I Was a Fashion Buyer for 15 Years — Here’s Where to Get Summer’s Comfiest Travel Clothes Starting at $23

If you’re like a majority of Americans, you’re probably planning a summer vacation to maximize the good weather and your PTO days. Whether you’re taking a weekend trip or a getaway abroad, you’ll need a travel wardrobe to match your destination. Luckily, this former fashion buyer is here to help you find the summer’s biggest travel clothes trends.

Full disclosure: before I became a travel writer, I was a fashion buyer in Manhattan for 15 years, working with some of the most established brands in the industry, and I fell in love with working with fabrics, trims, and silhouettes to bring an idea from conceptualization to the final product. Today, I use my prior merchandising experience and keen eye for fashion to create chic travel outfits to pack for both work assignments and vacations. 

Though I’m a minimalist packer who prioritizes dressing for comfort, my suitcase isn’t completely devoid of the season’s trends and fads. In fact, several of them can help you look en vogue without sacrificing comfort (and they’re sure to last long after the season is over). Below, are the 14 travel clothes trends you’ll want packed for each of your upcoming vacations, and they’re starting at $23. 

Two-piece Matching Sets

Matching sets are still going strong this year. I especially love them when traveling because they’re great as mix-and-match pieces that maximize your outfit potential. I highly recommend this set by Amazon-loved brand Fixmatti because of its comfortable, light linen fabric, which is ideal for warm weather. 

The top can be worn with leggings, denim shorts, and a bathing suit as a beach cover-up. The shorts, on the other hand, have an elastic waistband, which offers casual comfort that goes well with your favorite T-shirts and sweaters. I know I’ll be living in this set during the summer (and I have my eye on the glacial blue and apricot versions), so don’t wait to snap up yours today; it’s available in 17 colors and sizes range from S to XL. 

Square Necklines

Anything with a square neckline is a wardrobe essential because it flatters a variety of body shapes and elevates classic clothing silhouettes. Plus, they can be dressed up or down depending on your itinerary. My favorite iteration of the trend is Halara’s Breezful Slip Dress, which has a four-way stretch fabric and offers breathability and sweat-wicking properties, which are beneficial when traveling. Also in the running is the Square Neck Maxi Dress from Amazon-favorite brand Potany. 

Slingback Sandals 

Aerothotic’s Aura slingbacks are my reliable go-to sandals, whether at home or globetrotting. These fashionable sandals also provide all-day comfort with their orthopedic insoles, which deliver superior, long-lasting support for your arches. They slide on easily and are water- and sweat-resistant, making them ideal for the beach, a day of hiking, and a leisurely stroll around a new city. You can choose from 14 colors, and at this price point, you’ll want to pick up a couple of colors to pair back with multiple outfits. 

Wide-leg Linen Pants

Summer and linen go hand in hand, but the resurgence of the wide-leg pants trend is taking the classic fabric to a new level. Whether you’re eyeing Petal & Pup’s Hawthorne pants or Amazon’s top-selling version, these winning wide-leg crops are made with soft linen and offer a flattering smoked waist. They’re great for lounging poolside, and they also make excellent travel pants for road trips, long flights, and so on. The functional side pockets add a pragmatic touch; they’re great for holding keys, lip gloss, or cash. I like wearing these with Adanola’s short-sleeve zip top for a clean, minimalistic look, but anything that you pair them with will work. 

Bohemian Florals 

Florals are no-brainers for warm-weather destinations, especially when featured on a stunning maxi dress like this one from Alicia Bell; it’s made with cotton and silk, creating a lightweight option for hot summer days. The flutter sleeves, which add a romantic touch, along with the tassel and bead detailing, offer a contemporary, Bohemian look. Casually elegant, it works for daytime picnics and fun dinners. You can even use it as a beach cover-up. It has a removable sash and is partially lined so you don’t need to layer a slip underneath. I also love this affordable version from PrettyGarden, which is a steal at $47.  

Leather Sneakers 

Everlane shoes are always at the top of my packing list for their long-lasting comfort, and the brand’s Day Sneakers are no exception. It’s such a classic shoe to have in your closet because it goes with almost everything. It’s also great for days when you’re sightseeing and doing lots of walking. The thick rubber outsoles, which feature recycled rubber, provide lots of support for your arches. As a matter of fact, shoppers compared them to wearing slippers; one wrote, “My feet are so happy. My first day wearing them, I walked close to 5 miles and didn’t have a single issue.” They’re offered in four colors and sizes range from 5 to 11. 

Sleek Jumpsuits

Since I’m a huge fan of the Spanx washable Carefree Crepe capsule collection for refined travel suiting, I had to try the brand’s AirEssentials Jumpsuit when it first came out. I love it for its versatility and packability. Made with a fine-knit blend that delivers generous four-way stretch, this flattering item is perfect for a day of adventuring or a night of dinner and drinks. The soft, drapey material is figure-flattering and keeps you cool on hot days, but can be dressed up with the right shoes and a cropped blazer when needed. It’s available in three colors, from XS to 3XL, and three inseams (regular, petite, and tall). On a budget? Then check out this version at Amazon, which is $37 and comes in 14 colors.

Nautical Stripes

Nautical-striped tops add elegance and pop to any outfit, so they’re definitely on the packing list for my 2024 trips. This one is especially nice because it’s short-sleeved and lightweight in addition to being soft and breathable. Plus, you can style this with a pair of cut-off denim shorts, a pair of khakis, or even a skirt. I’m also a fan of this sweater tee, which is also available at Amazon; I love the classic navy colorway while the beige comes in at a close second. Neutral colors are my favorite because they’re so versatile and always match everything. 

Tiered Midi Dresses

Looking for a dress to stay cool and look chic on hot summer days? Look no further because this Zesica dress is so comfortable and on-trend. The smocked waist and flutter sleeves offer feminine details while ensuring a flattering silhouette without feeling restrictive. I also like that it has two side pockets, which makes it a practical dress to wear on vacations. And, it’s available in 28 colors to suit any wardrobe or itinerary. 

Oversized Tote Bags

Although my favorite everyday tote is Everlane’s Luxe Medium Italian Leather Tote, I also like this generous-sized one from Bagsmart for traveling. It’s incredibly practical because it holds a lot and even doubles as a personal item when flying. Made with lightweight quilted nylon, the bag’s interior features a padded pocket that fits a 15.6-inch laptop, a spacious main compartment, and two side pockets. There are also side straps that will hold a yoga mat as well, so it also makes a great gym bag. It’s available in seven colors, but my favorite is black because it’s just so sleek. 

Crescent Crossbody Bags

Don’t be surprised if you see travelers carrying crescent bags this summer. Instead, join them by adding ones like the buckled Sunlight Leaves and dual-toned Bostanten, both available at Amazon, to your cart. I have the Strathberry Crescent Satchel Bag in my rotation, and I adore it for visiting big cities because it’s super sleek and can hold quite a lot of items; I can fit my iPhone, wallet, makeup bag, and a small notebook. The interior pocket is great for organizing small things like receipts and airline or concert tickets.

Slip Skirts

This slip skirt from Everlane is the ultimate summer staple. It comes in two colors and features an A-line silhouette with a center front peek-a-boo slit. The subtle jacquard stripe lends a novelty statement without being over the top, allowing it to pair with both solid and printed tops. Made with FSC-certified viscose and recycled polyester, it’s breathable and resistant to wrinkles, making it the ideal travel piece. 

Wrap Tops

Aday carries some of my favorite travel apparel; I absolutely love the brand’s Turn It Up Pants and Like A Boss Pullover for work trips because they are both wrinkle-free and pill-resistant. So, of course, I love the That’s A Wrap Top, which checks all the boxes for trekking. What’s more, this comfortable wrinkle-free top can be worn five different ways, so it’s a winning travel essential no matter what season it is. You can catch me wearing it with a cute pair of high-rise shorts like these from Carve Designs, but it also works well as a cute shrug. 

Athleisure Jackets

Contrary to popular opinion, jackets are summer-appropriate, especially if you’re traveling somewhere chilly (or like to hit the trails or city streets early before the sun’s at its peak). That’s why I always have a lightweight athleisure-style jacket like Aritzia’s Golden Canyon Jacket on my packing list. But, if you want hue options, then the Lululemon Always Effortless Jacket needs to be on your radar. Available in seven colors, the water-repellant jacket is functional, packable, and stylish. It’s stowable hood, soft lining, pockets, airflow panel, and cinchable hem also seal the deal. 

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