The Best Travel Outfits: How to Look Fashionable Without Compromising Comfort

Travel In Style & Comfort

In case you missed it, our family currently on a cross-country road trip for the summer. My husband told me that we had to pack light and I could only bring one carry-on sized suitcase, a bag, and maybe an extra bag for camera equipment…when I realized I had to pack for 3 months in a tiny suitcase, I got a little worried. But I did it! You can see everything I’ve packed and worn so far in this post.
But today’s post is all about the outfits I packed to actually travel in. We’re in the car for anywhere from 2-8 hours at a time… So, being comfortable is non-negotiable for me! But, of course, I still want to look chic and stylish. Don’t we all! Since some of us are getting to start traveling again (even just in the car), I wanted to share some of my most comfortable, travel outfits!

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Travel Outfit Formula & Look #1

The first step to a comfortable travel outfit is a pair of SUPER comfortable bottoms…it can be pants, jeans, shorts, whatever you’re comfortable in. During most of this trip, I’ve been wearing my favorite pair of Moussy denim shorts. The denim isn’t too stiff so they’re comfy, but I still feel put together.

Next, you’ll need a basic top or tee to go with your bottoms. I like something long sleeve because I feel like it’s always cold in the car or airport. In the look above, I’m wearing a ruched sleeve tee by Free People. Next, I’d normally wear one of the jackets I planned to pack for my trip to save space in my suitcase and keep warm in the airport/plane/car too!

Finally, wear comfortable shoes! Whether that’s a cute pair of sneakers or sandals…just make sure you can wear them all day without your feet hurting. I’m wearing an old pair of Sam Edelman sandals that are unfortunately sold out. But I linked some other great options! In this picture, I’m traveling to a warm climate, but for most trips, I’d probably wear my Golden Goose sneakers. If you missed my review on those, you can check it out here. I talk all about break-in time, sizing, and more in that post!

PACKING TIP: Remember your shoes need to be easy to get on and off for security (if flying), VERY comfortable for walking long distances, and a pair that works well with the mini-wardrobe you already packed.

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Travel Outfit #2

This next look is following the same guidelines but going a little more casual. I wore this during a 7-hour drive and it felt like I was wearing pajamas! The top and bottoms are both from Intermix. They’re a cotton and silk fabric that just feels amazing. Under the sweater, I’m wearing an A.L.C. crop top that’s also very comfortable. You don’t have to wear a bra with this crop top…yay! On my feet, I’m wearing the same sandals from the first look.

Travel Outfit #3

This look is very similar to the first. I’m wearing the same denim shorts and sandals. But my top is a balloon sleeve tee by Nation LTD. I have this tee in black and white and it’s such a good elevated basic! The first day we traveled, I wore the white one. We stopped at the First in Flight Museum the day I wore this so it was the perfect transition outfit from car to activities.

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Travel Outfit #4

Are you seeing the pattern here? These denim shorts are a very heavy hitter in my wardrobe! For our drive from Missoula to Yellowstone, I wore them with a white ruffle sleeve tee by Nation LTD.

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Travel Outfit #5

If you want to see an easy travel look that doesn’t involve shorts…this one is for you! These jeans by Moussy are some of my favorites and super comfy! The top by 9seed is super lightweight and cool. I also love the color and shorter balloon sleeves. I took this top to Mexico too…you can find everything I packed for that trip in this post if you’re interested. Since we were only in the car for a few hours on this travel day and I knew we’d be stopping somewhere good for lunch, I decided to wear my new See by Chloe espadrille wedges. Even with the heel, they’re still very comfortable!

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Travel Outfit #6)

This travel look doesn’t go with the outfit formula exactly but it’s SO good I had to share. This Sundry tank dress is super comfortable, a great length, has pockets, and the fabric is so soft and stretchy. I styled it a few ways in this video, it’s a must-watch if you love wearing dresses during the summer! One thing about this dress is that you do have to wear a racerback bra. If you wear a regular bra, it will show.

fashionable travel outfit

Travel Outfit #6

This is an older travel outfit from a few years ago but I thought it was worth sharing! These exact cropped culottes by Michael Stars are sold out but Michael Stars makes so many pieces that are LEGIT comfy that I had to share! These are similar. What I love about comfy pants like these are the wide legs and elastic waist…exactly what you want in a comfy pair of pants. I threw on a soft long sleeve tee. It’s by Bobi and a great wardrobe basic if you need a black tee. I’m wearing a pair of block heel sandals that are sold out but you could easily wear of pair of cute flat sandals too.

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Suitcases & Bags

Quick note, I wanted to share my favorite suitcases and bags. I have the gorgeous Calpak marble suitcase above in the white and black version. If you don’t already have a nice suitcase, this Calpak suitcases are SO good! They are stylish and durable and super easy to spot on the baggage belt. I also have the carry-on version in gray and black marble. You can see the black version in this post.

My go-to bag for travel is the Think Royln wingman bag (on the right). It’s a perfect size, can fit SO much, and it’s stylish! Shop more Think Royln bags here.

Essential Travel Info

Cross Country, Busbee Style Has Begun… Can You Guess Where We Are Now?
10 Tips To Help You Pack Like A Pro With Only A Carry On!!
How To Pack For Paris With Just A Carry On
Traveling With Children
What’s In My Travel Bag
Secrets To Traveling & Packing Like A Professional!
How To Make Packing Easy? Stick To A Color Story!
Walt Disney World | 10 Hacks To Plan Your Trip Like A Pro
An Amazing Trip To The Galapagos And Machu Picchu
Our Family Trip To Tokyo & Nozowa Onsen In Japan
Everything You Need To Know About Planning A Trip To Iceland
Complete Packing List For Your Trip To Europe (In The Spring)
Best Travel Skincare Kit

To get blog posts delivered directly to your inbox, along with some awesome freebies, and updates on our epic road trip, be sure to sign up for the newsletter here. If you’re interested in more travel posts, you can find them all here.

Thank you so much for stopping by.

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Team Busbee

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  1. Amy Hennessy says:

    Hi there

    Thanks so much for your content, videos and posts. I really enjoy them. You keep it real.
    question about your 12 days giveaway — does it reset itself each day? I have gone back in on consecutive days and it says I have not entered. So i enter again. Same thing happens the next day. Just wondering, in case it is happening to others too.

    thanks again.
    Amy

  2. Diane says:

    Erin….this is a lovely outfit…however, I have found that widelegged anything can be subject to hitting a public restroom as you pull it down….I have found more snugged legged pants always do better when traveling. Also the shoes are gorgeous but one needs socks or stockings to avoid putting bare feet on airport floors.. The outfit IS beautiful, I am saying I do not think it is practical for traveling.

  3. Angie says:

    Hi Erin , i doN’t haVe an instagram accoUnt. Does that mean i cant enter for the giveaways ?
    Thank you ,
    Angie
    Plain city, ohio
    P.s. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS AND INSPIRATION COMING FROM A 48 year old Hairdresser????

  4. Nena says:

    Hi Erin,
    Thank you for all your help in so many areas! I’ve been following you since nearly the beginning of your blog. I just wanted to let you know that I do not do instagram nor social media and feel somewhat cheated out of an opportunity to participate in your giveaways. Makes Me sad, and I just wanted you to know. Best wishes and happy halloween.

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