These looks bring the style back to travel wear
Like many these days, I’m eager to travel. Which brings up the crucial issue of what to wear while doing so. Older generations wax nostalgic about how people used to dress up for travel, which is pretty hard to imagine today. Walk through most airports and it looks like folks are headed to a slumber party.
It’s safe to say it’s time we all upped our travel style game just a little. Or at least found a happy medium between comfy and cute.
That’s where designer athleisure comes in play. It’s been a key force in creating that happy medium. Athleta even has a “Travel Collection.” So book your tickets and let’s get shopping for pieces you’ll need, like these.
A versatile extra layer: In Athleta’s Travel Collection, you’ll find crossover pieces like the Cosmic Layer Dress ($189 on athleta.gap. com), with its long sleeves (for chilly flights), flattering A-line skirt, and button-down front. You can wear it as a either an incredibly comfy dress or unbutton it and wear it as a coatlike caftan—which is pretty much the definition of cool. It’s machine washable and dryable, so no worries if you spill your ginger ale on it when the flight gets bumpy.
Pants that move but still look sharp: You don’t need to deal with anything fussy on a plane, train, or in a bus or car. No silk that wrinkles, thank you very much. Or that doesn’t stretch. No wide legs or bell bottoms that get caught on things, no matter how great they look. A clean and streamlined look is still the way to go. So to that end, pull on a pair of Comfort Cropped Pants ($103 on garnethill.com) in black or navy heather. They’ve got elongated vertical seams that give structure to your profile, but are made in heavy stretch material that offers give and cushy support. Meanwhile, the cropped hems keep your ankles free and clear, and the wide, flattering waistband keeps your shirt tucked in (should you want it to be), so you still look and feel pulled together even while breathing easy enough for a nap.
A high-style, low-maintenance bag: Who on earth wants to have to rummage around in their tote when they’re on the go — no matter how good it looks? Well, this one makes finding things easy and still looks posh. The JW Anderson Belt Tote ($385 on gretta.co) is one I sell at my store because I love how its roomy main compartment and big open top make everything in it such a cinch to locate. And its internal slip pocket keeps the small things I need handy, while its tonal stitching and top tie closure give it plenty of noteworthy and lovely details. All that, and it’s 80% made of a recycled polyester blend. So you’ll feel as good as you look carrying it.
No-pain, all-gain shoes: You want at least a little lift, right? Don’t we all. But with miles and miles ahead of you, no one wants to arrive at their destination cranky about sore feet. Since you’ll probably be departing from Boston (wherever you’re going), you’ll be starting out in the cold if you’re traveling any time soon. So a fantastic-looking winter boot is in order. One like Sorel’s Women’s Hi-Line Heel Chelsea Boot ($142.91 on sorel. com), in waterproof leather or suede and a molded (and wide) rubber footbed for consistent comfort with loads of traction, so there won’t be any slipping when you’re running from gate to gate. Meanwhile, they’re easy pull-ons, so no need to lace on or off at security.
A comfy cardigan: You can’t be taking a sweater on and off over your head in a seat while traveling. But temperatures change, and you’re in it for the long haul, right? So bring the right, soft-as-can-be cardigan. And for many of us, that means cashmere. Like the C by Bloomingdale’s Cashmere OpenFront Cardigan ($79.99 on bloomingdales.com). In a spectrum of pretty hues, its shawl collar doubles as a scarf to keep you extra cozy.
A hard-working, multitasking accessory: Isita warming shawl to wrap yourself in when it’s mid-flight naptime? Or a scarf? It’s both, and deserves extra snaps for its overtime efforts. The Scarf/ Shawl Blocked Cobalt Blue/Naturals Alpaca Wool ($111 on wolfandbadger.com) is a subtly shiny and incredibly soft and luxurious color-blocked piece woven from the wool of Ecuadorian alpacas.
Sunnies, no question:
Whether your destination is the depths of winter in New England, the sunny climes of the tropics, or just a weekend in NYC, you need a pair to keep the light low while you sleep on the trip, and for extra coolness once you arrive. So many designs should be chosen according to the shape of your face and your own personal taste, of course, but one universally flattering style is the cat eye shade. Like Prada’s 55mm Butterfly Sunglasses ($380 on nordstrom.com), a glam and subtly slanted design that will lend you all the retro cred you’re craving to revive the era of well-dressed travel — without any of the effort.