Lifestyle

First Class Casual: 5 Holiday Travel Outfit Formulas for Planes, Road Trips and Everything After

Oct 22, 2026

Holiday travel is just around the corner. Whether you’re flying home, taking a road trip or heading somewhere new for vacation, you’ll want an outfit that keeps you comfortable without leaving your personal style behind.

The easiest approach is to build your holiday travel outfits around versatile basics, classic colors and pieces you can wear more than once. Organize your suitcase so everything stays clean, and remember to pack comfortable yet stylish shoes to complete your travel look.

Follow these five simple outfit formulas for flights, road trips and cold-weather destinations, along with tips for easier packing.

Traveler wearing a brown adidas cardigan and matching pants while sitting beside an aircraft.

Airport Essentials for the Terminal and the Tarmac

No matter how far you’re flying, you’ll want a warm outfit that makes moving through the airport a little easier.

  • Jackets and outerwear keep you warm and pull your travel look together, no matter what you have on underneath.
  • Joggers provide comfort for long waits, cold terminals and warm airplanes.
  • Casual shoes give you a comfortable option for walking through the airport and exploring once you reach your destination.

Build your airport outfit around staples you can mix and match throughout your trip. Choose lightweight fabrics that take up less room in your luggage and darker colors that can help disguise the small messes you might pick up during a long travel day.


Keep a few toiletries, such as floss sticks and cleansing wipes, within easy reach. A laundry stain stick and soft brush can also help you care for your clothing and shoes on the go. If you’re checking luggage, pack an extra outfit in your carry-on just in case.

Comfortable Layers for a Long-Haul Flight

For a long flight, wear flexible layers that help you adjust to changing temperatures in the cabin.


  • Hoodies and sweatshirts give you room to get comfortable and provide an extra layer when you’re ready for a nap.
  • A short-sleeved tee under your hoodie makes it easy to remove a layer if the plane heats up.
  • Socks add another layer of comfort during a long flight and take up very little room in your carry-on.

Look for pieces you can wear again after landing, such as a hoodie that works for lounging or sneakers stylish enough for holiday dinner. Sticking with a coordinated color palette will also make it easier to create multiple outfits from fewer pieces.

Traveler wearing a black-and-white graphic jacket, black pants and sneakers while standing beside a white private plane in a hangar.

Cold-Weather Destination Fits That Bring the Heat

When you’re heading somewhere cold, look for travel clothing that delivers warmth without taking up your entire suitcase.


  • Tech fleece jackets and joggers make comfortable layering pieces and are easier to pack than bulkier garments.
  • Winter-ready shoes can help you move from outdoor activities to evenings out without changing your entire outfit.
  • Bags and accessories keep travel necessities within reach. A crossbody bag is especially convenient when you need quick access to smaller belongings.

Neutral colors are a smart choice for cold-weather travel because they coordinate easily. Start with black, brown, cream, gray or navy, then bring personality into the outfit through your sneakers, jacket or accessories.

From the Interstate to the Dinner Table

If you’re driving straight to the family dinner, choose an outfit that feels comfortable in the car but still looks polished enough for the table.


  • Relaxed-fit jeans in a dark shade can carry your outfit from the road to dinner.
  • Polo shirts and button-down tops look put together without feeling fussy.
  • Casual sneakers add a comfortable finishing touch to a dressy-casual outfit.

Keep a jacket or sweatshirt within reach instead of packing it in the trunk. That extra layer can come in handy during rest stops, temperature changes or a chilly evening after you arrive.

Easy Layers for a Long Road Trip

Longer road trips call for comfortable pieces that can do double duty during the days ahead. Choose warm but lightweight items that layer well and work for more than one part of your trip.

  • Leggings and comfortable pants provide a flexible foundation for the car and casual gatherings.
  • An oversized fleece top or sweatshirt can work as both a travel layer and a relaxed everyday piece.
  • Retro-inspired Nike sneakers like Air Force 1s add personality without making your outfit difficult to style.

Your holiday look isn’t complete without the right shoes. Sneakers in rich earth tones, black, white and other neutrals can add polish while remaining easy to pair with the rest of your wardrobe. Explore more head-to-toe Air Force 1 looks for the holidays before planning your travel outfit.

Traveler in a black matching set and sneakers sitting among silver luggage with a graphic backpack and travel bag.

Stay Organized With Travel-Ready Accessories

Looking stylish while traveling comfortably takes a little preparation, especially when you’re packing one or more pairs of sneakers.

Use sneaker travel bags to help protect footwear from scratches and prevent shoe soles from touching clean clothing.

  • Clean and fully dry your shoes before placing them in your luggage.
  • Choose soft, breathable cases for frequently worn shoes and structured cases for more valuable pairs.
  • Use acid-free tissue or foam inserts to help shoes maintain their shape when needed.
  • Pack socks or other small accessories inside your shoes to make the most of your available suitcase space.

No matter where you’re headed this holiday season, shop shoes, clothing and accessories at Hibbett to create a travel-ready look that works from departure to destination.

Protect Your Shoes!

When you know how to store sneakers properly, you get to enjoy your favorite shoes longer. At Hibbett, we love creative shoe storage ideas, but proper storage and shoe care always come first. 

To keep your shoes in tip-top shape, shop our shoe care essentials collection!

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