I'm a Frequent International Flier, and I Always Wear These 9 Cozy Yet Stylish Plane Outfits — From $16 (2024)

Now that my sundresses and tank tops have replaced the cozy sweaters in my under-bed storage containers, the exciting reality that the holiday season is near has hit me. If you’re anything like me, that means you immediately started thinking about holiday travel plans. Whether you’re planning on sightseeing abroad, going to visit family far away, or just want a travel wardrobe refresh, I won’t blame you if you’re not exactly thrilled about the long journey. So, ahead of a few flights to visit family in India, Australia, and Italy, I thought I’d share what the go-to pieces in my international flight outfit rotation are — and how to style them.

From a lightweight trench coat that packs easily to ankle booties I wear year-round, all these pieces are available from just $16. In fact, most items are under $100 and all of them can easily be paired with each other, no matter what weather you’re headed towards. I’ll wear these items on long flights to northern Italy in the wintertime and Indian islands in the height of summer. As a shopping editor, I can say each item is just as stylish as it is comfy, so chances are that you’ll be happy wearing these travel outfits to holiday parties after reaching your destination.

Suuksess Double Lined Long-sleeve Shirt

A long-sleeve shirt like this double-lined option from Suuksess is always going to be stylish. It’s perfect for layering under a sweater or jacket while flying, but I wear it underneath a slip dress or with a button-down shirt unbuttoned on top of it when I get to my destination. Reviewers say this is a near-perfect lookalike to Skims’ ultra-soft tees, and I totally agree.

Esobo Bootcut Split Hem Yoga Pants

If you’re anything like me, you’ll do anything to avoid checking in a bag — even for international flights. I opt for a more stylish take on yoga pants with this option that has slits on the sides. You’ll win serious style points upon wearing it to bonfires and hayrides, but the breathable, four-way stretch means I can comfortably wear them on 16-hour-long flights too.

Mango Front Stretch Straight Leg Pants

The straight-leg pant trend isn’t going anywhere any time soon, so you might as well invest in a comfy pair. Available in black or beige, the pants are made with a stretchy fabric, which conforms to any weird position I try to put myself in on long flights or even road trips. You can’t go wrong with the beige color I own, especially when paired with a cozy sweater and sneakers, but I also wear them with a nice blouse and some ankle booties for a dinner out.

The Drop Noa Trench Coat

When I’m traveling from cold New York City to a hot, humid region in India, I wear this light trench coat with a T-shirt underneath. It’s so comfy and lightweight that it easily packs into my tote bag once I’m done using it, and it never wrinkles when I fold it up. When I go visit family in northern Italy in autumn, the versatile style pairs just as nicely with jeans and a button-down shirt as it does with a nice dress.

Avec Les Filles Suede Jacket

No matter how cute an outfit looks, I know I won’t actually wear it if I’m not feeling comfortable. That’s why I love this jacket that’s made with a soft, suede fabric that offers a bit more warmth than my trench coat. Last winter, I paired it with the trousers above and a sweater on a flight, and then it kept me super warm when I wore it with a dress and heels on New Year’s Eve in Canada.

Aerie Fitted Cable V-neck Sweater

A cable-knit sweater never lets you down. It works for traveling, pairing over leggings on the way to a workout, or just wearing out with a skirt and riding boots. This option has a fitted look that appears a lot more formal that it feels for a vibe that just screams “chic”. The exact sweater I have is unfortunately out of stock, but I highly recommend this extremely similar option that’s made with the same fabric as the one I have. It’s so comfortable that I’ve even slept in it a few times — my family loves to hike up the air conditioning past my personal level of comfort.

Nordstrom V-neck Cashmere Sweater

I have to admit that I used to think cashmere was overrated, but that before I actually decided to invest in one sweater myself. It’s my favorite sweater because it’s super lightweight, wrinkle-proof, and packs easily when I’m not wearing it, but it still feels incredibly warm. I style it with the Lululemon pants and Naturalizer booties below while traveling, and then a mini skirt, tights, knee-high boots, and jacket for a more dressy look.

Naturalizer River Heeled Ankle Bootie

Packing for a warm-weather destination during the fall or winter can make planning an airport outfit difficult. I wore these booties last winter when I was on a 16-hour-long flight from New York City to Mumbai, where it was 90 degrees. The booties kept me warm on my flight and were breathable enough to be paired with breezy dresses during my trip. I love the soft feel of the faux leather and that the flexible sole is designed with a footbed that molds to the contours of my feet, so they get more and more comfortable over time.

Lululemon Cityverse Sneaker

A pair of white sneakers like this option from Lululemon is always going to be stylish, but the extremely minimalist design makes this pair look extra chic. It’s an easy go-to shoe that pairs with any airport outfit — and most outfits once I reach my destination. At $138, they’re not exactly cheap, but they’re one of the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve ever owned. In fact, Lululemon tailored these shoes to the unique shape of the female foot for a more customized fit and feel. Multiple layers of cushioning offer nice bounce, and the rubber outsole adds some traction — a blessing for my clumsy feet.

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