Travel Style: What to Wear on a Road Trip

Hi, friends! Today I’m talking all about travel style and specifically what to wear on a long road trip in the car.

As you might know, last week Allen and I went on a road trip across the western U.S. (see What to Pack for a Road Trip here). And while many people have their own take on travel style for the airplane, being couped up in a car for upwards of 10+ hours a day means there are a few additional considerations to think about.

While I might be inclined to wear a dark wash pair of skinnys on a plane, it’s just not going to happen for multiple day-long car rides. It’s just not comfortable for me. So I thought I’d share my take on what to travel in, road trip style.

I said I don’t like wearing tight jeans in the car, so what do I like to wear? Stretchy pants, my friends. Stretchy pants. (If you spend much time with me at all, you know I love to sit cross-legged wherever I go.)

But wearing stretchy pants doesn’t have to mean frumpy or sloppy. I love wearing my Hot Chillys in the car because they keep me nice and warm while still letting me move and stretch (as much as one possibly can inside a car). I use these Hot Chillys as my base layer when skiing too (I’ve used them for years and would highly recommend them!), so they serve a double purpose for me when I’m traveling to ski destinations. Gotta love those double-duty pieces, no?

Another must? Layers. One of the worst things that can happen on a long road trip is not being comfortable, especially when it comes to temperature. And the temperature is one of those finicky things that isn’t necessarily consistent throughout the car. It seems like just about every time I travel, I end up being on the sunny side of the car. You know what I’m talking about…the side of the car that gets ALL the sunlight. And so I end up sweating while the driver (Allen) feels just fine, if not a little chilly.

So one of the best things you can do for this is to dress in layers. I always layer a lighter chambray top over a base cami and also take my North Face jacket and a scarf too. If nothing else, the extra scarf and jacket can be used as make-shift pillows for a quick cat nap or to cover your legs for a more cozy ride.

And speaking from experience on my last road trip, layers are also a necessity when traveling through several states with different weather conditions in each. (For example, Utah was hottt, while Montana was snowy!) Having lots of different layers makes it super easy to bundle up or strip down, depending on the climate where you are.

Next up? What to wear on your feet. For me, comfy sneakers are a must. While my shoes are off for most of the trip (Allen usually does most of the driving), I still like to wear shoes I can run around and jump in during rest stops. There’s nothing like uncomfortable shoes to make you feel even more stir crazy on a long road trip. Am I right?

I love these Nike Sky Hi sneakers because they are a bit more stylish than normal tennis shoes, but 10x more comfortable (and practical) than their cuter counterparts, wedges or sandals. They strike the perfect balance between the two extremes–comfortable and stylish. I was sold at first sight.

I also always bring a cute watch a some simple jewelry to make myself feel a bit more put together. Sometimes it’s the little things that can completely elevate your mood, ya know? And mood is everything when traveling on the road for days at a time.

And last but not least, make sure to bring along a fun open attitude! Traffic will happen. Delays and wrong turns will happen. But just remember that it’s all about the journey and seeing new places via the scenic route. So enjoy it! Let the wind whip through your hair and go for it!

What about you? What do you like to wear on a road trip?

Photos by Colleen Kelly

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Get the Look…

Top: J. Crew Factory (similar here, here) | Cami: Express | Pants: Hot Chillys | Shoes: Nike | Necklace: J. Crew (similar) | Watch: Fossil (similar here, here) | Bracelet: Express