After years of traveling for business and pleasure, I’ve curated a fool-proof uniform for travel days that works in most climates, is comfortable for walking and sleeping, and is travel-chic enough to run into clients and colleagues alike. It consists of the following pieces in black, white and camel colors (which also happens to match my favorite Delsey Paris luggage.)
Black or White Classic Tee
Classics are classic for a reason. The classic tee is comfortable, versatile and easy to care for if it needs a touchup. Neutral tees are a staple for my travel wardrobe and have become a travel day favorite. I prefer black for travel because it hides spills best, but white is also timeless, especially if you’re traveling in ultra hot or humid climates. J. Crew’s vintage cotton crewneck and Everlane’s organic cotton crews are two of my favorites.
Slip on Shoes
For those that travel frequently, this my be self explanatory, but if you haven’t adopted this practice yet, I highly recommend it. Depending on the reason I’m traveling, I may wear walking loafers, ballet flats or slip on tennis shoes, but no matter what, my requirements for travel shoes are the same: classic style, comfortable for walking, and easy to slip on and off. Birdies flats, Everlane loafers, and Dr. Scholl’s slip on tennies are a few of my go-to favorites.
Black Leggings with Pockets
I think everyone appreciates the feel of yoga pants, but I am personally against the “athleisure” movement that has taken over American society as a whole, so I was thrilled to discover Athleta’s take on black ultra skinny jean pants. Black leggings are a staple of my travel wardrobe, and I love these pants for travel days. The style is a classic capsule wardrobe staple, versatile for mix-and-match travel outfits, has pockets for keeping hair ties and cell phone close, are comfortable for walking, sitting and sleeping, and camouflage spills well. Arguably the best part, is that they feel, but don’t look, like yoga pants.
Duster Sweater
Call me crazy (or just super sensitive) but I hate the feel of artificial air on my skin, so I’m rarely without a coverup of some kind at all times, but when it comes to my travel uniform a black or camel colored long sweater or light jacket is a must. Airplanes are notoriously chilly and I appreciate having a long sweater or jacket that can double as a blanket during flights or in the airport. This Banana Republic cardigan and ultra soft classic trench are current favorites.
Extra Large Black Wrap Shawl
Sometimes, I go wild and opt for a patterned design, but rain or shine, when traveling I always wear an extra large wrap shawl or cape, over my travel coat or sweater. This, too, is multipurpose in that it’s also a classic capsule wardrobe piece–easy to mix-and-match for different looks, and also doubles as a blanket, pillow, or privacy coverup for Moms with breastfeeding or sleeping littles.
