cotton pants (looking a little like harem pants, with drawstrings at waist and feet seams, so no metal-parts-belt is needed), a cotton shirt, one or two layered cardis (again only buttons or no closure at all, so no metal parts at drawstrings or else could make the machines beep), and Converse shoes (again, almost no metal parts). Oh, and a huge plaid scarf, which is working as a plaid, cape, shawl, and keeps me from catching a cold like I always do, due to the heavy air conditon on plane..