No matter whether you are travelling by air, land, or sea, you will want to look effortlessly chic while ensuring you are comfortable throughout your entire journey. Below, you will find the best travel clothes for women and outfit inspiration for all of your trips, whether you’re taking a quick road trip or a long-haul vacation.

If you are going on a trip soon, we’d love to hear about where you are going. Read on for a travel capsule as well as the best airport outfits.

Travel clothes for women

At 40+style we like to travel a lot and we love to share some of our tips on how to build the perfect fashionable travel wardrobe to make fashionable travel easy.

We believe that dressing in a stylish way for travel is just as comfortable and easy as flying in an old t-shirt and cargo pants or sweats.

But one of these two options makes a better first impression! Don’t worry, We are not asking you to wear anything too fussy or high-maintenance.

In fact in the image a little further below below I’m wearing a t-shirt and pants, but I’ve elevated my style through the print on my top and by adding silver shoes.

Travel clothes for women: best travel outfits

You may consider getting a few designated travel outfits. Investing in stylish travel clothes for women can help you put together a “stylish travel clothes uniform.” Your travel outfits will also work well for day-to-day wear and running errands.

Before you build the perfect women’s travel wardrobe for your needs, consider these 3 points below when choosing your signature travel outfits:

Best travel outfits for planes

1. Fabrics for traveling

The material of your clothing makes all the difference in the world when choosing travel clothes. Natural fibers like cotton and linen wrinkle easily, so you may wish to avoid wearing 100% linen or cotton fabrics if that bothers you. The best wrinkle-resistant fabric options include:

  • Polyester (although you may wish to consider whether you will be too hot as this fabric doesn’t breathe)
  • Wool
  • Cashmere
  • Tencel
  • Lycra
  • Knits
  • Jersey
  • Spandex

A blend of any of these with a natural fiber like cotton would be perfect. It would give you the stretch you need for long periods of sitting while still looking crisp.

stylish travel clothes for women | 40plusstyle.com

I’m wearing comfy airy pants (similar here and here) and I make the outfit more stylish with Rollies shoes (similar pairs here and here). Also check out this similar tee and suitcase.

When it’s a bit cooler I will add a short stylish jacket too like this one.

2. The best fit for your travel wear

Loose-fitting, easy tailoring is the best choice when traveling, especially for your pants or bottoms.

You don’t want to deal with tight, constricting pants in a small cabin for a few hours.

Choosing materials with some stretch further enhances your comfort level. Eileen Fisher is a wonderful source for travel clothes!

3. What to wear when traveling – Color

Go with patterns or darker tones when traveling.

You’ll likely be crammed into a public seat that may not be 100% clean. And coffee spills from those wobbly tray tables happen.

If you’re traveling to a foreign country, darker or earthy neutral colors help you blend in and look more low-key. Save the white clothes for when you get there.

Travel clothes for women: must-haves all stylish ladies should travel with

When thinking about the best travel clothes for women, below are some of the best options for pants, tops, dresses, skirts, shoes, and accessories to choose from this season, and a travel capsule wardrobe.

1. The best travel purse ever

Let’s start with your bag. Your carry-on purse for travel needs to hold more than you usually would carry.

A tote is great for travel because loading up is so easy. But a crossbody bag is also excellent, especially for keeping it secure when you need your hands free for other things.

Safety and security will be a key priority when you travel. You want to make sure that your belongings are secure, even if you are in busy markets or places where pickpocketing may be a problem.

The Travelon brand is highly recommended for travel bags with anti-theft features.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag | 40plusstyle.com

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Or, you could try the Baggallini crossbody (below), which comes in a good choice of colors and has an anti-theft design. Reviewers say it is the perfect size and weight for travel.

Baggallini Everywhere Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag | 40plusstyle.com

Baggallini Everywhere Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

The TUMI tote is another stylish option for weekends at home or travelling.

TUMI Voyageur Valetta Medium Tote | 40plusstyle.com

TUMI Voyageur Valetta Medium Tote

And, for packing your suitcase, investing in some packing cubes means you can easily organize everything so you can put together your outfits upon arrival without rummaging through everything you’ve packed.

BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes | 40plusstyle.com

BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes

Also check our top 10 picks of the best purses for travel.

2. Travel scarf or shawl

A scarf or shawl ALWAYS travels with me, even in summer. Airlines don’t hand out blankets or pillows on flights as much anymore, particularly if you’re traveling in short-haul or domestic economy.

A scarf or shawl will keep you warm and comfortable, work as an airplane pillow when rolled up, and add some chic to your outfit when you arrive.

A blanket style could be the perfect option because you can use it as a blanket or headrest on the plane. Then, when you arrive, you can use it as a shawl to keep you warm on chilly evenings, a beach towel, or a picnic blanket.

Another great choice, particularly if you are heading to a destination where you don’t want your valuables in plain sight, is to choose a travel scarf with a hidden pocket, such as the infinity scarf (below).

Travel clothes for women - ELZAMA Infinity Scarf With Hidden Zipper Pocket | 40plusstyle.com

elzama Infinity Scarf With Hidden Zipper Pocket

Stylish travel clothes for women over 40 | 40plusstyle.com

Sheree @shesheshow above opts for a navy outfit and adds a pop of color with her pink scarf.

Get her look with this similar set, sneakers, suitcase, tote, scarf and sunglasses.

A poncho is another great choice for keeping you cozy on your flight and for wearing on chilly evenings.

Travel clothes for women - poncho | 40plusstyle.com

PULI Knitted Poncho

Here’s a tutorial and video for you on how to style a scarf.

3. Best travel shoes

Choose a pair of flats that are comfortable.

Bear in mind that you are likely to have to take your shoes off to go through security, so you may prefer a slip-on style rather than laces.

I would ensure your travel shoes double up as comfortable walking shoes. The Sperry sneakers (below) come in a choice of colors and neutrals, and feature a molded footbed so they should keep you comfortable while travelling and sightseeing.

Sperry Crest Vibe Knit Sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

Sperry Crest Vibe Knit Sneakers

A pair of white sneakers is a classic that will go with everything from your shorts to your summer dresses. The Keds sneakers (below) also have great arch support.

Keds Center III Lace-Up Sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

Keds Center III Lace-Up Sneakers

We also love the slip-ons below, which come in a good choice of colors. They will keep your feet cool and feature an interesting, on-trend sole. Slip-ons are a great idea at the airport if you need to take your shoes off for security.

Ilse Jacobsen Tulip Slip-Ons | 40plusstyle.com

Ilse Jacobsen Tulip Slip-Ons

Silver shoes are a good travel choice because metallics act as neutrals and will go with everything else in your closet, so you don’t need to travel with too many pairs of shoes.

If you want to add a slight heel, making it chunky will keep you comfy and on-trend.

Marc Joseph New York Eleanor St Oxford | 40plusstyle.com

Marc Joseph New York Eleanor St Oxford

4. Women’s travel shirts

A great button-down isn’t just a good travel option for men. It can look great worn with pants for your journey. Then, you can wear with shorts or over your swimsuit or your dress as a cover-up when you arrive for your vacation.

Desigual Embroidered Button-Up Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Desigual Embroidered Button-Up Shirt

Desigual Relaxed Fit Cotton Button-Up Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Desigual Relaxed Fit Cotton Button-Up Shirt

Caslon Chambray Button-Up Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon Chambray Button-Up Shirt

Travel clothes for women - Claudia wears a shirt with statement sleeves | 40plusstyle.com

Claudia @beafitmom.nl above opts for a beautiful shirt with statement sleeves.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt (another option here), jeans, sneakers, handbag and belt.

5. Travel t-shirt

T-shirts can be the basic core of any wardrobe, and your travel closet is no exception. When you arrive, you can wear them to travel in and team them with shorts and skirts. Or, you can wear it instead of a pajama top to sleep in.

I’d stick to quality fabric without any logos on the front so you can team it with lots of pieces from your suitcase. Opt for something you can dress up with a statement necklace or scarf or down with sneakers and shorts.

Travel clothes for women - linen tee | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew New Relaxed Linen T-shirt

Travel clothes for women - graphic tee | 40plusstyle.com

Desigual Embellished Cotton Graphic T-Shirt 

Or, you might want a sleeveless option to dress up or down on warm days and evenings.

Travel clothes for women - silk tank | 40plusstyle.com

Theory Sleeveless Silk Top

A casual tank top will be perfect for sightseeing.

Travel clothes for women - sleeveless linen top | 40plusstyle.com

STAUD Boa Twisted Sleeveless Linen Top

6. Flying clothes: Travel cardigan

No matter where you are traveling, you are likely to need a cover-up in case it gets chilly or when the sun goes down in the evening. If you choose a cardigan in a neutral shade, it should go with most outfits in your suitcase.

Travel clothes for women - Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Blend Open Front Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Blend Open Front Cardigan

Travel clothes for women - MANGO Longline Tie Belt Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

MANGO Longline Tie Belt Cardigan

Pact Organic Cotton Airplane Wrap Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Pact Organic Cotton Airplane Wrap Cardigan

The Lock and Love cardigan (below) can either be worn open as a cardigan, or closed by knotting the ends so it looks more like a draped top.

Travel clothes for women - draped cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Lock and Love Draped Open Front Cardigan

7. Lightweight women’s jacket for traveling

You won’t want to take too many jackets on vacation with you, as they take up suitcase space, so make sure the one you do choose is comfortable and versatile. Of course, the best travel jacket for you will depend very much on where you are going. While a blazer will be perfect for the south of France, for example, you are unlikely to want such a dressed-up option on a safari in South Africa.

If you choose a blazer, I think you can wear it beautifully with pants and sneakers for the plane. Then, for a night out on vacation, you could team it up with sandals or heels.

Natural fibers like linen will crease, but I think that’s part of the charm of linen blazers. For cooler climates, you can opt for a piece with a wool mix or a polyester mix if you are worried about it creasing.

The blazers (below) look smart, but the relaxed fit and fabric keep them comfortable.

Eileen Fisher High Collar Organic Linen Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher High Collar Organic Linen Jacket

Pact Organic Cotton Airplane Relaxed Blazer | 40plusstyle.com

Pact Organic Cotton Airplane Relaxed Blazer

You could also think about a denim jacket, which would go well over your summer dresses.

Wit & Wisdom Peplum Denim Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom Peplum Denim Jacket

Or, if you love a sporty look, choose a sweater you can pop over your T-shirts when it is cool.

Stellae Dux Fleece Cargo Half-Zip Crop Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Stellae Dux Fleece Cargo Half-Zip Crop Sweater

Zella Ultra Soft Scuba Half Zip Pullover | 40plusstyle.com

Zella Ultra Soft Scuba Half Zip Pullover

Stylish travel clothes for women over 40 | 40plusstyle.com

Psyche @economyofstyle above chooses a stylish travel outfit featuring cuffed pants and a lightweight jacket.

Check out this similar tank top, jacket (another option here), pants, sandals, tote, suitcase and sunglasses.

You may also like our article on how to fit a blazer.

8. The best women’s travel pants

Many of you will prefer to travel in pants rather than a dress. I would avoid jeans, as they aren’t particularly comfortable if you want to snooze on the plane, unless they are very stretchy.

A pair of drawstring pants, such as the ones below, is a good option for traveling and sightseeing.

Caslon Wide Leg Linen Pants | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon Wide Leg Linen Pants

Desigual Denim Cargo Joggers | 40plusstyle.com

Desigual Denim Cargo Joggers

It’s a good idea to look for pants with an elasticated waist so you don’t feel constricted during your journey. Another option could be the wide-leg pants (below), which should keep you cool if you’re heading off on a sunny vacation.

Zella Luxe Terry Wide Leg Pocket Pants | 40plusstyle.com

Zella Luxe Terry Wide Leg Pocket Pants

Wit & Wisdom floral pants (below) also feature an elasticated waist, and look great dressed up or down.

Wit & Wisdom Floral Cotton Blend Crop Pants | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom Floral Cotton Blend Crop Pants

There are more elasticated waist options in this article on the best pants and skirts to fit and hide your belly.

9. Best pants for traveling: Travel leggings

Or, how about choosing a comfy pair of leggings to travel in? You can wear them with a loose tunic to ensure comfort.

Vuori Daily Leggings | 40plusstyle.com

Vuori Daily Leggings

Pact On the Go-To Organic Cotton Leggings | 40plusstyle.com

Pact On the Go-To Organic Cotton Leggings

10. The perfect travel dresses

Do you prefer traveling in pants or the feeling of coolness and freedom you get from a comfortable dress?

If you do choose a dress, we recommend looking for one in flexible, stretchy fabric such as jersey so you won’t feel restricted on your journey.

Madewell Stripe Smocked Waist Seersucker Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Madewell Stripe Smocked Waist Seersucker Dress

Desigual Disconnected Stripe Knit Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Desigual Disconnected Stripe Knit Dress

Or, wear a shirtdress over your leggings. Then, simply wear it with your sandals or pop it over your swimsuit when you arrive.

Madewell Stripe Dolman Sleeve Poplin Midi Shirtdress | 40plusstyle.com

Madewell Stripe Dolman Sleeve Poplin Midi Shirtdress

Travel clothes for women - Susanne in a print dress | 40plusstyle.com

Susanne @textelle above (read her style interview here) looks lovely in her print knee-length dress. You could always wear leggings underneath while on the plane.

Steal her look with this similar dress (another option here), sneakers and bag.

11. Travel skirts

Skirts can be a great staple in your travel closet. For an easy style to wear with sneakers, opt for a cotton A-line knee-length style. Midi or maxi lengths also look relaxed and stylish on vacation.

For traveling, we would stick with a knee-length or a midi skirt. You don’t want trailing skirts to get stuck anywhere while you board and deal with your luggage. Or, if you want to switch into a skirt when you arrive, you could pop a longer skirt in a crinkly fabric into your hand luggage.

Desigual Floral Pleated Satin Maxi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Desigual Floral Pleated Satin Maxi Skirt

Organic Cotton Sunset Lightweight Cotton Button Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Organic Cotton Sunset Lightweight Cotton Button Skirt

Best travel clothes for women

Now that you have a good plan for your travel outfits, below are more stylish travel looks to give you some inspiration according to your style personality.

Airplane outfits for the classic and casual woman

This classic, comfortable travel look starts with relaxed-fit pants or jeans, and sneakers.

Choose a t-shirt or shirt for your casual look, and add a denim jacket to keep you warm. You could also opt for a denim shirt and cardigan. You may like to add the travel scarf we featured earlier to add a little polish and extra warmth to your travel look!

Casual and classic travel clothes for women | 40plusstyle.com

MANGO Longline Tie Belt CardiganCaslon Chambray Button-Up ShirtVuori Daily LeggingsSperry Crest Vibe Knit SneakersBaggallini Everywhere Anti-Theft Crossbody BagArgento Vivo Sterling Silver Triangular Hoop Earrings

Denim jacket and black pants outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom Peplum Denim JacketJ.Crew New Relaxed Linen T-shirtZella Luxe Terry Wide Leg Pocket PantsKeds Center III Lace-Up SneakersTravelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder BagArgento Vivo Sterling Silver Triangular Hoop Earrings

Airplane clothes for a modern-chic style

A modern-chic look can be one of the most comfortable and easiest to pull off. Go with monotone neutral colors with an occasional splash of color.

Opting for one of the dresses with leggings can give you a modern look that you can wear if you’re heading out straight after your flight.

Modern travel clothes for women | 40plusstyle.com

Madewell Stripe Dolman Sleeve Poplin Midi ShirtdressKeds Center III Lace-Up SneakersTravelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder BagArgento Vivo Sterling Silver Triangular Hoop Earrings

Dress and flat shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Desigual Disconnected Stripe Knit DressVagabond Shoemakers Delia Leather FlatsTUMI Voyageur Valetta Medium Tote – Open Edit Polished Teardrop Stud Earrings

Travel clothes for women - Greetje wears a red and khaki outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) wears an outfit that you could wear on the plane, and then for sightseeing.

Steal her look with this similar top, trousers, sneakers, tote, belt and scarf.

Plane outfits for long-haul travel: What to wear on a long flight

While all of the travel clothes above are very versatile, if you are traveling long-haul, you are likely to want to try to get some sleep.

Therefore, comfort is essential. You could choose a stylish leisure set that is as comfy as pajamas but looks more like daywear. You can always wear them as separates when you get to your destination.

The leisure set (below) comes in a choice of five colors. Reviewers describe it as a fantastic outfit for the price.

Plane outfit for long haul travel | 40plusstyle.com

TAOVK Woolen Sweater SetIlse Jacobsen Tulip Slip-OnsVera Bradley Hardside Rolling SuitcaseArgento Vivo Sterling Silver Triangular Hoop Earrings

Travel wear for a sporty look

Take advantage of the latest yoga-chic athletic trend! This includes state-of-the-art fabrics that are durable, comfortable and look good.

Sporty travel clothes for women | 40plusstyle.com

Zella Ultra Soft Scuba Half Zip PulloverDesigual Denim Cargo JoggersKeds Center III Lace-Up SneakersBaggallini Everywhere Anti-Theft Crossbody BagArgento Vivo Sterling Silver Triangular Hoop EarringsTreasure & Bond Cotton Twill Ball Cap

Travel clothes for women - Abi in a sweater and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Abi @stealmystyle40 above chooses a versatile casual outfit of sneakers and a hoodie, and adds a pop of color with her sneakers.

Recreate her outfit with this similar hoodie, jeans, sneakers, tote and cap.

Best travel outfits for warm climates

Of course, what you wear and pack will vary depending on where you travel. For warmer climates, a loose-fit dress in a natural fabric can be a stylish, cool choice. A light-colored, neutral outfit can look great if you’re heading somewhere warm. You could dress it up for evenings out with some statement gold jewelry.

Best travel outfit for a warm climate | 40plusstyle.com

Theory Sleeveless Silk TopWit & Wisdom Floral Cotton Blend Crop PantsVagabond Shoemakers Delia Leather FlatsTUMI Voyageur Valetta Medium ToteOpen Edit Polished Teardrop Stud Earrings

Travel clothes for cold climates

For cooler weather, you’ll want to ensure that your travel closet includes a warm, but packable jacket which doesn’t take up too much space.

You may also want to pack some thermals that you can wear under your clothes and as pajamas.

Thermajane thermal set | 40plusstyle.com

Thermajane Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set

Travel clothes for cold climates | 40plusstyle.com

The North Face Retro Nuptse Colorblocked Down JacketG Gradual Thermal Fleece TopCAMPSNAIL Fleece Lined LeggingsSOREL Joan Now Chelsea BootsTravelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder BagCashmeren Cashmere ScarfCashmeren Cashmere Gloves

Travel clothes for business trips

What about if you aren’t traveling for leisure, but for business? A comfy jumpsuit can be a good option. You can wear it with a cozy cardigan and slip-on shoes for traveling, then switch to a blazer and heels for your business meeting. Or opt for a smart elasticated pair of pants and a linen blazer.

Travel clothes for business trips | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher High Collar Organic Linen JacketTheory Sleeveless Silk TopZella Luxe Terry Wide Leg Pocket PantsVagabond Shoemakers Delia Leather FlatsArcoyard Rolling Laptop BagOpen Edit Polished Teardrop Stud Earrings

Long shirt and black pants outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Desigual Relaxed Fit Cotton Button-Up ShirtZella Luxe Terry Wide Leg Pocket PantsTUMI Voyageur Valetta Medium ToteVagabond Shoemakers Delia Leather Flatselzama Infinity Scarf With Hidden Zipper Pocket

Plane outfit to stay cozy

If you usually get a bit chilly on your flight, make sure you have a cardigan or poncho with you.

Poncho travel outfit | 40plusstyle.com

PULI Knitted PonchoDesigual Embellished Cotton Graphic T-ShirtZella Luxe Terry Wide Leg Pocket PantsKoolaburra by UGG Burree PlatformBaggallini Everywhere Anti-Theft Crossbody BagArgento Vivo Sterling Silver Triangular Hoop Earrings

A belt can be handy

A belt is a handy accessory when traveling. When you reach your destination, you can use it to cinch dresses or tunics to create different looks.

RISANTRY Leather Belt | 40plusstyle.com

RISANTRY Leather Belt

There are more tips and tricks here on how to wear a belt for the most stylish effect.

9 travel outfits using the pieces featured above

You can put together the travel clothes, shoes and accessories used above into a capsule wardrobe (below) to give you plenty of different looks during your journey and while on vacation.

Stylish travel outfits | 40plusstyle.com

shop the best travel outfits here:

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

Best brands when looking for travel clothes for women

What do you consider the most stylish travel clothes for women? What are your go-to travel outfits?

Continue reading:

  1. The Best Travel Gifts For Women
  2. 10 Of The Best Travel Purses For Vacation And Every Day Use
  3. Cruise Clothing Essentials: What To Pack For A Cruise
  4. Travel Light: 10 Days In Carry-On Luggage

Like this article on the best travel clothes for women over 40? Share it on Pinterest!

Stylish travel clothes for women over 40 | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Psyche @economyofstyle

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