Fashion People Share Their Go-To Travel Outfit

Welcome to Travel Week! Fashion people are always on the move, and the industry has been venturing into tourism and hospitality more than ever. So with summer-getaway season in full swing, we’re bringing you five days of expert-led product recommendations, outfit ideas, wellness tips, packing advice and more. We hope you stay a while.

When it comes to travel-day attire, we've all heard (and partaken in) the never-ending debate around the proper dress code. Are sweatsuits practical or a faux pas? Is tailored suiting actually savvy for potential upgrades, or are you discarding your own sense of comfort for a travel myth? Are jeans on an airplane actually comfortable, or are you just telling yourself that?

These questions seem to circulate the group chat so often, they may as well be racking up frequent flyer miles themselves. So, let's put an end to them by asking a few of the most stylish industry insiders we know about their go-to outfits for travel days. Not only are they experts within fashion, but travel is also an integral part of their jobs as editors, stylists, buyers and models, so you can trust them on this topic, specifically. Discover their go-to in-transit looks, below. (And if you've been looking to upgrade your travel bag, the sweater that fends off airplane-AC or a throw-and-go matching set, they have you covered on shopping recommendations, too.)

Sherri McMullen, founder of McMullen

"For a long flight, my travel look is always about comfort and ease, but make it cute! I like to wear flat shoes that are easy to get around in, like these leather sandals by The Row, and a cashmere set by Lisa Yang in a beautiful fern green color way. It's the perfect neutral that keeps me warm on the airplane."

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Chrissy Rutherford, freelance editor, consultant and content creator

"Growing up, I always watched my dad get really dressed up for flights in black slacks and a nice shirt, and that definitely rubbed off on me. I want to look put-together for flights, but be still comfortable. I try to stay away from anything resembling athleisure. My go-to outfit is: Aritzia trousers (the material is lightweight and never wrinkles!), a soft tank and White + Warren's cashmere sweater. (It's my designated plane sweater. I love the fit.) For shoes, I'll either do New Balance sneakers or my zipper boots from The Row."

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Michelle Li, stylist and writer

"I like to keep it very casual for my airport look. I always wear a pair of track pants or sweater knit pants (though I feel like those collect a lot of dust), really thick camp socks, a big T-shirt or cotton long-sleeve. I get cold really easily, so I usually bring a big sweatshirt that I can use as a pillow if I need to. I'll also wear a pair of sneakers — my go-tos are a pair of Salomons that I can slip on and off easily."

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Rickie de Sole, women's fashion director at Nordstrom

"I've never been a sweatpants person, so jeans are about as casual as I get, travel days included. My go-to transit outfit is straight-leg jeans, a classic white tee and a cozy sweater to wrap up in (since I'm always cold on airplanes) paired with a flat. Most recently, I've been alternating between a ballet style and my Superga x Alaia sneakers — keep it simple!"

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Zadrian Smith, stylist, fashion director and journalist

"When it comes to my travel days, function is vital. But above all, I have to feel confident in my look, staying true to my personal style. I could be hopping off a flight and straight into a fitting, so my outfit has to work for all of it. The Row offers chic and comfortable pieces which are transeasonal and made to last a lifetime, making them the perfect choice for me."

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Roopal Patel, SVP fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue

"With my busy travel schedule, I have a go-to uniform with staple pieces that are comfortable, chic and versatile. I'm less of a leggings girl for the plane and prefer baggy, loose utility pants. Currently, I'm obsessed with Nili Lotan's Shon wide-leg pants and have the style in a few different colors. They're perfect for travel, paired back with a white T-shirt, casual sneaker and tote. I always travel with pieces that can easily be layered for colder temperatures, like a black cashmere sweater or bomber jacket."

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Cortne Bonilla, freelance fashion editor

"Contrary to popular opinion, I'm a big outfit-wearer when it comes to traveling. For years, I wore sweatsuits and leggings — you know, the ultimate comfy clothes. But by the time I got to my destination, I felt frumpy, especially when landing and going directly to lunch or out somewhere in public. Now, I opt for blazers and T-shirts, or trousers with a loafer or sandal. These options are just as comfortable to me, but much more put-together."

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Lauren Chan, model, entrepreneur and head of partnerships at Universal Standard

"As someone who has worn a lot of swim lately, I can say that this bodysuit-slash-swimsuit is completely unique. I love wearing this when traveling, because the suit itself is actually modeled after Universal Standard's best-selling athleisure body-short; it's as comfy as that, but is perfect for straight-from-the-plane cannonballs in the pool. Performance-wise, it's strategically lined with power mesh for support, has adjustable straps and is made from UPF50 material. The shape is streamlined and full-coverage. I actually wore the black version to a poolside event and the orange one to a lunch-by-the-beach day on a recent vacation."

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