As a travel writer, my suitcase is almost always in a state of readiness. Comfort is essential for long flights, but style is equally important when exploring new destinations. Being a maximalist, I find it challenging to follow the traditional advice of squeezing a small capsule wardrobe into a backpack. Even if it means struggling with the luggage scale at check-in, I prefer to pack more.
Preparing for any trip can be overwhelming, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway with friends or an extended journey across Europe. Through my travels across various countries, climates, and time zones, I’ve learned to rely on certain essentials — such as comfortable walking shoes and a dependable crossbody bag. To curate my ideal travel wardrobe, I often look to on-the-go celebrities like Taylor Swift and Emily Blunt for inspiration.
A well-thought-out packing list that includes versatile dresses, flowy pants, maxi skirts, and airy tops can be incredibly effective in style and practicality. Continue reading for the best celebrity-inspired travel outfits for women, based on insights from shoppers, professional style writers, and celebrity trends.
1. Versatile Travel Dresses
Dresses are a versatile choice for travel, offering great value. They are adaptable, allowing you to dress them up or down to suit various occasions. Last summer, chic maxi dresses were all the rage, and Meghan Markle recently highlighted this trend with a silky high-neck maxi dress perfect for both formal events and casual sunny afternoons.
Dresses of different lengths are also excellent for layering. While summer is known as “sundress season,” with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow favoring transitional midi styles in spring, the right travel dress can be a staple in your winter wardrobe as well. You can make a dress winter-appropriate by following Emily Ratajkowski’s lead: choose a darker color, pair it with chunky boots, and add a cozy sweater.
2. Skinny Strap Seamless Mini Slip
Free People excels in creating lightweight, flattering, multi-functional dresses. Many items in their slip collection, such as this seamless little black dress, can be worn as an undergarment, dress, or top just tuck it in! Each slip compresses down to almost nothing, making it the ultimate space-saving garment.
3. Nashalyly Chiffon High-Waisted Pleated Skirt
This popular maxi skirt has earned over 5,000 five-star ratings from Amazon customers. Reviewers recommend sizing up for the best fit and praise the skirt’s ease of movement, comfortable elastic waist, and versatility for creating numerous outfits.
4. Roxy Golden Dawn Dress
Everyone needs a comfortable floral sundress for warmer climates, especially after a sunburn. Whether you’re a beachgoer or simply looking for something soft that ages well over time, this Roxy sundress is designed for ultimate comfort.
5. Tencel Jersey Tank Maxi Dress
This Quince dress offers a soft, comfortable stretch perfect for long days on your feet, and it’s even made from biodegradable fabric. Available in six colorways with a lightweight, sleeveless silhouette, this dress promises to be a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
6. Flowy Pants and Maxi Skirts
The right flowy pants can be the ultimate base layer, whether you’re enduring a nine-hour flight or dressing up for a special occasion. Loose, roomy pants have been incredibly popular this year, with celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Zendaya, and Emily Blunt all-embracing various wide-leg styles.
Similarly, breezy white maxi skirts are perpetually in vogue, as stylist Liz Teich mentioned to PEOPLE. Just take a look at Katie Holmes in NYC; she shows how airy styles can be perfect for warmer weather while still looking polished. Plus, lighter fabrics are lighter in your bag, so why not pack an extra one?
7. The Drop Women’s Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress
This tiered maxi dress has garnered over 1,900 perfect five-star ratings on Amazon, praised for its airy feel and recommended by several PEOPLE writers. It’s a timeless silhouette suitable for any occasion, featuring the highly sought-after design detail: pockets. However, shoppers have noted that the dress offers little stretch, so it’s important to consider your bust size when ordering.
8. Linen Roll Tab Dollman Midi Dress
An ankle-skimming midi dress is always practical, and linen fabric is ideal for regulating temperature: it stays cool in warm climates and cozy in cooler ones. This relaxed, button-down frock is available in whimsical watermelon and khaki hues and features adjustable, oversized sleeves for added comfort.
9. Tronjori High Waist Casual Wide Leg Palazzo Pants
This Amazon find captures the essence of the classic palazzo pants we’ve all saved on Pinterest. With a wide leg and high waist, these pants are timeless. They come in an impressive 31 color options, as well as tall and petite variations.
10. Hermoza Rachel Skirt Dress
While this piece is more of a splurge, its multifunctionality makes it a valuable addition to any vacation wardrobe. As a frequent traveler and Hawai’i resident, I was amazed to discover that this floral maxi skirt/dress hybrid is made of durable swimsuit material.
You can pair it with the matching swimsuit top for a stunning two-piece beach set, wear it as a vibrant maxi dress for dinner, or style the skirt alone with a gauzy button-down and sandals for a stroll through town. Additionally, its easy wash-and-dry feature is perfect for travelers.
11. Daily Practice by Anthropologie Parachute Pants
These pants are my personal favorite. I wear them for work, workouts, casual gatherings, and nights out with friends. Most importantly, I wear them every time I travel through an airport. They are incredibly comfortable, lightweight (perfect for avoiding overheating on travel days), and adaptable, with plenty of pockets for easy access to your ID and passport. I’ve purchased them in multiple colors, ranging from neutrals to bold hues.
12. Tencel Jersey Tank Maxi Dress
Everyone needs a comfortable floral sundress for warmer climates, especially after a sunburn. Whether you often find yourself at the beach or simply desire a soft, well-worn piece over time, this Roxy sundress is designed with comfort in mind.
