The last time I flew long-haul, I wore jeans for the duration. Big mistake. In my opinion, no matter how worn-in and stretchy your favourite Levi’s are, an airplane is no place for denim.
For a flight of any length, comfortable clothing is a good idea, but it’s especially important for longer journeys on which you’re hoping to catch some Z’s—not least to help you get ahead of the jetlag. If you’re boarding the plane in restrictive clothes, you can forget about it. So, do yourself a favour and plan your travel outfit carefully, keeping a few key things in mind.
Comfort doesn’t just come down to wearing non-clingy fabrics. You should also consider any potential changes in temperature. Are you leaving the UK and headed somewhere balmy? You’ll need layers that you can peel off on landing. Think about your whole trip from start to finish, and imagine what you’ll need to stay comfy at each step.
But fear not, all of these practical factors don’t mean you have to abandon any semblance of style. In fact, you can look just as chic as you always do as you glide through security and onto your long-haul flight. Just keep scrolling to see eight looks that tick all the boxes, then shop the pieces you need in time for your next getaway.
1. Plisse Co-Ord + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: A relaxed co-ord is just the ticket to a comfortable plane journey. An interesting texture like plisse will keep you looking on-point as you get some shut-eye at 30 thousand feet.
Shop the look:
VERO MODA
Oversized Plisse Shirt Co-Ord in Warm Ecru
£34
You can also style these pieces separately to maximise your holiday wardrobe.
VERO MODA
Wide Leg Plisse Trouser Co-Ord in Warm Ecru
£30
So flowy.
BIRKENSTOCK
Arizona Eva Sandals in Black
£45
It’s always refreshing when an on-trend shoe is affordable.
2. Cardigan + Soft Shorts + Basket Bag
Style Notes: A cardigan comes with me on all my travels, and I like teaming it with a pair of soft cotton shorts (no denim, trust me!). Take note from Jessica and finish the cosy look with a spacious basket bag.
Shop the look:
SÉZANE
Gaspard Cardigan
£95
A year-round essential.
ARKET
Cotton Pull-On Shorts
£37
White cotton is key this summer.
LOEWE
Basket Bag in Palm Leaf and Calfskin
£450
It’s finally Loewe basket bag season again.
3. Relaxed Shirt + Vest Top + Drawstring Trousers
Style Notes: This is a look you can take straight from airport to beachside bar. Slip on lightweight, breathable trousers (planes can get stuffy, after all) and simple separates that you’ll re-wear once you arrive at your destination.
Shop the look:
WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
The Boyfriend: Linen, Lemon Yellow
£110
I love the colour of this shirt.
NEW LOOK
Mink Strappy Crop Top
£8
You won’t regret snapping up this staple.
REFORMATION
Petites Olina Linen Pant
£178
You could comfortably wear these for hours on end.
4. Long-Sleeved Tee + Tracksuit Bottoms + Sliders
Style Notes: When in doubt, you can always rely on trackies to deliver on the comfort front. Opt for leather slides instead of trainers for a fashion spin.
Shop the look:
REFORMATION
Oversized Long Sleeve Tee
£48
This also comes in black, as well as a striped version.
ADIDAS
Firebird Track Pants
£55
This slimline jogger is sleeker than your average pair.
STEVE MADDEN
Missile Sandal Blk Action Leather
£100
The perfect holiday shoes.
5. Relaxed Jumper + Leggings + Trainers
Style Notes: If you’ve got an early start and you’re travelling from somewhere cool, a chunky jumper is a non-negotiable. Style it with leggings and a tee underneath so you can remove the extra layers when you land.
Shop the look:
COS
Gathered-Sleeve Jumper
£85
You can also chuck this over your outfit on cooler summer evenings.
HUSH
Essential Leggings
£29
These may be the softest leggings around.
VEJA
Venturi Suede Trainers
£160
Pack these if your trip will involve a lot of walking.
6. Sweatshirt + Flowy Skirt + Trainers
Style Notes: From breakfast bar to boarding gate to window seat, you’ll feel light as air in this comfortable combination. A long cotton skirt is basically a wearable blanket, and it doubles as a versatile piece for days by the beach.
Shop the look:
CHAMPION
Tonal Logo Heavy Fleece Sweatshirt
£42
I just know this will be so soft.
OMNES
Carmellite Tiered Skirt in White
£45
All my bohemian dreams come true.
NEW BALANCE
530 Trainers in White & Silver
£100
This sneaker model is everywhere at the moment.
7. Linen Set + Cross-Body Bag
Style Notes: Linen is breathable, natural, and therefore ideal for a long flight. Make things easy for yourself and choose a matching set.
Shop the look:
NOBODY’S CHILD
Green Linen-blend Short Sleeve Shirt
£49
Such an uplifting colour for summer.
NOBODY’S CHILD
Green Linen-blend Drawstring Trousers
£65
These trousers are easy to dress up for dinner out.
LOEWE
Large Puzzle Bag in Classic Calfskin Dark Sage
£2900
Plenty of space for your passport, cosmetics bag and airpods.
8. T-Shirt + Stretchy Dress + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: I know what you’re thinking—a dress? For a long flight? If it sounds like a strange choice, that’s because you’re picturing the wrong kind of dress. You want one in a super-stretchy jersey fabric that you won’t mind sitting in all day (or night) long, with a tee underneath in case there’s a chill on-board.
Shop the look:
ARKET
Crew-Neck T-Shirt
£17
Out editors’ favourite white tee. Period.
PULLANDBEAR
Long Strappy Polyamide Dress
£23
Doesn’t it look so comfy?
LK BENNETT
Kara Sand Suede and Black Leather Toe Cap Ballerina Pumps
£199
Make sure you break these leather shoes in before take-off.
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