I've Perfected My Travel Lineup
In-flight essentials, the best tote bag & my outfit formula
In-flight essentials, the best tote bag & my outfit formula
After much tote bag trial and error, I’m thrilled to report: I’ve finally found the one. Before we dive into this find, I wanted to give y’all the rundown on my previous travel bag: after over two years of toting this cream-colored canvas weekender around as my in-flight personal item, and I can confidently advise against a travel bag in any other color than black. This may seem self-explanatory, lol, but I thought I’d have more luck with keeping a sturdy canvas bag clean, even if it was a light color.
After I purchased and used the tote a few times, I noticed that Lo and Sons recommended spot-treatments as the only cleaning mechanism, and I don’t find that to be the most practical way to care for a bag I’m shoving under the seat in front of me on questionable airplane floors—among other unpleasant locations. The bag in question would be best suited as a tote taken on roadtrips, or possibly as a work bag. Even so, I’d go for the black Canvas or polyester option (ideal if you want to machine wash). The bag itself is roomy, and I love the bottom compartment for quickly packing a sweater or book without compromising the interior real estate.
After wrapping up my final trip with this tote in New York in early September, I deemed it time for an upgrade before heading to Japan later that month. I wanted something that always looks clean (even if it isn’t), and something slightly larger wouldn’t hurt.
I am not a light packer, and I am fine with that. Being able to open my bag to a mini pharmacy, collection of snacks, books, skincare products, electronics, and drinks is my preferred experience on a flight—I need a bag that reflects that.
Yes, it’s as big as it looks, and no, I haven’t run into any issues bringing this onto flights as my personal item. You can roll down the top and zip it up to compress it by about 5 inches if you’d like it be a little more compact! It doesn’t come with a luggage sleeve, so I add this strap to attach it to my suitcase handle while walking through the airport.
The Outfit Formula
I became acquainted with these subtle barrel leg pants a few months ago, and immediately, I unlocked the best travel pant I’ve ever known. I apologize in advance for the price, but this is why they’re great; they’re lightweight and stretchy—built for power-walking through the airport when you’re running late, they hold their shape, won’t wrinkle, are chic and easy when you’ve got somewhere to be post-flight, the material lets anything you’ve spilled to wipe right off, and yes, they’ve got deep pockets: large enough for a phone. I was in-between sizes and chose the size up—this way they sit a touch more low-rise and hit past my ankles instead of high-rise with more of a crop!
I have this tee in three colors and I pack them on every trip as a reliable base layer—I’ll opt for one of these or a comfy vintage tee for the flight.
I like to wear a button down as a cape or tied around my waist as an added layer when it’s warmer out—but might be chilly on the plane—and I’ll usually wear a suede or leather jacket (my bulkiest item) on the flight.
Full airport dad mode at CDG
My footwear choice alternates between garden clogs (they run large, so I added an insole and now they fit perfectly), fisherman sandals with socks, or patent leather loafers.
So many goodies over here if you’re looking to add to your jewelry collection! I used to avoid packing jewelry options when I traveled because I didn’t think I’d take the time to switch up what I was wearing each day, but over time, I’ve found that packing unique pieces offer the easiest way to add some interest to more simple and/or comfort-driven outfits (i.e. jeans and a tee for walking around a city all day).
I love my suitcase from July—super easy to maneuver, stays relatively scratch-free, and somehow carries a lot more than my husband’s suitcase does. 😉
Hope you found a few pieces to make your travel days feel a little more organized and comfortable. Xo