The year just began, but I’ve already started packing for my first trip of 2026: a London holiday. While past versions of myself would have been sent into a tizzy at the mere thought of packing, I finally have the hang of things after putting in my 10,000 hours. The first step is always planning my airport outfit, since it sets the tone for my trip and saves me from squeezing bulky items into my carry-on. 

Of course, there are different rules for different flights. There are the non-negotiables, like no bare skin (obviously) and no open-toed shoes, which means comfy socks are a must. Then there are the variables, depending on where I’m going and how long the flight is. Long-haul and red-eye routes call for far more comfort than anything under five hours. Still, I pretty much wear the same few items every time I fly, which is how I was able to round them up below, starting at $34. 

Writer-Approved Travel Clothes

Rag & Bone Miramar Wide Leg Cotton Terry Sweatpant Jeans

En route to a new destination, I’m almost always in my sweatpant jeans. I like to look put-together the moment I land, especially since I can rarely check into my hotel right away and usually end up loitering around the city. These cotton-terry styles are my go-to, though Rag & Bone has recently released fleece versions that I’ve been reaching for on colder trips. Not to mention, the secretly comfortable bottoms earned a spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things List. 

Vuori Halo Essential Wideleg Pant

On the flight home, I care far less about what I look like and far more about comfort. That said, I’m not a fan of the overly schleppy look of most sweatpants, and I find joggers a bit unflattering on me. Hence my obsession with these wide-leg sweatpants, which are incredibly comfortable yet still feel polished.

Buck Mason Blanket Coat

The travel equivalent of tying everything together with a belt, this luxe blanket coat instantly makes every outfit feel intentional. I throw it on and suddenly look like I have a financial planner and a Roth IRA. It’s lightweight enough to layer under larger coats and folds easily into a large tote or carry-on if you don’t want to wear it during the flight.

Madewell The Perfect Crew-Neck Tee

It took me far too long to understand the importance of always wearing a simple tee under my travel outfits in case it gets too hot—which it inevitably does. Like a man in his Hanes undershirt, you can usually find me in a white Madewell crew-neck tee. It’s soft, breathable, made from 100 percent cotton, and comes in ten different colorways.

New Balance 1906R Unisex Sneakers

Walking is everything to me on vacation, as I refuse to rely on Uber unless absolutely necessary. So, I always travel in a comfortable pair of sneakers. I used to fly in the New Balance 740s, but I wore them into the ground and have since switched my loyalty over to the 1906Rs. They look great with sweats and jeans, come in a few colorways, and are available in women’s sizes 5.5 to 12, though they are technically unisex.

Alo Unisex Half-Crew Throwback Sock

You might not think too much about the socks you are wearing, but when traveling, the last thing you want is to be begging for a Band-Aid because your shoes are rubbing your ankles raw. Alo Yoga makes the perfect pair of ankle socks, and all of my editor friends agree. They hit at just the right length, come in a variety of colors, and are cushioned enough for all-day travel and workouts once you land, if you’re that type of person.

Béis The Carry-On Roller Suitcase

A reliable suitcase is a must, and I’ve had far too many experiences with broken handles and busted zippers. Thankfully, my Béis carry-on has held up beautifully through countless trips. It also has thoughtful details, like a clamshell interior with plenty of pockets and a cushioned handle that makes it easy to lug around the terminal.

Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

While I don’t typically carry a backpack around the city, they are incredibly practical for travel. While a bit of a splurge, this Dagne Dover backpack is a major upgrade from the nylon style you once cherished. It has multiple pockets, padded shoulder straps, and it’s made from neoprene, which means it’s water-resistant and easier to keep clean than leather or canvas.

Dyson Zone Noise-Cancelling Headphones

On longer-haul flights, I like to block out everything, including crying babies and snoring seatmates. The best way to do that is by bringing out the big guns—a.k.a. my Dyson over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. While you might be surprised to learn that Dyson even makes headphones, I’ve had mine for years and have never complained, unlike many of my friends with other name-brand options. The sound quality is excellent, and they look super futuristic.

Before your next trip, snag these writer-loved travel essentials while they’re available from $34.