It’s a challenging time for air travel. The topic itself is tense, with fares skyrocketing and delays reaching record highs. When your flight to New York might arrive on schedule, in the morning, or not at all—and no one seems accountable—it’s hard to worry about what your airport outfit says to fellow travelers in Terminal 2. That’s understandable. However, choosing the right travel outfit, especially during the busy and stressful holiday season, can at least make your journey more comfortable. That’s where our editors help, offering 10 holiday travel outfit ideas, tested on the road, that you can recreate with items from your own closet.
Vogue Editors’ Winter Travel Essentials
The Sleek Sneaker: Adidas Samba OG sneakers ($100, REVOLVE)
The Not-Too-Bulky Coat: Barbour Robyn trench coat ($440, NORDSTROM)
The Perfect Sweater: &Daughter Sligo sweater ($535, NET-A-PORTER)
Think of the travel wrap that doubles as a cabin blanket, the perfectly sized weekender bag for fragile gifts you can’t check, or sleek shoes that slip off easily at security and are ready for a post-flight lunch. Our edit includes plenty of winter travel essentials, along with a few elevated pieces to add a touch of luxury to your early morning wake-up call.
Here’s what Vogue editors are wearing to travel home for the holidays this year.
Libby Page, executive shopping director
“This is honestly the softest sweater set I’ve ever worn. It’s also light, perfect for rolling into your suitcase if you don’t want to wear it on the return trip. I love layering it with a tailored coat for a smarter look. A notepad is my flight essential for journaling.”
* Varley Hawley DoubleSoft sweatshirt ($150, NET-A-PORTER)
* Varley The Slim Cuff track pants ($130, NET-A-PORTER)
* J.Crew cashmere-blend trouser socks ($60, J.CREW)
* Adidas Samba OG sneakers ($100, REVOLVE)
* Métier Perriand City tote bag ($3,650, NET-A-PORTER)
* Smythson Portobello notebook ($425, SMYTHSON)
Talia Abbas, shopping director
“My only rule is this: one oversized tote, always wear the coat, and no hoodies—only cashmere sweaters. If it doesn’t serve a purpose after the flight, it stays home.”
* Toteme Signature coat ($1,490, NET-A-PORTER)
* Tricot cashmere crewneck ($290, TRICOT)
* Leset pointelle crop pants ($120, LESET)
* Alex Mill The Perfect Weekend tote bag ($195, SHOPBOP)
Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
“I like to arrive at my destination ready to go somewhere else straight from the airport—so I never sacrifice style for comfort. Matching sets are my guide, and a sleek loafer with a suede tote are my go-tos for lots of walking, waiting, checking in, and dozing off on the plane.”
* Cos double-faced scarf cape ($229, COS)
* Lisa Yang The Nessie zip cardigan jacket ($960, LISA YANG)
* Lisa Yang Sofi cashmere pants ($565, NET-A-PORTER)
* Aesther Ekme Cabas tote bag ($905, MYTHERESA)
* Comme Si The Yves socks ($35, SHOPBOP)
* Jamie Haller penny loafers ($695, NET-A-PORTER)
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping
“I’m going to Lisbon for New Year’s Eve and saving most of my suitcase space for all the ceramics I plan to bring back. To manage that, I’m packing and wearing light layers: my favorite slim-fit long-sleeve from Éterne, a travel wrap from White & Warren, and jeans from AYR that are comfortable enough for the plane. I recently found this perfect suede tote from Parker Thatch, and I think this trip will be its m…I’ll bring my Aiden Voyage bag as my personal item.
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Éterne ribbed top
$135 NET-A-PORTER
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AYR The Secret Sauce jeans
$255 AYR
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Parker Thatch Jack tote bag
$950 PARKER THATCH
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White + Warren cashmere travel wrap
$385 WHITE + WARREN
Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
“My travel outfit philosophy balances comfort with wearing whatever doesn’t fit in your carry-on. In practice, this means comfortable pants—though I don’t mind flying in jeans since the flight home to Virginia is under an hour. My family is very relaxed, so we spend most of our time cozy indoors. I love the versatility of riding boots; they’re easy to slip on for errands and add a polished touch to a dinner outfit. They’re too big for a suitcase, so I wear them on the plane with a comfortable crewneck sweater and a tote bag packed full.”
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Cos zipped-cuff leggings
$89 COS
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Lisa Yang Renske sweater
$805 NET-A-PORTER
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Massimo Dutti leather riding boots
$390 MASSIMO DUTTI
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Alex Mill The Perfect Weekday tote bag
$175 ALEX MILL
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Barbour Robyn trench coat
$440 NORDSTROM
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Ralph Lauren Polo Bear twill cap
$65 RALPH LAUREN
Kasey Busiel, marketing and production manager
“Putting together the comfiest outfit for a holiday flight—without sacrificing style—is truly an art. I focus on staying warm while still looking put-together. A roomy crossbody bag is essential so all my travel essentials—boarding pass, chargers, AirPods, face masks, lip gloss, sour gummy worms, and more—are strapped on and within easy reach.”
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Banana Republic Classic trench coat
$400 BANANA REPUBLIC
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Gap CashSoft cable-knit crewneck sweater
$80 GAP
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Gap CashSoft cable-knit sweater pants
$80 GAP
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Cos Agenda shoulder bag
$189 COS
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Miu Miu Miu Regard sunglasses
$515 MIU MIU
Andrea Zendejas, fashion market editor, shopping
“When traveling, I always layer since planes are cold. I choose relaxed barrel-leg jeans for ease without sacrificing polish, Brave Pudding sock shoes for effortless travel, and a cashmere wrap that doubles as a neck scarf or an in-flight blanket. And, of course, an extra-large tote for all my travel essentials.”
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Lisa Yang Paris scarf
$460 NET-A-PORTER
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Agolde Luna barrel-leg jeans
$270 NET-A-PORTER
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Brave Pudding Hampton Strolls cashmere shoes
$380 BRAVE PUDDING
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Loulou de Saison Aidar cardigan
$390 NET-A-PORTER
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Lié Studio The Eva weekend tote bag
$1,060 NORDSTROM
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Éterne Boyfriend T-shirt
$105 NET-A-PORTER
Minty Mellon, fashion market editor, shopping
“I always rely on a failsafe uniform of sleek neutrals: a cozy knit, black sweatpants, and a leather jacket that’s comfortable yet polished. I let accessories add bold accents with a statement bag, sleek boots, and classic sunglasses. It’s an easy combination to recreate in many ways with pieces already in your wardrobe while still looking put-together.”
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&Daughter Sligo sweater
$535 NET-A-PORTER
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Cou Cou Intimates The pants
$88 COU COU INTIMATES
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Khaite Shelman jacket
$4,400 KHAITE
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Parker Thatch Jack tote bag
$1,200 PARKER THATCH
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Thistles The Jack sunglasses
$275 THISTLES
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Proenza Schouler Trap knee boots
$1,190 NET-A-PORTER
Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer
“I’ll be traveling to freezing Canada for the holidays, and since I like to travel light, I usually don’t pack much.”Since I plan to borrow bulky coats and warm sweaters from my mother and sisters, I’ll be packing only the essentials: easy low-rise bootcut jeans, simple flattering tees, cozy footwear, and a versatile bag.
I’m definitely a “home for the holidays” person. While I love warm weather any other time of year, during the holidays I skip anything tropical—I’d much rather get into the spirit by bundling up in upstate New York. I’ll be curling up by the fire, strolling through my small hometown village, baking dozens of cookies, and dressing for comfort above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs 10 Vogue EditorApproved Airport Outfits
Q Whats the main goal of a Vogueapproved airport outfit
A To look stylish and puttogether while prioritizing comfort for long travel days Its about balancing fashion with function
Q Are these outfits actually comfortable for a long flight
A Yes thats a key part of the criteria They focus on soft stretchy breathable fabrics and relaxed fits that wont restrict you in a cramped seat
Q Im not a fashion expert Can I really pull these looks off
A Absolutely The suggestions are based on versatile timeless pieces you likely already own like a great pair of trousers a cozy sweater or a trench coat
Q Whats a musthave item in all these outfits
A Layers A chic layer like a blazer oversized cardigan or trench coat adds style and lets you adapt to changing temperatures from the airport cabin to the plane
Q Are sneakers really okay for a stylish airport look
A 100 A clean classic pair of white sneakers or sleek leather trainers is a Vogue editor staple Theyre comfortable for walking and look polished
Q Whats a common mistake people make with airport style
A Choosing clothes with too many complicated fastenings or restrictive fabrics like stiff denim which can be uncomfortable during security and on the flight
Q Can you give an example of one simple outfit formula
A A matching knit set a roomy trench coat sleek sneakers and a large tote bag Its cozy looks intentional and is easy to move in
Q How do I handle looking stylish while also needing to be practical for security
A Opt for slipon shoes minimal jewelry and keep essentials in an easytoaccess crossbody bag inside your carryon to streamline the security process
Q Is it worth investing in travelspecific clothing
A Not necessarily The idea is to use your existing wardrobe smartly However investing in one or two highquality versatile pieces youll wear for years is a good idea