10 Substackers On How They Travel Fashionably
From airport outfits to duty-free snacks
Traveling well is an art. And I’m no pro. That’s why I brought in some very cool Substackers to give us their best tips in time for summer travel season. I just got back from 10 days in Spain in a carry on, which isn’t groundbreaking, but still pretty good. My travel outfits are pretty boring because I need every piece to punch above its weight when it comes to re-wearability.
I use this suitcase after reviewing a Rimowa for GQ and finding it a little underwhelming. I use these packing cubes and wash them every time I get home. These toiletry kits from The Millennial Decorator are the PERFECT size. This Loeffler Randall bag is bottomless and an answer to prayers. Enough about me, let’s hear from our very esteemed panel of guests on what tricks make travel dreamy for them.
Joanna Goddard, Big Salad
Pro travel uniform: My family lives far away, so I've become a pro at taking long flights. My favorite outfit: the babaa merino wool set (top + bottom). It's soooo soft and comfy, but you don't feel like you're wearing sweats. I wear the set all the time in regular life, too, but am extra grateful for it on planes.
Jo’s go-tos: I like Folkloore pajamas and Sézane jeans, but most of all, I love my Warby Parker's Carrick glasses with transition lenses. I get compliments on them wherever I go, they protect my eyes from sun damage, and I don't have to swap between glasses and sunglasses. Win/win/win.
Ella Henry, Gut Feelings
Flights that fly by: I love a good thriller/mystery/page turner on the plane because it makes the time go by sooooo quickly. I have finished a good amount of books on plane rides and they have been the most joyful traveling experiences. I also download a 528HZ playlist and listen to that through my wired headphones the whole time. So peaceful.
Routines on the road: I know this probably sounds weird but I love bringing my own pillowcase. I use linen pillowcases at home and it’s super nice being able to put my own pillowcase on if I am staying in an unknown place like a hotel or air bnb. If I am staying with fam or at a friends though I usually don’t do that.
I always bring my own matcha wherever I go. It is a staple in my routine at home, so it keeps me grounded wherever I am. It’s so nice to be able to wake up and make my matcha from anywhere. Plus — extra bonus that it is filled with incredible benefits that help reduce any jet-lag or travel inflammation. (EV note: Use code ELLA10)
Sofia Corbo, Sofimissimi
Her airport outfit: I aim for middle ground between practical and chic. I was raised with a strict no-sweats-outside-the-house ruling, so jeans are always my base. Go-to's are vintage 501s (my perfect pair found at Sorbera's) or Still Here Cool Jeans in black. I'm usually in light layers on top - Intimissimi long sleeves doubled up, or my fave Alex Mill knit with a tee underneath. Topped with my bulkiest coat I can't pack, or my most favourite DUNST Suede Jacket. I live for a good airport look, truly. It screams undone glamour - especially when it's inherently casual.
Items that make Sofia feel at home: TMD (personalized) cosmetic pouches make me feel at home, and rather ladylike. Inside you'll find peppermint tea, that viral silk sleep mask thing (it works), and a red light mask for waking up. Can you tell I'm an overpacker?
Monica Mendal, So there's this place...
On staying cozy: Comfort all the way baby. But let me be clear: you will never see me wearing leggings or sweatpants at the airport or probably anywhere outside of my house unless I'm working out, at least not the traditional kind of sweatpants. I've mastered the art of elevated basics... it's my whole vibe always! I have tons of chic comfy pants that I wear for travel and in my daily life, in general. Leset, Donni, Attersee, High Sport are a few of my favorite brands for that, and honestly I have tons of similar styles from Zara and Mango that have lasted me a while.) Then usually just a simple cotton tee and a pullover sweater. But I reaaally never board a plane without my White + Warren cashmere travel wrap.
Mallory Goldman, Catching Up
Streamlined style: I love doing a monochromatic look. It's effortless, comfortable, and surprisingly chic, if I do say so myself.
How she spends her flight time: Wrestling with my rambunctious 9-month-old! When I'm traveling solo, I’m usually reading on my kindle and soaking up the quiet time. I also like to clean up my camera roll.
Nicole Berrie, The Bonberi Bulletin
Snack queen: I usually do a big haul at Bonberi Mart, because I don't love the snacks at the airport. It depends how long the flight is but my go-tos are: dried organic mango, the tempeh caesar from Bonberi Mart and some sort of seed cracker.
An unexpected approach to flights: I'm one of those weird raw dog flyers. I can't watch movies or have the attention span for a book so I'll probably meditate with one of my saved songs, edit videos and just sit. I know, kind of crazy.
Anna Newton, The Wardrobe Edit
Her snack philosophy: I believe in the Holy Trinity of salty, chocolatey and fruity. So some kind of salt-heavy crisp variety, a pack of chocolate buttons and gummy sweets. I’m a sucker for a Swedish fish.
Must-pack items: Pyjamas. Even if I’m going somewhere warm I’ll still pack something cosy because AC can be *chilly* and there’s nothing better than plonking yourself down with a book in a big ol’ bed in your comfies. Something like the DONNI Baby Rib Scallop Pants and a SKIMS Boyfriend tee - they don’t take up too much space.
Joyce Lee, TIME LESS
Easy breezy: I usually wear a form of pull on pants (I love the striped cotton pants from my recent collection), as they are comfy and easy, but these pants are also transitional - I love a piece that has versatility. They look just as cute with a sneaker or loafer, or rolled up with sandals for warmer weather. They do have pockets! And always a comfy tee and then either a sweatshirt or cotton sweater layer on top.
Tori Simokov, Window Seat
Take it from a pro: I pride myself in looking put together during a flight, so I like an airport outfit that is a good blend of chic yet comfortable. My most airport recent outfit consisted of black trousers, a white long sleeve tee, brown suede loafers, and a trench coat. If I were on a longer flight I would have brought a crewneck sweater to have an additional layer because I usually get cold on planes.
Creature comforts: I don't drink coffee, so I always pack my favorite decaf tea—English Chamomile by Harney & Sons. I reach for it whether I need something to drink while I'm out or at the hotel after a long day.
Phoebe Fry, The Dish
Work/life: I cook and write about food for a living, so you might expect that I pack a sophisticated spread of snacks. Alas, the opposite is true: you’ll find me at Hudson News, buying Cheez-Its and peanut M&Ms along with a magazine or two. However! I aspire to pack a baguette sandwich, a clementine, and a lovely bar of dark chocolate, so maybe one day that will be my answer. Oh, and I never forget to bring an empty water bottle to fill up at the airport because I hate buying bottled water.
Travel uniform: For a long flight, I go for pure comfort: sweatpants, a cozy sweater, and thick socks (Darn Tough and Le Bon Shoppe are my go-tos). If it’s a short flight, I’m more likely to wear something slightly more put-together (though still comfy), so I can hit the ground running when I arrive. For me, that might be a pair of well-fitting jeans, a fun shirt (here, I’m wearing a jersey for my brother’s soccer team), and a layer tied around my waist in case the plane gets chilly. Plus, black leather loafers — they’re a great airport shoe: elegant, durable, and easy to slide off at security.
Honorable Mentions
We’re moving at some point this year and on my vision board is hiring Have Better Not More to organize my closet and then writing a letter all about it.
Chic see through stadium bags—an oxymoron? Maybe. Until now. This brand is kind of blowing my mind.
Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, and shop my Notion template. Get matched at EV Salon. And if you want to partner on a future Long Live, email evan@communite.co x
I’d love to see this but with everyone’s travel gear / tech! What suitcase and personal item is everyone using! How do you organize it! What’s in my bag personal item edition! This is my dream!
love - i am always dreaming of a huge listicle of airport outfits