by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: January 25, 2009   Last Updated: May 05, 2011

The best traveling day outfits are those that make you feel and look good. Outfits should be practical and provide for a comfortable day in the air, the car or on the train. Keeping in mind both the temperature at your destination and departure points.

Dressing in layers can help to keep you warm in the north and allows you to remove layers as you travel south. It can get chilly in airplane cabins and in air-conditioned cars,  making a top with long sleeves or a hoodie a good travel option. If you are traveling for business, your suit, sports jacket or blazer will be sufficient to keep you comfortable if there is a chill in the air.

Be prepared if you are traveling by airplane to remove any outerwear or sweaters as well as your shoes at the TSA checkpoint. Choosing shoes that are easy to remove and put back on as well as comfortable for long walks through the airport are a good choice. You can always pack your stylish shoes in your carry-on bag.

You want to arrive at your destination looking fresh and wrinkle free which makes dressing in fabrics that wrinkle excessively a bad choice. Choosing dark colors is more practical because they hide a multitude of sins. Things get spilled and it is easy to end up with a smudge on your beautiful white skirt or pants.  Save them for when you arrive at your destination. A top with a pattern is also a good idea for the same reason; if during your day of travel anything gets spilled on you. it won't show nearly as much.

The outfit you choose for traveling day will be determined by not only your mode of travel but by the reason for your travel. When you are traveling for pleasure you can feel free to wear your favorite pair of jeans or sweats. If you are traveling for business that isn't going to be an option. You will probably not be going to your hotel before you are expected at a meeting. Choosing a wrinkle free fabric will help you to arrive looking professional.

No matter what the reason for your travel you will need to keep your ID and personal items safe. For men the inside pocket of your jacket or at the very least your front pants pocket offer some protection. There are pouches which go around your neck or around your waist but they can be bulky and hard to get to. These are only needed if you are traveling to a place with a very high record of theft or pickpocketing.

For woman, a small bag with a strap that can be worn across the body or a large bag that can be tucked under your arm are best.  Just remember to keep your mind on your belongings at all times and don't loose track of your purse for even a minute. A distracted traveler is easy game for a thief.

The basic rules to keep in mind for your traveling day outfit are safety, comfort and practicality. Choose darker colors, materials that won't wrinkle, shoes that are easy to remove and put back on and practical for walking long distances. If you keep all of these in mind, you will arrive at your destination looking good and ready to get down to business or to having fun.

Learn more about this author, Isabelle Esteves.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.