We’ve entered peak summer travel season. Were it November, the phrase “peak travel season” would have us cringing inwardly as visions of security lines packed with human cattle flashed through our heads. But it’s July. Weather delays are few and far between. We’re headed to exotic locales, not semi-awkward family functions. We’re hyped — and when we take to the skies, we’re dressing how we feel.
While we get the appeal of athleisure, we’re ready to up our travel clothes game. Leggings are nice and all, but wouldn’t it be nice to arrive at our various destinations looking, to quote the inimitable Carrie Bradshaw, “stunning and impossibly fresh looking”?
In honor of the many glorious weeks of summer travel ahead, we rounded up 12 very imitable travel outfits, care of 12 jet-setting style stars. Practical yet chic, lo-fi yet high-fashion, these ideas will elevate your once transient travel clothes into first-class, post-terminal territory.
[ Next: How to Travel in Style, Even on a Red-Eye Flight ]
Travel Clothes
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Bella Hadid
As far as travel clothes go, you can't go wrong with a jumpsuit — they're cool, comfortable and fuss-free. To avoid looking too casual, opt for a corseted version in a summery print (all-over check, for instance). Stick the landing — pair your onesie with a haute handbag, fashion-forward sneakers and a glittery gold nameplate. And always carry a cozy duster.
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Victoria Beckham
All hail Victoria Beckham, queen of crisscrossing the globe in style. The British designer, known for pulling fashion-forward trends out of her bag of tricks, still managed to achieve surprise when she paired a hypebeast-y Supreme shirt with impeccably tailored trousers, D-frame sunnies and point-toe heels. We blame (thank?) Louis Vuitton.
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Doutzen Kroes
Like Becks, Doutzen Kroes is an advocate of elevated airport dressing. For her recent trip to Cannes, the model donned a ladylike — yet unmistakably relaxed — combo. The Dutch beauty touched down in a billowy peach skirt and slightly slouchy red sweater, which she complemented with tinted pink sunnies and silver cap-toe heels. One caveat: We'd go the Victoria Beckham route and reach for a more generously proportioned sweater and knee-high boots. Well, at least during the winter.
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Alexa Chung
How fitting that designer/creative director/karaoke enthusiast Alexa Chung's tee reads "double trouble." When prepping for unpredictable cabin temperatures, two toppers are always better than one. Make your primary shield a cropped fur chubby; sport a bulk-free army jacket around your waist. Offset the volume of your outerwear with denim skinnies and a fun statement tee. Finish things off with sleek ankle boots and embellished shades. For ultimate It girl vibes, sling your messenger bag on under your (faux) fur.
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Elle Fanning
Unlike Elle Fanning, you may, sometimes, get stuck with the middle seat. Still, in eye-catching (Miu Miu) cat eyes, high-rise dark denim and a prim puff-sleeve blouse, you'll always look first class.
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Emma Watson
If you think the going-out-tops-as-regular-tops trend is asking too much, this daring travel style tip from Emma Watson may not be for you. Emma recently deplaned at LAX rocking a punky micro minidress by Edun, which she paired with an apropos vegan motorcycle jacket, mirrored Krewe sunnies and classic Dr. Martens. To the untrained eye, it seemed as though she was wearing two pieces — a checkered metallic skirt and netted white tee. If you're heading straight from baggage claim to a hot date, make your lewk a true two-piecer (and begin your journey in leggings, then swap 'em out before landing).
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Hailey Baldwin
Beloved by Kate Middleton and Hailey Baldwin alike, the sharp-shouldered plaid blazer is a travel wardrobe essential. Make like Hailey and wear your outsize check jacket as a dress. Elevate the outfit with a sleek bun, chunky watch, hoop earrings and 80s-inspired aviators. Fans of Dr. Martens' cheerfully bouncing soles, allow a little extra time for relacing at security.
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Kendall Jenner
Turn the terminal into your own personal runway, stay cozy while doing so. For a midair air of stylish insouciance, pair a stretchy outfit in a unified color scheme with eye-grabbing ankle boots. A roomy leather bag and luxurious knit (that'll double as a pillow during in-flight catnaps) will further widen the gap between gym clothes and travel clothes.
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Miranda Kerr
Solid separates and bold printed pants: a polyamorous match made in travel clothes heaven. Miranda Kerr's blue suede sandals complement her Ann Taylor trousers nicely, while her tan The Row tee and white Saint Laurent blazer make the bold print pop. Both Kendall and Miranda make the case for building one's travel outfit around one statement piece.
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Lottie Moss
For those red-eyes and late-night flights, we recommend the kind of easy outfit one might wear to run errands (i.e., white top, black jeans, varsity coat). To avoid looking too nonchalant, opt for pieces with fun details, like scalloped or tasseled hems. Also, an expensive(-looking) handbag is always a first-class finish.
Image: Marc Piasecki/GC Images
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Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams always looks pulled together. It's a rare gift. Her secret to cabin-friendly comfort? A breezy boho dress, practical (but pretty) shoes and a chic carryall that could probably fit the actress herself. Ever the polished frequent flyer, Michelle knows to carry black sunnies and a trusty denim jacket. We won't linger on Busy Philipps' outfit.
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Selena Gomez
Here, Selena Gomez demonstrates how to look sexy and chic at the same time. Trade your traditional (if controversial) leggings for black trouser flares; pair 'em with a midriff-baring mock top. (Selena's is by Naked Wardrobe.) Polish things off with a belted moto jacket and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas-esque tinted sunnies and you're good to go — wherever.
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