Packing for a trip? Ohhh I’ve been there. Staring at a pile of clothes thinking how in the world am I supposed to fit my whole closet into this tiny suitcase? If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
I used to be the ultimate over-packer…
What if I pack light and end up hating all my outfits when I get there?
What if there’s a surprise fancy dinner and I only packed comfy clothes?
What if the weather app is lying and I freeze to death in my cute dress?
Until life on the road forced me to seriously level up my travel style game. Since 2021, I’ve been living out of a carry-on, and along the way, I’ve learned exactly what works (and what ends up being dead weight). That’s why I’m so excited to share these outfit ideas for traveling with you!
Inside this post, you’ll find 5 simple outfit formulas that make every piece in your suitcase work harder, whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure.
⭐️ The best part? You probably already have most of these pieces in your closet.
Not every outfit will work for every climate, of course, but my goal is to give you tons of inspiration and easy-to-follow tips so you can mix, match, and style yourself with confidence.
By the end of this post, you’ll have:
✅ 21 go-to outfit ideas for traveling you can recreate with pieces you already own.
✅ A fresh perspective on how to actually make the most out of your suitcase space.
✅ A little more confidence (and a lot less stress) when it comes to packing for your next adventure.
Ready to learn how to create your own outfit ideas for traveling? Let’s do it!
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
Article originally shared on February 2023 – Updated on March 29th 2025.
Estimated reading time: 18 minutes
How to start thinking about your own outfit ideas for traveling?
Before you can create your own outfit ideas for traveling, you need a little game plan. Think of it like packing with purpose instead of panic. Here’s how to get started:
1️⃣ Look at your itinerary – Are you sightseeing all day? Going out at night? Spending hours on a train or flights? Jot down the main activities you’ll be doing so your outfits match your actual plans—not just your Pinterest board.
2️⃣ Check the weather (twice!) – Look at the forecast when you start packing to get a general idea, then check again 2–4 days before your trip and make any last-minute adjustments.
Also, pay attention to how the weather feels. 70°F in the desert isn’t the same as 70°F somewhere humid. And don’t forget to check when the hottest or coldest part of the day is… and whether you’ll be outside during that time!
3️⃣ Think in outfit formulas, not individual pieces – Instead of packing a cute top “just in case,” ask yourself: what will I wear this with? and how many ways can I style it? If the answer is “only with that one skirt I don’t really like,” maybe leave both behind.
4️⃣ Focus on re-wearable pieces – You want each item to play well with others. Neutrals, lightweight layers, and comfy-but-polished staples are your BFFs here.
⭐️ And remember: You’re not packing for a fantasy version of your trip. You probably won’t need 4 pairs of heels for a casual city break. (I once packed heels for a Europe trip a while ago… and ended up in my white leather sneakers every single day. Lesson learned!)
By thinking about your trip this way, you’ll start coming up with your own outfit ideas for traveling that feel more “you,” fit your real plans, and don’t take up your entire suitcase.
Outfit Formulas To Help You Create Your Own Travel Looks!
I’ve learned that outfit formulas are the real MVP when it comes to packing smart. Forget planning specific outfits day by day. That’s how you end up overpacking or feeling “meh” about your options once you get there. Instead, think in formulas.
Why? Because outfit formulas are flexible. They give you a framework to mix and match what you already own, adapt to different occasions, and actually wear everything you pack. It’s about having a few go-to combinations that work no matter where you’re going.
Below, I’m sharing 5 of my favorite outfit formulas. These are the ones I come back to trip after trip. I’ve also included real examples of how I’ve used each formula to create different looks in the past 3+ years of full-time travel.
My hope is that you’ll be able to take these and tweak them to fit your style and destination. Once you start thinking in formulas, creating your own outfit ideas for traveling becomes a lot easier and way more fun!
Outfit Formula #1: Any Button Down Shirt + Minimalistic Dress + White Leather Sneakers or Flat Sandals
If there’s one piece I never travel without, it’s a button-down shirt. For warm-weather trips, I usually pack one (white linen is my go-to), and for longer or multi-climate trips, I’ll bring two—like a lightweight chambray and a fun neutral color like green or olive. Trust me, they earn their spot in your suitcase!
Button-downs are so versatile! You can:
- Wear them open over a dress for an easy, breezy layer
- Tie them at the waist to switch up the look and define your waist
- Throw it over a swimsuit as a chic cover-up
- Drape it around your shoulders or waist to add a little style (and sun protection!)
- Layer it under a sweater or jacket if temps drop
For this formula, you only need three pieces:
✅ White leather sneakers or stylish flat sandals (depending on the vibe)
This combo is one of my favorite outfit ideas for traveling because it looks cute, feels comfy, and works for everything from sightseeing to dinner. Scroll down to see how I’ve styled it for different destinations!
👗 What kind of dress works best? Keep it comfy and simple—think cotton, linen, or jersey fabric. I love a midi or mini length, and bonus points if it has straps or short sleeves (easier to layer). T-shirt dresses, slip dresses, and ribbed tank dresses all work great for this!
Outfit Formula #2: Any Button Down Shirt + Bottom Piece of Your Choice + White Leather Sneakers (or Flat Sandals)
Again with the button down shirt, yes!
But since I already covered how to style it in Outfit Formula #1, let’s focus on something else here: how to get the most out of it.
This outfit formula is all about creating variety with just one top and basically all your bottom pieces. It’s one of my favorite outfit ideas for traveling because it makes your wardrobe stretch without overpacking.
Now I know what you’re thinking—won’t it get dirty if I wear my button down shirt that much?
Not necessarily! Here’s my favorite travel trick:
Wear the top you plan to wear the next day… to dinner the night before.
If you’re just wearing it for an hour or two at a restaurant, it’s very unlikely it’ll get sweaty or messy—and boom, one less thing to pack or wash. Smart, right? 👏🏼
If your shirt does need a quick refresh, a quick hand wash in the sink with a travel soap bar (or even a dab of shampoo) works just fine. Hang it overnight, and it’ll be good to go. Or you can do what I do and make sure you get an Airbnb with a washer once a week, or let your hotel handle it for you!
Here’s how to stretch this outfit formula across your trip:
- With linen shorts → casual day of sightseeing or grabbing coffee
- With a midi skirt → brunch, museums, or a nicer dinner
- With comfy joggers → perfect for airport days or cooler evenings
- With wide leg pants → always a safe, no-brainer option
Pair each look with white leather sneakers or flat sandals depending on what you’re up to, and you’ll have easy, stylish outfits without overthinking anything.
This formula is especially helpful for warm-weather trips where you want to stay cool, look polished, and not pack 10 different tops for a 5-day trip.
Outfit Formula #3: Plain T-Shirt or Tank Top + Any Skirt + White Leather Sneakers or Flat Sandals (Accessorize Accordingly)
I never travel without a plain white and black t-shirt. They go with everything, take up no space, and instantly pull an outfit together. Even if you’re half-asleep and jet lagged 😅
I get it… white doesn’t seem practical. But trust me, it’s worth it. A white tee + midi skirt + comfy shoes is one of the easiest, most put-together outfit ideas for traveling, especially when you add the right accessories! Swap in a tank top on extra hot days or add a denim jacket for cooler days and you’re golden.
⬆️ Dress up your t-shirts with a belt, headband, statement earrings, or even a bold lipstick!
⬇️ Dress them down with a baseball cap and white sneakers.
Either way, this combo is effortless and works for so many destinations.
Want a customized packing list for spring or summer?
Just answer these 2 questions and I’ll send you a customized carry-on packing list for your trip 👇🏼
Outfit Formula #4: Plain T-Shirt or Cami + Wide Leg Pants + White Leather Sneakers or Flat Sandals (Accessorize Accordingly)
This formula is simple but mighty and it’s one of the easiest outfit ideas for traveling that works for almost any destination.
The magic here is in the balance: wide-leg pants feel put-together and comfy, while a basic tee or cami keeps things relaxed and low-effort. Perfect for those “I don’t know what to wear but still want to look cute” travel days.
Here’s why this combo works so well:
🎯 Wide-leg pants are breezy, comfortable, and way more stylish than leggings. Choose a flowy fabric like linen or jersey for warm weather, or go for a ribbed knit or heavier cotton if it’s cooler.
🎯 Plain t-shirts or camis are super easy to layer under a jacket or over a swimsuit. Keep the colors neutral or coordinate with your bottoms for mix-and-match ease. (feel free to replace with a long sleeve T-shirt if where you’re going is colder, examples below)
🎯 White sneakers or flat sandals let you dress the look up or down. White leather sneakers make it casual-cool, while flat sandals (or a low block heel) can take it straight to dinner.
🎯 And don’t skip the accessories! A headband, statement earrings, a straw hat, or a fun crossbody bag can totally change the vibe of this outfit.
This is the kind of look that can take you from breakfast to an afternoon of exploring, and even straight to dinner—just swap the shoes and add a bold lip or some jewelry. (I do this all the time!)
If you’re looking for outfit ideas for traveling that are cute, comfy, and actually wearable, this one checks all the boxes ✅
Outfit Formula #5: T-shirt or Cami + Long Cardigan (or Denim Jacket) + Comfy Pants + White Leather Sneakers (Pashmina is optional)
This is my go-to travel uniform when the temps drop a little or when I just want to feel cozy-but-stylish. It’s giving “effortless airport chic” but also “I could nap in this and be totally fine.”
Let’s break it down:
🎯 A long cardigan is basically a travel hug. I love throwing it over PJs in the morning, and then re-wearing it later for exploring or flying. Cozy and useful? Yes please.
🎯 A denim jacket also works here and is one of the BEST layering pieces to pack—it goes with everything and instantly makes your outfit feel pulled together. (important to highlight that I rarely travel with a denim jacket and long cardigan because we mostly visit hot weather destinations)
🎯 Comfy pants and a simple tee or cami keep things comfy, easy to move in, and great for layering.
🎯 Add white leather sneakers and you’re ready for anything—from airports to chilly cafés.
And I always recommend to travel with a pashmina. It doubles as a scarf, head covering, a blanket on cold flights, or even a beach cover-up. It’s one of those magical multi-use pieces that always earns a spot in my bag.
If you’re looking for cozy outfit ideas for traveling that don’t feel frumpy, this one’s a winner every time.
Not Ready To Leave? Read These Posts Next!
- What To Pack For A Beach Vacation
- 15 Best Travel Essentials For Women
- Comfy Airport Outfits (What to wear and what NOT to wear!)
- The 5 best shoes for travel!
- 15 European summer packing essentials!
✈️ So, What Did We Learn Today?
If you take anything away from this, let it be this: you don’t need a million outfits—you just need a few solid outfit formulas and the right pieces to mix and match like a pro.
Let’s be honest. Traveling light sounds great… until you’re staring at your suitcase wondering how you’re supposed to feel cute with only 15 pieces. I get it. But the truth is, when you plan your outfits around formulas instead of packing random things “just in case,” everything gets easier. You save space, feel more confident in your clothes, and spend way less time stressing over what to wear.
Here are the 5 MVPs that showed up again and again in these outfit ideas for traveling:
1️⃣ A button-down shirt – queen of versatility
2️⃣ White leather sneakers – comfy, clean, and go with everything
3️⃣ Wide-leg pants – your stylish upgrade from leggings
4️⃣ A plain tee t-shirt – the building blocks of any good outfit
5️⃣ A layering piece – think long cardigan, denim jacket, or pashmina (there’s no extra credit if you pack all three 😄)
So the next time you’re packing, remember: it’s not about bringing more, it’s about bringing better.
Use these formulas as your starting point, adapt them to your style and destination, and don’t forget—you’ve got this.
Thanks so much for stopping by and see you next time!
XO,
Aimara
About The Author:
Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.
I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.
Need some inspiration before you start packing? Watch this 5-minute video!
Did you find inspiration to create some outfit ideas for traveling? Please pin it!
This is very useful for since I live in Africa. I love your print pants. Polka dots is my favorite print . I am so into it
Brand of the flat criss cross sandals you wore? You had both a black and cream colored style.
Hi. The brown ones are Birkenstocks and the black ones are from Everlane :)
Can you give me a link to those black pants with the thick fabric tie belt that you wore in a bunch of these photos? I love them!!! Thanks, love your blog!
Hi Danielle! Thanks so much :) Those are oldies from Ann Taylor, so I couldn’t find them anywhere 🙈 but look at their site because they can have really cute items online and on sale too ;) good luck!