Summer presents the ideal opportunity for exciting travel escapades, and wearing the proper chic and comfortable clothing can elevate your travel experience. Whether exploring vibrant cities, relaxing on sandy beaches, or enjoying nature, a well-curated wardrobe is essential. 

In this blog post, you'll explore a variety of summer travel outfits for women that blend style and comfort while also being suitable for the weather. We'll discuss selecting the ideal travel attire and provide some pointers for packing your tourist outfits. Learn how to seamlessly combine fashion and functionality for your upcoming adventures, and explore timeless travel outfit ideas with us.

How to Pick the Perfect Travel Clothes

When getting ready for a trip, it's crucial to think about the comfort of your attire. Go for cozy, flexible, and roomy travel outfits that will help you stay at ease and unconstrained during long flights or road trips. Some travelers may also benefit from wearing compression clothing like leggings or socks to improve circulation on extended travel days. Additionally, selecting breathable summer travel outfits can help prevent overheating while on the move.

The best travel clothes for women are made of cotton, linen, nylon, polyester, merino wool, and silk. While spandex, fleece, and denim have their advantages, they are not as breathable as the other materials mentioned.

Summer Travel Packing List

Whether your summer journey involves a lengthy plane ride or a short trip, you can prioritize comfort without compromising style. The key is to layer your clothing, regardless of the outdoor temperature. While a light jacket may be necessary for the chilly airplane, your destination could be scorching. Therefore, it's wise to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures during your travels. Here are our top 13 items to pack for your upcoming adventure.

Light Jacket 

We have all experienced being on a flight that is cold enough to require extra layers but not cold enough to warrant a heavy coat or sweatshirt. This is why it's important to always pack a light, comfortable jacket in your carry-on. Whether it's made of cotton, linen, or denim, this item will be essential for cool summer evenings during your vacations. We recommend Agolde’s Oversized denim jacket Charli as a versatile piece that can be paired with various traveling outfits.

High-Waist Sweatpants

When preparing for long flights, it's crucial to prioritize comfort, and the right attire, like compression leggings, can make a real difference. However, not all compression leggings are equally comfortable; some can be too tight. That's where Aeronautica Militare's Patch high-waist sweatpants come in. Made from a high-quality, stretchy cotton blend, these pants strike the perfect balance between snugness and flexibility, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout your journey. Additionally, the practical pockets allow you to keep all your travel essentials within easy reach, adding a touch of convenience to your travel activities.

Sneakers

When traveling, nothing beats a pair of sneakers. Look for ones with sheer inserts, made of natural materials, or designed for excellent ventilation. The Suede mesh-detail sneakers Julia by Voile Blanche are ideal for this purpose. They feature breathable inserts, a versatile beige color, and a comfortable sole. Whether you're doing a lot of walking or enduring long flights, these shoes will be a lifesaver for your feet.

Summer Midi Dress 

Cotton dresses are a must-have for summer getaways due to their comfort, breathability, and timeless style. For an elegant look, opt for a soft-colored midi dress with a delicate silhouette, like Erika Cavallini's Sleeveless belted midi dress. If necessary, consider pairing it with a stylish overlay to add a touch of sophistication. Choosing a cotton outfit for travel not only enhances your appearance but also offers protection for your skin.

Matching Set 

This set is more of a vacation outfit inspo, yet if you are traveling from one hot climate to another, this ensemble may be convenient for you. The crochet polo-neck top and the crochet drawstring skirt by House of Dagmar are the way to go for beach resorts, tropical travel, and equatorial holidays. You can also use this set as a cover-up over your swimsuit, making it easy to seamlessly transition from the beach to the city.

Linen Pants 

Light-colored linen pants, like light blue jeans, are essential for summer travel and are considered one of the best travel clothes for the summer months. We recommend straight-leg linen trousers as they are lightweight and comfortable, making them versatile for both casual and slightly more formal looks when paired with a puff-sleeve top, for example. You can accessorize them with a tote bag, serving as a carry-on for long flights and transitioning into a purse or day bag throughout your trip.

Shorts

Summer wouldn't be complete without a comfy pair of shorts. Whether it's linen, cotton, fine knitwear, or denim, the choice depends on personal taste and the rest of your wardrobe. As for the best travel outfits, consider packing a pair of denim Bermudas, such as the Relaxed-fit denim shorts Ayla. These incredibly versatile and cozy shorts are perfect for both beach days and evening outings. You can dress them up with a denim shirt for a sophisticated denim-on-denim look, or keep it casual with a basic tank top or tee for maximum comfort.

White T-Shirt 

Don't forget to grab a white T-shirt for easy travel outfits if you don't already have one. Our top pick is the Oversized cotton t-shirt by House of Dagmar, known for its relaxed oversized fit and pure organic cotton for a soft, comfortable feel. A white tee is versatile and can be paired with jeans, shorts, skirts, and various footwear. Rest assured, this tee will quickly become a key piece in your wardrobe.

Midi Skirt 

An elegant and comfortable midi skirt can be dressed up or down with low heels, sneakers, or sandals. It elevates a simple look and will pair well with your favorite tanks, tees, or blouses throughout your trip. Our top choice is the Linen buttoned skirt from Erika Cavallini's latest collection. It’s crafted from a viscose linen blend, sits above the hip, and has a straight cut with a drawstring on the waistline. This design offers a polished look and a comfortable fit with a light yet refined feel.

Blue Jeans 

Blue jeans and white tees are a classic combo, but a high-quality pair of jeans can be worn in so many ways during your vacation. They're incredibly versatile; pair them with a loose-fitting blouse for a laid-back look, a T-shirt for casual style, a duster for an early evening stroll, or a sexy, tight-knit top for a night out on the town. The Relaxed baggy jeans Ayla from Citizens of Humanity are the perfect pair for 2024, as baggy styles are all the rage right now.

Sundress

By substituting flip-flops with a pair of stylish strappy heels or even some trendy boots, sundresses can seamlessly transition from day to night, making them the perfect choice for your day-trip outfits. You can elevate your sundress by pairing it with a belted blazer, layering it with a fun sweater, or keeping it casual with wedges and a stylish tote. The Side-slit maxi dress Susanna, a minimalist piece created by Lisa Yang, is a summer essential. This elegant dress, made from signature organic cashmere, boasts a relaxed, sleeveless fit with a split hem and sides. Originally designed to be worn with Lisa Yang’s Marlo trousers, it offers endless styling options.

Button-Up 

Don't forget to pack a button-up shirt along with a plain white tee for your travels. You can pair the button-up with denim, use it as a cover-up by the pool, or layer it over a slip dress if it gets cool at night. Opt for a lightweight linen or cotton button-up for ultimate comfort and breathability. As for casual vacation outfit ideas, consider having something like the Patch-pocket striped shirt in your suitcase. Made from a luxurious and breathable viscose blend, this shirt will be a versatile and timeless addition to your travel wardrobe, combining a relaxed yet sophisticated silhouette with a classic design.

Accessories 

If you are still considering what to pack for vacation apart from the clothes, make sure to leave room for some accessories. If space is tight, choose a versatile tote bag that can work with all your outfits. The Straw tote bag Cabas M is perfect for casual resort wear and beach looks, while the more elegant Leather-trimmed tote bag Calella Raffia is ideal for urban travel. If you have space for two bags, bring a tote for day trips and a chic crossbody like the Plaited-handle crossbody bag Bombon Raffia for evenings out. Use the tote for when you need extra space, and the crossbody for parties and nights out.

Tips for Packing Travel Outfits 

An excellent way to stay organized while traveling is by using packing cubes to separate and pack your outfits. For example, if you're going on a five-day trip, you can use five packing cubes, each for a specific day's outfit. You may also want to use another packing cube for your pajamas and loungewear.

Once you reach your destination, simply remove the packing cubes from your suitcase and place them directly into the drawers or shelves. Although some items from your vacation wardrobe may need to be hung up, most can stay neatly folded inside the cubes. If any of your clothes get wrinkled during the journey, a travel steamer can be helpful for quickly refreshing your travel looks.