5 Perfect Outfits for Traveling

Hi, everyone!

My name is Hannah and I’m taking over the KomalMeansDelicate blog this week. A little bit about myself:  I am an avid reader, writer, explorer, and fashion-lover from Texas.  When I’m not busy trying new foods or planning my next adventure, I blog over at Explore With Me, Hannah Marie.  Anyway, enjoy the post ahead!

Do any of you ever struggle with the classic “I don’t know what to wear” issue? If you’re anything like me, you deal with this on an almost-daily basis, and it only gets worse when you have to pack for a trip. After all, whatever shall we do if we run out of cute outfits for Instagram photos?

Well, no need to worry, because today, I’m here to share my Top 5 Perfect Outfits for Traveling. 

I think the first and biggest tip I can share with you is to pack for functionality. This basically means don’t pack a bunch of outfits/pieces you only plan on wearing once. Often, people create an entirely new outfit for each day, using completely different pieces each time, but it’s a waste of valuable suitcase space! When you are traveling, being overloaded with luggage is annoying and stressful, so why not limit the stress by cutting out unnecessary pieces? (I’m looking at you, over-packers!) 

Choosing a few basic, easily repurposed pieces from your wardrobe can make a world of difference when you travel. If you do this, you simply have to wash some of the pieces so they stay fresh for the rest of your trip. 

Now, before you attack me, let me tell you that this does not mean you have to look frumpy when you travel. In fact, I think these tips help me to dress better when I travel because I don’t have to stress as much about what to wear or how to style something. 

To explain better and provide a visual for you, here are 5 of my go-to outfits…

Outfit #1

A very casual, simple outfit, but still comfortable and cozy… All you need is an oversized sweatshirt or sweater, a pair of comfortable leggings, and a basic pair of sneakers. That’s it! Throw your hair up in a messy-bun, grab your passport, and you’re good to go.

Whenever I fly, this is my uniform because it not only helps me to stay warm on the flight, but it also is easy to change out of once I land. Plus, if my flight is delayed, I want to be comfortable while I wait at the airport. Furthermore, if I also have to deal with a long car ride from the airport to my destination, you can bet I’m going to be extra-comfortable. 

I do not recommend wearing any kind of jewelry or extra accessories when dressing for the airport because it only adds extra things to worry about when you go through security. In addition to that, I find that whenever I wear leggings at the airport, the TSA agents are less handsy if I get selected for a “random” pat-down because they can see the general shape of my legs. Keep it plain and simple.

Outfit #2

This easy outfit is my go-to when I’m traveling because it is so easy to mix and match! After all, think about how many combos you can create with just a pair of cute jeans and a couple of different teeshirts? (I personally recommend taking at least one basic striped tee because it is universally flattering and gives you a subtle French vibe.)

In addition to the basic jean + tee combo, I try to include one blazer/jacket/cardigan in my suitcase because it not only provides some cute layering action, but it also provides a functional aspect to an outfit––warmth! Even if you are traveling during the heat of summer, many places grow chilly in the evenings, so I always bring some light outerwear for that purpose.

I try to limit the number of shoes I take on a trip too because they take up so much room, so try to bring a pair of comfortable sneakers/trainers that you can wear with anything. Besides, pairing plain white sneakers with everything is super trendy right now, so it totally works.

As for accessories, I try to choose my “everyday bag” carefully before traveling. Sometimes I go with a crossbody that is just big enough to hold my wallet, phone, and camera. Other times, if I am not staying somewhere I feel comfortable leaving my valuables, I will opt for a light backpack where I can store my laptop along with my other important things. This all depends on your location and the activities you will be doing. Either way, try to pick a bag that will be appropriate for any situation.

Outfit #3

No matter what kind of trip I’m on, I always try to include at least one “dressier” outfit that I could wear to a nice event, restaurant, or date-night. This outfit doesn’t have to be over-the-top though (remember, we want to pack functional pieces that we can repurpose); it simply needs to be nice enough for us to “dress it up” a little bit or dress it down if we want it to just be another outfit. I generally create this outfit by choosing a basic dress and building onto it. After all, a simple dress worn with some pretty jewelry, styled hair, and a cute pair of shoes can make a world of difference.

For jewelry, I recommend sticking with cheaper pieces that do not have much emotional value. Traveling anywhere with expensive jewelry is always risky, so be sure that you are fully prepared to lose it in case things go wrong. (For my solo female travelers out there, I suggest extra caution when wearing/packing jewelry. This can cause you to be more of a target for mugging/robberies, so please be careful and vigilant.)

The shoes for this outfit are generally the only extra pair of shoes I will bring on the trip. Depending on the location, I will decide between comfortable close-toed flats or comfortable sandals. Notice the common word there: comfortable. If you choose the right pair, these shoes can be mixed + matched with all of your other outfits throughout your trip, so choose wisely.

Outfit #4

For the last two outfits, I’m going to switch gears a little bit and talk about statement bottoms and where they belong in your travel wardrobe. I don’t know about you, but I personally feel like you can do more with statement bottoms than you can with statement tops because tops tend to be more varied, but bottoms just tend to be… bottoms. *shrug* But in this case, I highly suggest bringing a pair of statement pants or a statement skirt to throw in the mix with the basic tops you will be packing.

For example, the flowy trousers I have in this outfit would pair nicely with a plain tee shirt or a silky camisole/tank top, and throwing a cardigan over either option completely changes the look and adds layers. Another good thing about this outfit is that you can pair your basic sneakers or your sandals/flats as well––it all goes together! 

Outfit #5

Remember how I mentioned a statement skirt? This glittery tulle skirt is a perfect example of a skirt that can be dressed up or down while still being the showcase piece of the outfit. For a casual option, I’d suggest pairing it with sneakers and a plain teeshirt; for a dressier option, I’d choose a blouse similar to the one I have included and the sandals; and for a totally eye-catching, quirky ‘fit, I’d choose a funky graphic tee and some chunky gold jewelry. 

At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your vacation/travel experience, so wearing clothes that simultaneously make you feel confident and comfortable is key. Pack smarter, not heavier!