I’ve spent much of the last two months in some form of transit, be it an eight-hour flight to Italy, a three-hour drive through Italy, a two-hour flight to Miami, or most recently, a ten-hour train ride to Montréal. And the only thing that kept me sane through all the security checkpoints, delayed arrivals, and uncomfortable seating arrangements was the outfit I wore on all four round-trip excursions.
Dressing for long travel days is tricky. I always want to look somewhat put together just in case, upon arrival at my destination, I have to see someone or go somewhere before I have a chance to change. At the same time, though, I’m never going to advocate for wearing tight jeans, fitted trousers, or a miniskirt in a cramped space for hours on end. That’s why, when I realized how much travel I’d be doing in 2023, I ordered a white, linen two-piece set from Zara that appeared online to be the solution to all of my what-to-wear woes.
Wearing: Zara top and bottoms; P448 x Alpha Tauri Jack White Sneakers ($315); Me+Em Cashmere Drop Shoulder Box Crop Hoody ($287)
The set features wide-leg, drawstring pants and a matching white halter top and is just as cute for any summertime activity as it is for a 10-hour train ride through Upstate New York and into Canada. For proof, see how I wore it to the Miami Grand Prix. Even after it got muddy at the track, I bleached it and it became like new again, further proving to me that it’s an ideal travel companion. Ever since I wore it in Miami, it’s accompanied me on every trip I’ve gone on, garnering over a dozen questions about its origins in the process.
Unfortunately, just after I got back from my latest trip in the set, ready to convince the world that they needed to buy it too, Zara’s annual sale started. And just like every time it kicks off, many of the best items included in it sold out lightning quick, two of which were my beloved linen halter top and drawstring pants (before I could buy it in black as well). Of course, I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for a restock, but in the meantime, if you happen to be heading off on a long trip in the next few weeks and have similar nervous feelings about your outfit for the journey, I went ahead and found a just-as-good alternative that’s not yet out of stock at the Spanish retailer. Shop the next best thing and more worthy travel sets below.
Chic on top, comfy on the bottom.
These pieces can be worn separately or together—either way, you’ll be happy. Shop the matching Linen-Blend Pull-On Pants ($35).
The more linen involved in a summer outfit, the better. Shop the matching Jaleh Embroidered Linen Wide-Leg Pants ($310).
Don’t sleep on Massimo Dutti. Trust me. Shop the matching Coordinated Knit Trousers ($119).
In an outfit this good, you can step off the plane and straight to an elegant lunch in whatever far-off city you’re heading to this summer. Shop the matching Aiwa Twill Wide-Leg Pants ($350).
This look is just as perfect for a day at the beach as it is for a day-long train journey. Shop the matching Wide-Leg Pants ($8).
Pure comfort is but an $82 purchase away. Shop the matching Curve Stripe Cotton & Linen Drawstring Pants ($40).
This gorgeous set belongs in a five-star restaurant just as much as it does in a first-class train cabin.
The crochet trend continues to reign supreme. Shop the matching Knitted Palazzo Pants ($70).
COS makes the most elegant, least “loungewear” like loungewear. Shop the matching Plissé Pants ($135).
Quick—this one’s selling fast. Shop the matching La Plage De Mau Linen Wide-Leg Pants ($229).
I love a comfy set paired with heels and a great bag.
Obsessed.
This is my ideal summer outfit, whether I’m traveling or not. Shop the matching Linen-Blend Pull-On Wide Leg Pants ($80).
If I don’t own this by the end of the week, I’ll never recover. Shop the matching Carmen Knit Pants ($340).
Simply perfect.
Tibi’s Italian Sporty Nylon is so lightweight and breathable. Plus, it doesn’t wrinkle. Shop the matching Summer Satin Wide Leg Pull-On Pant ($485).
Anti-PJ PJs.
Leset is every fashion girl’s favorite loungewear brand. Shop the matching Ari Tencel-Blend Wide-Leg Pants ($240).
A linen shirt can be styled a million different ways, including with these pants for a long journey. . Shop the matching Tyler Wide Leg Linen Trousers ($229).
The quiet-luxury travel outfit you didn’t know you needed. Shop the matching Knit Ribbed Wide-Leg Pants ($55).
Comfortable is the understatement of the year.
I’m going to COS tomorrow to pick one of these up in case I ever need a replacement for my go-to Zara set. Shop the matching Pleated Elasticated Pants ($120).
Donna Karen sure knows how to make comfort appear stylish. Shop the matching Relaxed Wide Leg Pant ($60).
I’m low-key obsessed with Elsa Hosk’s Revolve and FWRD brand Helsa. Shop the matching Cotton Poplin Stripe Pajama Pant ($238).
