Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials: Stylish Looks for Comfortable Flying

I can’t believe it’s already mid-November. One day it was lightly snowing in Denver, a reminder that winter is just around the corner. With the season comes travel — and soon I’ll be on my way to New Zealand, which means multiple flights and long layovers. The journey may be long, but it will be worth it.

For holiday travel, planning is everything. You could lounge in pajamas or workout clothes at the airport, but if you’re arriving at a party, meeting in-laws, or stepping into work right away, it helps to look put together while staying comfortable. Airports and planes are usually chilly, so I always choose the coziest sweater I own when traveling in winter. That’s where Banana Republic’s selection of soft, stylish sweaters is perfect.

PaleOMG - Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials

Right now Banana Republic offers a wide range of cozy sweaters, including a light pink turtleneck that’s the softest sweater I’ve worn. It’s versatile — dress it up with a skirt and over-the-knee boots for an event right after you land, or dress it down with jeans and sneakers for a low-key travel look. I recently wore it on a trip from Phoenix to Denver without makeup and felt great.

PaleOMG - Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials

PaleOMG - Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials

Shop More Comfortable & Cozy Sweaters

Another essential for winter travel is a warm, tailored coat. If your trip brings you back to cold weather, a heavy coat that also looks polished for an evening event is invaluable. The wool blend military coat I’ve been wearing does double duty: it pairs easily with jeans and a sweater for travel, and it also complements dresses or jumpsuits for holiday gatherings.

PaleOMG - Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials

This coat holds its shape well — I once packed it in my suitcase and it came out looking the same with no dents or creases. It’s available in a dark olive green that pairs beautifully with a burgundy pleated dress or a sleek black turtleneck dress for a modern holiday look.

PaleOMG - Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials

PaleOMG - Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials

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For those who need to be productive as soon as they land, a stretchy midi skirt is a must. A knit midi pencil skirt is ideal — it’s comfortable, stretchy, and sits at a polished length. Pair it with comfortable heels like velvet bow pumps when you need a smarter appearance. I’m not usually a fan of heels while traveling, but these offer surprising comfort: enough lift to feel dressed up without being painful for short walks or events.

PaleOMG - Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials

Don’t forget a scarf — it’s one of the most useful travel accessories. A lightweight metallic scarf tucks into a purse and can dress up an outfit or serve as a cozy throw on chilly flights. I’ve relied on a scarf during unexpected delays and freezing airport terminals; it can act as a blanket in a pinch.

PaleOMG - Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials

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PaleOMG - Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials

What are your travel essentials this year? Do you dress up at the airport or keep things casual? Do you prefer sneakers or heels, makeup or a clean face? Share your travel routine and must-haves below.

PaleOMG - Holiday Travel Outfit Essentials

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