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Home / Fashion
Fashion

How to Create the Perfect Travel Outfit With Activewear

By Ellie Nan Storck on March 13, 2020

These pieces are just as well-made as they are stylish and—most importantly—extremely comfortable.

© Courtesy Everland

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

I've always wanted to be the person who can board a long-haul flight in fitted jeans, heels (ha!), a silky blouse, maybe even a statement necklace. Alas, I've tried and tried again, and while some people pull off the elegant, sensible, from-work-to-airport outfit, I just can't find a way to make it comfortable.

However, I often turned to my activewear wardrobe to craft the ideal travel outfit, and in recent months, have found that activewear can, indeed, double as a chic ensemble that yields a comfortable plane ride and a stylish outfit. Versatile outerwear, matching sets, thermals, leggings, breathable tops, sneakers—I've tried 'em all, and my conclusion is the following: there is simply no better way to dress for travel than easy-to-layer activewear pieces. 

I like to to err on the side of dark and neutral colors (lots of black, off-whites, creams, navy, grey, etc.) but for those who like to be a bit more daring with bold colors, activewear pieces often come in neons and bright hues, so there's something for everything.

My personal favorites—tested in transit—below.

 
Courtesy Outdoor Voices

The Trench Coat: Outdoor Voices x St. Vincent

Outdoor Voices is known for creating playful, versatile kits and pieces for women who want to move their bodies. The brand's recent collaboration with artist St. Vincent has yielded a collection of beautiful silhouettes and easy-to-match hues. This lightweight, weather-proof trench is perfect for keeping warm on-the-go, and can quickly dress up whichever outfit you choose for your next trip.

To buy: $195; outdoorvoices.com

Courtesy Kappa Kontroll

The Pullover: Kappa Kontroll Half Zip Anorak

My rule of thumb in any airport: always have a pullover. This sporty number from Italian designer Kappa's chic new Kontroll collection features a stunning color block design and a convenient half-zip.

To buy: $255; kappa-usa.com

Courtesy Lululemon

The Chic Bomber: Lululemon Lab

Lululemon Lab is a fashion-forward arm of the Lululemon brand that rolls out high-end active streetwear. Many of the pieces are gender neutral, but they all have that classic Lululemon, ultra-comfy, sleek fit. The first lululemon Lab was in Vancouver, and they now have one in NYC. But as of fall 2019, you can also buy the lululemon Lab pieces online. Their Asthma Bomber Lululemon lab jacket is perfect for plane wear. 

To buy: $248; lululemon.com

Courtesy Parajumpers

The Vest: Parajumpers Dodie Vest

This down vest is uber-lightweight, making it ideal for layering when traveling to colder destinations. Layer it underneath a parka, or wear it over a thermal or t-shirt. 

To buy: $360; parajumpers.it

Courtesy Mate The Label

The Matching Thermals: Mate the Label Remi Thermal and Dakota Thermal Joggers

Never have I encountered a thermal as cozy as the organic cotton ones from Mate the Label. This matching set is what travel outfit dreams are made of. If you're looking to dress it up, toss a trench coat or bomber over top.

To buy: $98; matethelabel.com (top), $128; matethelabel.com (bottoms)

Courtesy Sundry

The Matching Sweatsuit: Sundry Slouchy Hoodie and Yoga Pant

Super-soft and stretchy terry cotton yields a sweatsuit that rivals the comfort of flannel pajamas. A binder ink arm stripe in red and blue make for a chic French style.

To buy: $178; sundryclothing.com (top), $116; sundryclothing.com (bottoms)

Courtesy Net-A-Porter

The Monochromatic Outfit: TWENTY MONTRÉAL Tee and Waffle Bottoms

This loose-fit tee and the slightly-baggy waffle-knit bottoms from TWENTY MONTRÉAL make for a stylish monochromatic outfit that will have you curled up and napping on the plane in no time.

To buy: $80; net-a-porter.com (top), $175; net-a-porter.com (bottoms)

Courtesy Gucci

The Bold Bottoms: Gucci Chenille Jogging Pant

For those who prefer bright colors and a bolder look, these comfy Chenille jogging pants from Gucci would look beautiful paired with big sunglasses, a leather jacket, and your favorite sneakers.

To buy: $1,100; gucci.com

Courtesy Goop

The Chic Leggings: Goop G. Sport Low-Impact Leggings

The all-around, wear-anywhere leggings from Goop's G. Label can easily be dressed up, dressed down, or worn to the gym right after you get off the plane.

To buy: $110; goop.com

Courtesy Prana

The Travel Skirt: prAna Arch Skort

For those who want to wear a skirt but may want something slightly more easy-going, this skort from the yoga creatives at prAna will look great paired with an activewear top or a slightly dressier jacket.

To buy: $69; prana.com

Courtesy Kate Spade

The Fashion Sneakers: Kate Spade x Keds

I've been waiting for the moment where I can wear Kate Spade in sneaker form. These beautiful sneakers from the Kate Spade x Keds collaboration elevate (literally) your typical sneaker game.

To buy: $100; keds.com

Courtesy Everland

The Versatile White Sneakers: Everlane Court Sneaker

These leather sneakers are the perfect everyday stylish shoes that you can wear from work to the airport with basically any outfit—and they're incredibly comfortable.

To buy: $98; everlane.com

Courtesy Etnia Barcelona

The Travel-Inspired Sunnies: Etnia Barcelona Monaco Sun

For those who want a little Monaco attitude with their outfit.

To buy: $269; etniabarcelona.com

Christian Hagemann/Courtesy RIMOWA

The Sunnies That Match Your Suitcase: Rimowa x Garrett Leight

We couldn't not include this amazing collaboration of California-inspired sunglasses between the travel geniuses at Rimowa and Garrett Leight.

To buy: $470; rimowa.com

Courtesy Bergdorf Goodman

The Bold Sunnies: Krewe St. Louis Classics

These show-stoppers from New Orleans-based sunglass brand Krewe are inspired by the iconic iron balconies in the French Quarter of NoLa.

To buy: $295; krewe.com

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