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25 Travel Outfit Essentials for Women

Add slip-on shoes, breezy pashminas, and compression leggings to your packing list.

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When it comes to travel, we know you need to find the perfect balance between comfort and style. After all, it’s great to look put together while hopping on a flight, but not at the cost of your comfort—especially on long-haul trips. Rest assured, we've curated a list of wardrobe essentials to achieve flawless travel and airport outfits, whether you are exploring a new destination for business or pleasure.

If you're going on a chill weekend getaway with your girlfriends or partner, try out cozy and cool sweat sets because they don’t require any thought and are still stylish. Plus, they come in all sizes, so there’s a fit no matter if you're curvy and plus size or petite, or simply somewhere in the middle. Comfortable travel dresses can be dressed up or down depending on where your journey takes you.

When it comes to the best travel outfits for women, accessories play a critical role in keeping you comfy and organized. All you have to do is remember a comfortable pair of shoes, compression socks to keep things moving, an eye mask that's an upgrade from the one the airline provides, and a chic shawl that doubles as a blanket. And of course, no travel outfit would be complete without a fashionable (and functional!) carry-on bag on your arm or atop your luggage. This bag should house all your essentials and still level up your airport outfit. Keep reading for some of the best travel and airport outfit ideas for your next trip.

1
Best Wrinkle-Free Travel Pants

Chico's Travelers Classic No Tummy Pants

Travelers Classic No Tummy Pants
Credit: Chico's

Chico's Travelers collection is made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics in comfortable silhouettes. Thanks to a pull-on waist and front darts, these No Tummy Pants are flattering and always look put together. If you're looking for a more relaxed silhouette, there's also the wide-leg Hutton pants in black.

2
Most Comfortable Loafers for Travel

Birdies Vesper Seven-Layer Cloud Comfort Loafers

Vesper Seven-Layer Cloud Comfort Loafers

Birdies' classic loafer will elevate any airport look. They're crafted with tumbled Nappa leather, a no-slip rubber sole, and the brand's signature seven-layer footbed for ultra-cushy support. Plus, the Vesper comes in sizes 5 to 12, and a range of colors like silver leather and cappuccino with raffia accents.

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3
Best Travel Sweater Set

Spanx Women's AirEssentials Half-Zip Sweater

Oprah’s Favorite Things
Women's AirEssentials Half-Zip Sweater

Sometimes nothing less than sweats will do, and here is where Spanx really excels. Oprah picked this top for her 2023 Favorite Things, saying, “Wow. Wow. Wow. May I tell you I got this set last year? I wore it in a photo shoot for O Quarterly and never looked back...” Why not pair it with the coordinating wide-leg pants for a full sweatsuit?

4
Best Travel Leggings

Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging

Oprah’s Favorite Things
Compressive Pocket Legging
Now 11% Off
Credit: Gregor Halenda

Leggings are a perfect choice for traveling wear. And these have Oprah's seal of approval, as they were picked for Oprah's 2022 Favorite Things list. Eco-friendly and size-inclusive (the range goes through 6XL), these compression leggings are available in a plethora of hues. Plus, they feature double-sided seaming and pockets.

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5
Best White Travel Shoes

Dr. Scholl's Time Off Platform Sneakers

Time Off Platform Sneakers
Now 30% Off
Credit: Dr. Scholl's

Celebrated for consciously comfortable footwear, these sneakers from Dr. Scholl's are tricked out with tons of features for all-day comfort. Inside, anatomical cushioning and arch support keep you covered while a lightweight, anti-slip platform ensures you have a secure grip. This minimalist sneaker looks just as good with a matching suit as it does with a low-key sweat set.

6
Best Travel Tote

Brouk & Co The Capri Everyday Stripe Tote

Oprah’s Favorite Things
The Capri Everyday Stripe Tote
Credit: Gregor Halenda

A bag for all your essentials is a must for travel. Take this affordable and effortlessly stylish tote bag that made it onto Oprah's Favorite Things list this year. Thanks to the canvas material, they are featherlight yet durable for many journeys to come.

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7
Best Eye Mask for Travel

Asutra Silk Eye Mask

Oprah’s Favorite Things
Silk Eye Mask
Credit: Asutra

Oprah chose this eye mask for her 2023 Favorite Things list. "Sleeping with a mask is life-changing—I cannot tell you how much the quality of my sleep has improved," she said. "This weighted 100 percent silk one stays down and doesn’t let even a pinch of light in.” Co-owned by superstar Venus Williams, Asustra produces eye pillows that are filled with lavender and flax. Whether you want to meditate or snooze during your flight, this adjustable mask will definitely relax you.

8
Best Matching Sweat Suit

Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants

Oprah’s Favorite Things
AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants

Sometimes nothing less than sweats will do, and here is where Spanx really excels. Oprah picked these for her 2022 Favorite Things, saying, “You might know Spanx for its shapewear, but it also does fantastic cozy clothes. When I tell you this set feels light as air, I’m not kidding. It’s my new leisure suit. The perfectly loose-and-lightweight fabric is like buttah!”

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9
Best Travel Shawl

J. Crew Cashmere-Wool Travel Wrap

On Sale
Cashmere-Wool Travel Wrap
Now 30% Off
Credit: J. Crew

Let's be honest, you can't always count on the airline's blankets to keep you warm, and some even leave annoying fluff behind. Stay warm and stylish with your own wearable blanket by way of this travel necessity from J.Crew which comes in six neutral hues.

10
Best Travel Shoes with Arch Support

Hoka Women's Bondi 8 Sneakers

Women's Bondi 8 Sneakers

Hoka's sneakers are cult Oprah Daily office favorites and podiatrist-approved. Not only do they look good with just about everything, but the Bondi 8 sneakers also offer a full-length EVA midsole for the highest level of cushioning and arch support.

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11
Best Compression Socks for Travel

Bombas Women's Everyday Compression Socks

Women's Everyday Compression Socks
Credit: Bombas

Compression socks are always a good idea for traveling. These Bombas styles offer graduated compression of 15 to 20 mmHg while providing arch support. Unlike other socks that can feel scratchy or clammy, these are soft, moisture-wicking, and subtly cushioned.

12
Best Crossbody Bag

JW PEI Aylin Canvas Cellphone Crossbody Bag

Oprah’s Favorite Things
Aylin Canvas Cellphone Crossbody Bag
Credit: Gregor Halenda

Making sure you have all your essentials when going through airport security can be tough. Thankfully with this convenient crossbody, you'll have your phone and cards right at hand.

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13
Best Travel Cardigan

Everlane Organic Cotton Honeycomb Cardigan

Organic Cotton Honeycomb Cardigan
Credit: Everlane

This gorgeous honeycomb cotton cardigan is a year-round travel staple Crafted from responsibly sourced and lower-impact materials, this 100 percent organic cotton knit is ideal for layering before, during, and after your flight.

14
Best Plus-Size Travel Pants

Spanx PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pant

PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pant
Credit: Spanx

The perfect pant does not exist—wait, yes it does, and here it is. This high-rise flare option is designed with premium ponte fabric and a comfortable pull-on design for maximum comfort and easy styling on your flight. Plus, it comes in size XS to 3X, so there's something for everyone.

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15
Most Comfortable Flats for Travel

Naturalizer Carla Contour+ Comfort Premium Leather Flats

Carla Contour+ Comfort Premium Leather Flats
Credit: Naturalizer

At this point, Naturalizer may as well be synonymous with comfortable shoes. The 27 Edit Carla flats are crafted from beautiful leather and add instant polish to any outfit you're sporting at the airport or station. Editor tried and tested, they offer the brand's signature Contour+ Comfort and added cushioning for serious all-day support.

16
Best Amazon Travel Bag

K. Carroll Accessories Taylor Tote

Oprah’s Favorite Things
Taylor Tote
Credit: K. Carroll

These vegan suede totes are great for hauling all your in-flight essentials, with plenty of room. There are a range of colors to choose from. "Not too big or too small, this vegan suede tote is just the right size for your on-the-go loved one in need of a stylish solution," Oprah said when highlighting the Taylor tote on her 2022 Favorite Things list.

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17
Best Travel Button-Down

Lands' End Wrinkle-Free Button-Down Shirt

Wrinkle-Free Button-Down Shirt
Now 30% Off
Credit: Lands' End

A classic button-down shirt is a travel essential that elevates any in-transit look. Lands' End's timeless button-down has all the details you need: a lightweight, wrinkle-resistant stretch fabric and a longer length for coverage. Luckily, you can cover all your bases with plenty of solid and striped options to choose from. Plus, it comes in an extended range of sizes from XXS to 3X.

18
Most Comfortable Travel Pant

Vuori Elevation Trouser in Midnight Heather

Elevation Trouser in Midnight Heather
Credit: Vuori

Vuori is celebrated for its super-cozy pieces. The best thing about these pants? They look put together while the stretch-knit fabric is as comfy as your favorite Vuori loungers. The high-rise waist and loose fit of the leg give you an effortlessly stylish silhouette.

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19
Best Travel Sweater

Naadam Original 100 Percent Cashmere Sweater

Original 100 Percent Cashmere Sweater
Credit: naadam

Warm, soft, and chic—few things are as reliable as a chic crewneck sweater. At under $100, Naadam's perfect knit comes in core and limited-edition hues. Pro tip: Order a size or two larger than your usual for an ultra-cozy fit that's perfect for throwing around your shoulders or as a plane layering piece. And what's more, the sweater is machine-washable (yes, you read that right).

20
Most Comfortable Boots for Travel

Frankie 4 Triple Layered-Support and Cushion Liberty Black Boots

Triple Layered-Support and Cushion Liberty Black Boots

If it's not on your radar yet, Frankie 4 is a podiatrist-designed shoe line that offers insanely comfortable footwear. These are the perfect black boots to run around the airport and to wear on your trip as your professional or going-out shoes.

Lettermark

Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.

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