Cute and Comfortable Travel Outfit Ideas For Your Summer Vacay

Kara Blakeslee Avatar
Two girls smile while taking a selfie using a selfie-stick outside of an airport temrinal. They're wearing sunglasses and blue jeans.
Photo Credit: garetsworkshop via Shutterstock

The summer excites me for so many reasons. But the biggest reason? Summer vacation!! But, as temperatures rise, so can anxieties around planning summer travel outfits. Putting together travel outfit ideas is not as daunting as you might think! From tried-and-true loungewear to classic summer dresses, we’ve created a foolproof formula to take the stress out of planning your summer vacation wardrobe.

The best travel outfits for summer always include cute sundresses. Photo credit: 4 PM production via Shutterstock

Athleisure

When it comes to the best travel outfits for summer, athleisure is a fan favorite. The stretchy and lightweight fabrics make navigating busy airport terminals a breeze. Plus, they stay comfortable whether it’s a long overnight flight or a loooooong road trip.

There are endless options to mix, match and layer to elevate any basic airport look.

Leggings and Biker Shorts

Legging and biker shorts are the holy grail of comfort and a wardrobe staple when traveling.

In the summer, leggings can be swapped for their cooler cousin, the biker short. Pair these with an oversized button-down and you’ll never want to travel in anything else.

My best tips for everyday leggings and biker shorts: Look for medium compression so you feel supported but not constricted. No one wants to feel suffocated sitting on an 8-hour flight. The fabric should pass the squat test. If you know, you know.

The best airport outfits start with leggings or biker shorts—you’ll look flawless no matter where you’re going.

Joggers

The dressier alternative to sweatpants, joggers are fantastic lightweight options for the summer. Plus they’re versatile and can be worn right from the plane to an afternoon lunch.

For summer travel, you’ll want a jogger that’s lightweight and not too tight around your ankles. The vibe we’re going for is relaxed, casual and comfy.

Since joggers are looser than leggings, try pairing them with a fitted tank or t-shirt. For cold airports, complete the outfit with a cropped hoodie for a sensible, sporty look.

Summer Dresses and Jumpsuits

Dresses and jumpsuits always make the best travel outfits for summer. They’re great for shorter flights or if you’re going to a warm weather destination. Not to mention, a maxi dress is incredibly stylish and comfy.

Pair it with a tote bag, strappy sandals and a denim jacket and you’ve gone from travel-appropriate to dinner-ready.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Avoid overly tight dresses and long sleeves, Instead, opt for flowy or stretchy jersey materials. Silhouette-wise, sleeveless styles are perfect for layering.

Sweaters and Jackets

No matter how warm it might be, you won’t catch me on a plane without a lightweight cardigan or jacket. Once I’m at my destination, an extra layer is ideal for breezy nights.

A popular trend is pairing biker shorts with oversized button-downs. It’s a homage to Princess Diana who popularized the trend in the early 90s. Button-downs are versatile and can be styled casually with spandex or dressed up with jeans or wide-leg pants.

These are my must-have layers for summer travel. Pack them in your carry-on. You’ll thank me later.

Frayed Hem Denim Jacket
$38.99
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04/18/2025 09:38 am GMT

T-Shirts

There is nothing better than a classic white T-shirt. If you need airport outfit ideas, start with a white T-shirt and build around it. Or, if you tend to spill, choose a classic black T-shirt instead.

Whether it’s oversized, fitted or a crop top, it can be paired with loungewear like leggings or layered under a leather jacket.

Denim Shorts

Don’t let denim shorts intimidate you—they are a fantastic option for traveling.

There’s been a noticeable trend shift when we look at the overall fit and style of denim shorts. Gone are the days of skintight denim shorts. Instead, we’re seeing a resurgence of the looser, baggier style with a comfortable mid/high-rise fit around the waist.

As you can imagine, the more relaxed fit is more comfortable, making it ideal for summer travel.

Aside from the overall improvements to the style and fit, denim shorts are a must-have wardrobe item. They can be paired with a simple white tee or an oversized button-down. Plus, they make a terrific cover-up for any beach getaway.

Ripped Denim Jean Shorts
$31.99 $24.31
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04/18/2025 09:37 am GMT

Shoes

With peak travel happening during the summer, the last thing you want is to hold up airport security. Keep it simple with slip-on slides and low-top sneakers.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Always break in new sneakers or sandals before you travel. Who wants to deal with painful blisters when you’re trying to catch a flight or spend hours walking around sightseeing.

The best advice is to keep it simple; stick to sneakers and slides for a trendy airport look.

BRONAX Cloud Slides for Women
$35.99 $23.99
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04/18/2025 03:47 am GMT

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Kara Blakeslee is a self-taught personal stylist with a natural talent and sharp eye for procuring the best basics and foundational staples. Her style ethos is timeless with a chic, yet modern twist. Her passion spiraled into a profession when a unique opportunity presented itself to work at WhoWhatWear and lead affiliate retail fashion campaigns. Intersecting fashion, celebrity, and trends helped further develop and ignite her passion for helping others feel confident in their skin. Currently, Kara is a Fashion Editor at SheBuys Travel where she combines her fashion background with her love for traveling. Aside from sleuthing the web to find the best airport leggings, Kara’s ultimate goal is to instill a sense of confidence, beauty, and ease through her shopping recommendations for female travelers everywhere. Ann Klein once said, “Clothes aren’t going to change the world. The women who wear them are.” Let’s change the world and look good while doing it.
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