Bobbi wears one of her stylish, comfy travel “uniforms” as she packs her tote for an upcoming trip.
Who doesn’t want to be comfortable and look their chicest self when they travel?
The art of chic, comfy travel not only pays off in spades in terms of the obvious—comfort—but also from the standpoint of the confidence you’ll feel from looking your chicest self, dressed in stunning simplicity. If you want to be super comfortable and look like a million when traveling, this article will be a game-changer for you.
Those of you who know me or have followed Be Iconic Style for a while won’t be surprised that I encourage an all-black color palette. From a practical standpoint, it is the best color to wear in terms of hiding any spots you might incur while traveling. And in terms of chic, I am pretty sure nothing more needs to be said. The visual impact of black is massive, and the simplicity and ease with which you can put your look together is almost mind-boggling.
Travel Bottoms
So, what does a winning travel look consist of? It can go several ways, but let’s start with my favorite, which involves leggings, yoga pants, wide-leg pants, and these days, even lightweight joggers—which are both adorable and pack a lot of punch. Whichever look you choose, always make sure they are fresh-looking as opposed to the well-lived-in go-to joggers/leggings/yoga pants reserved for downtime at home. When you’re out in the world, you want to look pristine, polished and pulled together.
If you prefer jeans, go for it, but remember that you want to be comfortable, and snug jeans are not always so when traveling. You should know that when flying, doctors recommend clothing that “gives” to compensate for swelling that occurs with altitude. If you do choose the jeans route, go with bootcut or flare-leg jeans, as they appear more put together.
Travel Tops
For tops, when it comes to travel, I am a fan of longer, fluted T-shirts. This A-line silhouette is flattering on every body shape, and you’re going to want to go with black or white when choosing colors. Tunic sweaters, (preferably black) look adorable over these tees (preferably white), and can be worn as a top on its own, or as a “third piece.” As a third piece, they are perfect for layering (to accommodate fluctuating in-flight temperatures) or tied stylishly around your waist or shoulders. In short, they are easy and incredibly flattering.
In addition to T-shirts, I also love oversized white cotton collared shirts and chambray shirts. You’ll see examples of both in the shopping that accompanies this article. While I love both looks, I am particularly fond of the white cotton collared shirts as they pack an incredible punch when worn with a blazer and out over cropped leggings. This is beyond chic and oh-so-comfortable!
Travel Third Pieces
Your third pieces do double duty here. They are not only necessary to keep you cozy while in transit, but they also finish (and polish) your look.
Cardigans pair easily with T-shirts and will help keep you warm in flight. And as mentioned above, double-breasted blazers are also a fabulous look! I truly believe that the double-breasted silhouette (versus the single-breasted option) packs a real style “punch,” so that’s what I tend to lean toward. Opt for longer lengths to cover your backside for added warmth and chic.
If you are headed to a more temperate clime, an oversized denim jacket worn or tied at the waist is another way you can go. The contrast of the denim paired with an all-black color palette really pops your look. Having said that, I’m still a major fan of the blazer, which ups your chic exponentially, as does the cozy cardigan.
Regardless of what you choose for your third piece, remember that it is the “style glue” that pulls your chic look together.
Travel Accessories
When it comes to accessories, I like to keep things simple. You’ll never want to be without sunglasses, and I am possessed by black framed and aviator styles. Talk about chic! You can’t go wrong with these silhouettes.
I don’t wear a lot of jewelry—in fact, I only wear earrings—and when traveling, I suggest keeping jewelry to a minimum. I prefer to go with the understated classics—tiny, plain gold or silver hoops or diamond or white pearl studs. They are simple and stunning—and if you’re going for “quiet luxury,” this is your look.
You’ll also want to consider investing in a cashmere wrap. Not only are they fabulous on a chilly plane, but they’ll “up” chic of any of your looks once you’ve reached your destination. Never leave home without this luxurious, oh-so-cozy piece! And if you’ve forgotten, you’ll want your wrap to be black.
Last but certainly not least, you’ll also want a large black travel tote into which your purse—and any items you’re keeping with you in transit—can comfortably fit.
As before, examples of all these items can be found in the shopping that accompanies this article.
Travel Shoes + Booties
When it comes to shoes, comfort is essential. I gravitate toward flats and slides, which are both super comfortable and chic—perfect for travel.
Depending on your destination, however, you may want to consider pointy-toe ankle booties for a sensationally chic look. And if you go with a heeled bootie, keep in mind that designer-quality options tend to be more comfortable.
Speaking of booties, if you choose to wear them, keep in mind that they will only work if you’re wearing bootcut, flare-leg, or wide-leg bottoms.
Wrapping Up
The styles I’ve mentioned throughout this article are timeless, easy-to-combine treasures that are all winners. Have a fabulous time as you gather the pieces that will serve you in your travels and beyond!
Shopping
