The Best Travel Clothes for Women, Inspired by Katie Holmes, Nicole Kidman, and More Stylish Celebrities

The struggle of packing a suitcase as the temperatures drop is like none other. Thick sweaters, warm-enough tops, and suitable pants take up twice the space as summer clothing — so, as a travel and style writer, picking the best of the best is crucial to optimizing both my looks and my flights.

Packing for fall and winter weather can be daunting, whether you’re throwing together a duffel for a girls’ weekend or filling a checked bag for a multi-month jaunt all over Europe. With less luggage room for “options,” maximalists like myself might be forced to commit to outfits ahead of time (oh, the horror!) which, admittedly, is a lot easier with celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon providing seasonal fashion inspiration.

A packing list comprised of long-sleeve travel tops, wide-leg pants, trench coats and lightweight jackets, and cozy airport ‘fits can go a long way — literally. Read on for the best celeb-inspired travel clothes for women to pack for your upcoming trips, as determined by shopper insights, professional style writers, celebrity research, and more.

Fall Travel Clothes for Women That We Tested

• We The Free Be My Baby Long-Sleeve Tee, $38; freepeople.com
• Aerie Anytime Fave Flannel Shirt, $60; aerie.com 
• Reoria Basic Square Neck Bodysuit, $24 (orig. $36); amazon.com
• Everlane The Way-High Curve Jean, $128; everlane.com
• Aritzia The Effortless Pant, $148; aritizia.com
• Just Black Denim The Palazzo Jean, $98; justblackdenim.com 
• Uniqlo Utility Short Jacket, $70; uniqlo.com
• Arthas Light Rain Jacket, $40; amazon.com
• Orolay Long Windbreaker Hooded Light Jacket, $100; amazon.com
• Zara Corduroy Collar Waxed Jacket, $110; zara.com

Best Long-Sleeve Travel Tops

Add a more substantial sleeve, and you’re likely good to go, especially when considering how to layer up on a frigid day. You can dress a button-up up or down (as seen on Emma Roberts) and add extra insulation if layering a sweater or coat over it.

Take a cue from the effervescent Nicole Kidman — she rocked a multi-seasonal cozy cardigan in a stylish neutral and paired it with a matching maxi skirt. The lightweight skirt keeps the outfit from feeling too heavy, so you’re not sweating when the thermostat changes; its subtle breeziness is just enough to keep you comfortable. That said, the cardigan is the true staple for fall.

Shop these similar long-sleeve top styles starting at just $24.

PEOPLE shopping writer Cai Cramer swears by this long-sleeve T-shirt from Free People, which she’s owned for two years already. “Yes, I own this shirt in three colors. Yes, I plan on buying more.” She appreciates that the top makes the perfect base layer under lightweight tops when transitioning to colder weather (yet somehow never wrinkles.) “The length of the tee hits right above the hips, which is super flattering, and the material is light yet cozy,” she says. 

Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: 100% US Cotton | Colors: 5

Of course, everyone needs a go-to flannel for autumn and winter. The extra weight is just comforting enough to throw on over a T-shirt or blouse (or perhaps don to a backyard bonfire or cider tasting). Cuff buttons make it easy to roll, and oversized pockets feel like a bonus, too.

Sizes: XXS–XL | Materials: 100% Cotton | Colors: 11

A bodysuit is the way to go for a figure-skimming silhouette that doesn’t require endless tucking-in — especially if you plan to style your top with a skirt like Nicole Kidman does. It won’t bunch up as you move about your day, which is crucial when traveling and walking around a new city. Go timeless with a classic black or striking with a bold red, and act now while it’s 33% off.

Sizes: XS–XXL | Materials: 75% nylon, 25% spandex | Colors: 12

Best Wide-Leg Pants

Loose, roomier pants were all the rage during the summer, with celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Zendaya, and Emily Blunt all sporting various wide-leg styles. The fall upgrade? Stiffer fabrics like a rich denim or a sleek viscose blend that would look right at home for any occasion (or in any country.) Plus, if you generally find jeans “uncomfortable” but admit they’re ultra-functional, try the wide-leg version. Trust us. They’re much easier to move in and appreciate.

Katie Holmes often rocks the wide-leg silhouette in unexpected colorways — like a crisp white even after Labor Day, which looks casual-cool with a simple white T-shirt. Throw on a blazer or lightweight coat from our packing list below, and you’re golden.

Everlane nails the basics every time, and these high-waisted jeans are no exception. PEOPLE shopping writer Alyssa Brascia has owned this pair for nine months and says the fit and fabric allow for a roomy shape that’s comfortable for sitting during plane rides and bus trips alike. A curve leg detail that rounds at the ankle makes a subtle statement and helps shape your silhouette — whether you’re dressing for a brisk chill or already in the trenches of layering with a down jacket. 

Sizes: 23–33, available in lengths 27-inch and 29-inch inseam | Materials: 98% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane | Colors: 6

High-waisted trousers can always come in handy, whether traveling for business or pleasure. Available in three lengths for women of any height (and shoppable in a seriously-impressive roster of other fabrics), these gently structured high-waisted wide leg pants have front-knife pleats, an elegant drape, and fabric that holds its form over time so you don’t have to whip out that portable clothes steamer every hour, too. (We’ll go to bat for anything wrinkle-free.) Just don’t blame us if you end up owning them in every color offered.

Sizes: 00-16, with 4 length options | Materials: Recycled polyester, wood-based viscose | Colors: 15

This flared jean knows how to command attention. “There’s nothing I love more than a rich, dark blue jean in the fall, and these wide leg jeans from Just Black denim are speaking my language,” says Brascia. “The pants hug your hips and waist in all the right places while keeping things comfortable with its stretch fabric — the perfect recipe for plane rides when you need to jet to your plans right after landing. I’ll be wearing these on repeat throughout all of my autumn travels.” 

As a tall woman myself (and self-professed jeans hater), I can also vouch for the quality and versatility of Just Black jeans when jetsetting. At under $100, their comfort and utility feel like a steal. Copy Katie Holmes’s look by snagging the pair in white, too.

Sizes: 24–31 | Materials: 93% Cotton, 5% Polyester, 2% Spandex | Colors: 4

Best Outerwear for Fall and Winter Travels

And who can forget the main event? When styling ourselves for the chillier months, a coat serves as a compliment magnet and our saving grace. Our minds flash directly to staple fall films like When Harry Met Sally and Sex and the City when picking out our next jacket. (We may or may not be drawing inspo from Carrie Bradshaw’s fabulous collection of seasonal trenches.)

Opting for the right coat for your comfort level is crucial to maintaining your outfits all year long: light, heavy, minimalist, statement, long, short, you name it. Make the correct choice, and you’re set. 

We’ve done a lot of the work for you by scouring the celebrity trends to spy the quilted jackets, barn coats, windbreakers, and other outerwear picks that the Hollywood set are reaching for as the weather turns. A gorgeous, calf-skimming neutral trench coat went a long way for Taylor Swift on a night out, for example. Pick the right version and you’ll wear it for years. We have our own favorites starting at just $36.

Realistically, if you’re traveling for a long stint, you may not have room on your person or in your luggage to bring more than one or two coats at a time — so picking a versatile “everyday” jacket is important. Don’t make the mistake of only bringing a formal jacket that can look out of place when you’re dressed down: This short Uniqlo style goes with everything for under $70. (Technically, it’s in men’s sizes, but it’s designed as a unisex style — and is an excellent choice for throwing on over bulkier layers, too.)

Sizes: XXS–3XL | Materials: 100% Cotton Shell, 100% Polyester Sleeves | Colors: 3

One of the worst parts of fall and winter is when it starts raining but not snowing — and you’re trudging through the cold and wet on your commute. And rain jackets have a tendency to look, well, useful but not exactly inspiring. PEOPLE shopping editor Kayla Kitts has the solution for you: this Amazon pick she’s owned for an impressive three and a half years already. 

“Packing a lightweight rain jacket is an often-forgotten travel essential when you plan to spend days outside exploring,” she points out. “This affordable one from Amazon is waterproof and has an adjustable waist for the perfect fit. I love that it keeps me warm and dry without overheating. And it can be rolled up into a suitcase with ease.”

Sizes: S–XXL | Materials: Outer layer: 98% polyester spandex. Inner: 2% linen lining. | Colors: 8

The best coats are those that last you for years (and perhaps generations), so some of our favorites are tragically discontinued. Still, as professional product testers, the PEOPLE team knows what to look for in the best of the modern age, and shopping editor Madison Yauger highlights her favorite qualities in this Amazon pick. “I have a Michael Kors trench coat that has served me for almost a decade of travel, and though it’s discontinued now, I think this Amazon find has many of the same qualities. They’re both machine washable, rain-resistant, easy to pack, and stylish!”

Sizes: S–XL | Materials: 90% polyester, 10% elastane | Colors: 3

Sidebar: I was recently stranded abroad when hurricanes made it impossible to get home. I’d been in France for a wedding, was headed to Scotland the week after, and had planned on swapping out my suitcase for chillier weather. Suddenly, I just had end-of-summer clothes and a literal ballgown in my backpack to work with; I needed a good layer, and I needed it fast. 

I ended up finding and living in this barn jacket, which fit my preferred aesthetic and price. I wore it to dinners at luxe five-star hotel Cameron House on Loch Lomond, but also appreciated that it was rugged enough to withstand the elements during outdoor activities like falconry, offroading, and wandering the towns of the Scottish Highlands. 

Best of all, the oversized pockets fit absolutely everything I wanted with me for the entire day: cameras, chapstick, and wallet. It sells out fast, so be sure to snag it if you see it in your size. I also loved the way it looked with a stompy pair of rain boots, and you can even buy the long version, too.

Sizes: XS–XXL | Materials: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester; 100% Polyurethane Coating | Colors: 1

The Best Cozy Airport Clothes for Fall Travel

Of course, we have our Instagram snaps in mind when packing for a trip, whether short or extensive — but don’t neglect your comfort when physically in transit, either. Sure, we’re a long way from the days of formal dressing for the airplane, but take a cue from celebrities and opt for comfy clothes that still look polished. Just add a belt bag like Sydney Sweeney for easy access, and maybe some platform Uggs like Gigi Hadid for ultimate comfort and utility.

Especially if you’re landing early from a redeye in a new time zone, you might be using a full day to explore without access to your hotel room or other clothes — or rolling straight into a meeting in which you should probably look a little more put-together than you feel. If you won’t have access to laundry while on your travels, it’s also important to pick materials and items that you can wear on the way back without feeling gross.

In that frigid plane AC, your sweatshirt is your new BFF, especially if you plan to use it as a balled-up pillow at any point. “I have worn the AirEssentials set on countless airport trips and the buttery-smooth material is ideal for long flights,” recommends Yauger, who’s owned the set for two years. “It’s also wrinkle-resistant so you can ball it up in your carry-on bag when you arrive at your destination and wear it again on the way home sans any wrinkles. This set — the quarter-zip and wide-leg sweats — is incredibly comfortable, durable, and ideal for travel.” And how sleek is that oversized collar?

Sizes: XS–3XL | Materials: 47% Tencel™ Modal, 46% Polyester, 7% Elastane | Colors: 15

Sometimes, mother knows best, and PEOPLE associate editorial shopping director Erin Johnson took a cue from her own mom’s travel style when traveling for business and pleasure. “My mom’s Chicos Traveler Pants were a wardrobe staple growing up, and now I see what all the fuss is about,” she says. ”This Traveler jumpsuit is chic, cozy, and impossible to wrinkle. It’s my go-to for plane rides or long car rides where I know I need to look presentable once I get to my destination.”

Sizes: 00–22, with petite and regular lengths | Materials: 96% acetate, 4% elastane | Colors: 1

These wrinkle-free pants are my personal go-to no matter the season. I wear them to work in, to work out in, and to casual gatherings and nights out with friends. Most crucially, I wear them every single time I pass through an airport. They’re incredibly comfortable, lightweight (I tend to overheat on travel days), and adaptable, with plenty of pockets for easy ID and passport access.

I’ve bought them in multiple colors, from neutrals to bolds. I also love their billowing feel when layered with a chunky sweater or coat, as the contrast in textures seems to make my outfits more dynamic. Plus, I can wear them on a day with surprisingly good weather! Truly the all-season essential for me.

Sizes: XXS–3X plus petite sizing | Materials: Nylon | Colors: 9

How to Pack the Best Travel Clothes

When building your travel wardrobe, you’ll want to consider factors like trip duration, climate, and more. Do you want year-round items or would you rather commit to rotating your staples seasonally? Will you have access to laundry? (If not, you’ll want to opt for fabrics that wick away odor and sweat so you can get multiple wears out of each item.) Are there sights or situations that have etiquette requirements and dress codes requiring a certain amount of coverage? 

Some personal guidance as a travel expert: Many packing guides might swear by a neutral, minimalist capsule wardrobe for ultimate frequency of wear, but you shouldn’t be afraid to go maximalist either. If you pick comfortable, durable pieces, you’ll still get more use from those “singular” funky outfits than you expect — and your camera roll will thank you for choosing the pieces you actually love most. Similarly, accessories like bold jewelry or belts generally take up very little luggage real estate but go a long way in elevating any look. Might as well add some pizzazz to your Pisa pic, right?

And don’t forget the packing cubes and travel organizers to get the most space out of your carry-on suitcase, either.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Grace Smith is a fashion and travel writer who, as a frequent hotel reviewer, spends as much time as possible floating through various destinations. Long flights (and the resulting OOTDs) are very much her forte. She extensively combed through shopper reviews, expert commentary, and celebrity insights for the top travel clothing items. Looking at the most popular brands and keeping her own globe-trotting experience in mind, Grace curated this list of the best travel clothes for women to pack for all of your 2024 destinations.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

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