My Long Haul Travel Uniform

The outfit I wear on repeat to Paris

As a Paris photographer and blogger, trips to the City of Light are an integral part of my job. I have made numerous mistakes and forgotten items over the years. This post is to help guide you and learn from my mistakes. While I always scramble at the last minute to pack for flights, I have a travel outfit down to a formula, along with a carry-on bag that is packed and ready for any trip. Being prepared with chargers, adapters, beauty products, and other essential travel accessories has really helped make my trips more seamless.

On long travel days, I prefer a comfortable travel outfit. My ideal outfit does not include yoga pants, and while it may not be for everyone, I like to dress up. Finding the perfect travel pants has been a process, but I finally found a pair I love that are reasonably priced. You can wash and wear these black pants repeatedly. I own them in a size medium. Plus, they have pockets, which is a bonus for me when I want to keep my phone safe and still have easy access while traveling through the airport. Pair them with a button-down shirt or a t-shirt. No matter the time of year, I’m almost always in a sweater on my travel days. I get cold on flights, so layers are key.

For favorite sweaters, this one from Frank and Eileen is one I reach for time and again, and own it in three colors. Also, La Ligne makes the perfect sweater (REBECCA10 gets you 10%off) that I have worn on Paris flights too many times to count. I like the sweater to be a little oversized and comfortable.

A cashmere travel wrap or scarf can really help stay cozy and warm on an overnight flight.

This is my Travel Outfit Formula for a Long-Haul Flight

A comfortable base layer, try a tank top or tee. In the fall and winter, a long-sleeve shirt is key. Splendid makes an affordable one, and I find their pieces to be so soft. Their t-shirts are one of my favorite items.

Until recently, I had never considered a travel bra without underwire. These from Eby have become a game-changer, and I make longer flights so much better. Packing one nude and one black is not a bad idea. You may even thank me later.

Depending on the time or year, I will typically have a coat with me. In the fall months, a trench coat, and in the colder months, a long wool coat like this one. Depending on where you are sitting on the plane, you can have your jacket hung up during the long-haul flight or use it as an extra layer.

A baseball hat can really pull a whole travel outfit together. I am loving these new hats from Chord too! The colors burgundy and olive are great for the fall season.

Comfortable Shoes for a Long Haul Flight

Comfortable walking shoes or slip-on shoes are ideal for a long plane ride. Plan to walk a lot when going through the airport, from security to the gate. For Paris, sneakers or boots are what I will wear as part of my travel uniform. Typically, the bulkiest shoes will be what I wear to save room in my suitcase. Sambas and Vejas are my favorite sneakers.

Favorite Travel Essentials

I do my best to pack in a carry-on only for domestic flights and international trips. This is easier for me, as I don’t want to risk losing or delaying luggage. Rarely do I check a bag; I find that waiting for luggage can cut into a trip both ways. I pack a Longchamp foldable bag for international travel, just in case I pick up souvenirs and find it is worth checking a bag. There is far less risk of a delayed or lost bag on the way back. When traveling internationally, especially through London and Paris, the liquid rule often causes me trouble at airport security. I hate having to take out everything, even though I do travel with my Cadence clear pouches.

My new strategy is to pack my liquids in my checked bag for the flight home. Most of my Cadence capsules are empty or near empty after a trip. This way, I don’t need to unzip my luggage and can breeze through the security line. Any new clothes or souvenirs I prefer not to risk losing will be in my carry-on luggage.

Accessories for Long Haul Flights

Although they aren’t the most glamorous, I make sure to fly with compression socks. I have a history of blood clots in my family, and I am not taking any risks. You can keep a pair of compression socks in your carry-on and swap them out upon landing for a more comfortable pair.

I travel with a sleep mask and find it the best way to block out the cabin lights and transition into sleep. My goal is to be as rested as possible when I land, as I typically hit the ground running with meetings. Jet lag can be a real drag and cut into your vacation or work trip. Keeping a sleep aid like melatonin with easy access in my travel bag is key. I’ve taken too many trips, and I’ve been unable to find my melatonin, which has made it hard to sleep on the plane.

Other items I like to keep in my easy-access travel pouch include lip balm, hand moisturizer, tissues, a probiotic, Melatonin, and Advil. For skincare, this Sisley eye mask is a favorite for reducing puffiness and dehydration, and I love it for extra hydration on flights. You can pop this in the fridge ahead of time, so good! A toothbrush and toothpaste are always a good idea to keep in your travel tote bag when you land. Brushing my teeth is the first thing I want to do when I land and have access to a clean bathroom.

My passport wallet is a pop of red in my carry-on with cash.

*This post includes affiliate links. I earn a small commission from purchases made through my links. Merci!