6 Ways To Dress And Pack For Effortless Travel
Once your bags are packed and the online check-in is complete, the final quandary is what to wear while traveling (and cram into your carry-on). Here, we round up seven ways to ensure your airport aesthetic is always on point
Embrace the ’90s
Pared-back airport style had its heyday in the ’90s, so it makes sense to look back for inspiration. Start with a T-shirt and leggings, the ultimate comfort combination – dial up the preppy nostalgia with Sporty & Rich’s printed sweatshirt, while Lululemon’s elevated ‘Yoga Align™’ leggings are the perfect way to balance style and comfort, plus they’re made from the brand’s signature Nulu™ fabric that’s flexible, lightweight and irresistibly soft. An oversized denim jacket is also a travel favorite and a closet staple you’ll wear on repeat. Look for vintage details and washed-blue denim – Frame’s ‘The Extended’ design from our NET SUSTAIN edit is crafted from regenerative cotton, and is the perfect piece to throw on over a sun dress once you arrive. A compact shoulder bag is the ideal way to carry your essentials (passport/wallet/phone) – try Gucci’s ‘Horsebit 1955’, a vintage-revival style that will elevate your airport look.
Go oversized
For a look that deftly balances ease and style, opt for clean lines, luxe fabrics and roomy cuts. Enter Frame, the LA-based brand that excels at creating refined off-duty staples, including this timeless organic cotton-poplin shirt. The relaxed style looks effortlessly elegant with Éterne’s silk-satin pants and retro sneakers by Chloé. In terms of finishing touches, Gucci’s leather-trimmed canvas tote is the ideal size and shape to carry all you need during transit, while sunglasses serve a dual purpose: ready for sunshine on touchdown and the perfect cover-up for tired eyes. The final flourish? A pinky ring from Foundrae adds polish, ensuring you’re ready to hit brunch by the beach.
Look to luxe loungewear
Loungewear has seriously upped its game in recent seasons, which is good news for our in-transit wardrobes. Look to The Elder Statesman and Arch4 for chic cashmere separates that are comfy enough to sleep in but elevated enough to get an upgrade. Don’t forget your feet – there are few things better than slipping into cozy socks, so tuck Deiji Studios’ stretch-organic cotton set from our NET SUSTAIN edit into your carry-on and pull them on once you’re airborne. A pair of sunglasses, such as Dior Eyewear’s ‘DiorMidnight S3I’, are ideal for concealing tired eyes after a long-haul flight – and will be the only pair you need for the rest of your trip. Finally, slip on By Pariah’s diamond-encrusted pinky-ring stack (another NET SUSTAIN highlight) to tie everything together.
Think smart-casual
Athleisure and tailoring might once have been an unlikely pairing, but, these days, they’re a perfect match, especially when it comes to traveling. Start with Toteme’s black leggings (chosen from our NET SUSTAIN lineup) and wear them with Skims’ stretch cotton-jersey T-shirt, then add an oversized blazer – Brunello Cucinelli’s gray hemp and linen-blend version offers a dose of elevated elegance, especially when paired with a minimal bag; Métier’s ‘Private Eye’ tote in burgundy leather delivers the ultimate in quiet-luxury design. Meanwhile, ballet flats – like Gianvito Rossi’s Mary Jane pair – neatly balance comfort and style, plus they’re easy to slip off for in-flight comfort.
Wear light layers
The in-flight temperature is very rarely ‘just right’ – either blasting out cold air or a stuffy mid-flight warmth. The sartorial answer? Layers. Cue Toteme for a classic gray tank top – this one from our NET SUSTAIN edit is perfect for pairing with high-rise, straight-leg jeans from Citizens of Humanity in a vintage blue wash. An enveloping polo top (that’s easy to slip on and off) is also key, so make it a luxurious number by Róhe, then add a sleek jacket – Brunello Cucinelli’s beige suede style sharpens even the most crumpled and cozy of ’fits. Meanwhile, Lié Studio’s ‘The Diana’ silver hoops bring a touch of polish to the ensemble, and Loewe’s large ‘Puzzle Fold’ convertible tote is perfect for packing your in-flight essentials.
Make sure you’re post-flight ready
Short trips often demand you stroll off the plane and straight into action – the key here is to select fuss-free separates that look put together and won’t emerge crumpled from a flight seat. Matteau’s white organic cotton-poplin midi skirt from our NET SUSTAIN edit of consciously crafted clothing does exactly that. It’s also worth investing in an oversized shirt, so consider Faithfull’s striped shirt, which you’ll wear with everything, including over a bikini – Lido’s degradé ‘Venti’ style evokes the colors of a sunset and is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER. Elsewhere, St. Agni’s brown leather flip flops are low-key enough for the beach, but sufficiently polished for a post-flight dinner – plus, they make an elegant partner to Saint Laurent’s ‘Panier’ raffia tote.
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