8 Best Spring Outfit Travel Clothes Staples

As a shopping writer, I pay extra attention to fashion trends. Whether it’s scrolling through pages of new fashion arrivals or keeping an eye out for emerging styles as I walk around NYC, I’m always on the hunt for trendy staple pieces that are easy to re-wear throughout the season. 

Small swaps can make a big difference: Replace last year’s jeans for a fresher style, and the most basic outfit will feel much more current. This spring, I’m making some pivotal swaps in my wardrobe, especially when it comes to the clothes I’m traveling with. Keep reading for outdated spring trends I’m retiring — and what I’m shopping instead, including pieces from Amazon, Nordstrom, Madewell, and J.Crew starting at just $20. 

Skip: Wide-leg Jeans

Instead Buy: Relaxed Fit Jeans

Wide-leg jeans have been in my closet for years, but this spring, I’m swapping out the style for something a bit less dramatic. I’ve been shopping for relaxed jeans that are slightly more fitted, whether they be straight-leg, barrel-leg, or bootcut — these styles are typically comfortable enough for all-day wear, too. Grab a pair of your new favorite comfortable jeans for travel below, starting at $40.

• Gap Mid-rise Easy ‘90s Loose Jeans, $80 
• Levi’s Ribcage Straight Jeans, $70 (originally $80)
• Free People Aster Seamed Relaxed Straight Jeans, $98
• J.Crew Slouchy Distressed Jeans, $100 (originally $158)
• Frame The Arrow High-waist Relaxed Bootcut Jeans, $278
• Madewell The Dean Easy Straight Jean, $148
• Levi’s Wedgie Bootcut Jeans, $98
• Grapent Flare Stretch Jeans, $40
• Flying Banana High-waisted Baggy Jeans, $42 (originally $46)
• Madewell The Darted Barrel-leg Jean, $148

Madewell The Darted Barrel-leg Jean

Skip: White Sneakers

Instead Buy: Colorful Sneakers

Just when we thought white sneakers would never go out of style, colorful sneakers began to dominate the fashion landscape. I recently added an acid green shoe to my wardrobe, and I’ve been surprised by how versatile they are. Whether you reach for the popular and bold Adidas Samba OG Shoes or something a bit safer that has just a touch of color — like the Veja Esplar Sneaker in Kiwi or Safran — these shoes will add so much interest to your capsule wardrobe. 

• Adidas Samba OG Shoes, $100
• Adidas Gazelle Bold Platform Sneaker, $120 
• Puma Palermo Sneaker, $80
• Veja Esplar Sneaker, $150 
• Hoka Kawana 2 Running Shoe, $140
• Aldo Elrig Low-top Sneaker, $90
• Alohas Tb.490 Rife Leather Sneakers, $190
• Tretorn Rawlins Lace-up Sneakers, $60 (originally $65) 
• Lucky Step Retro Sneakers, $37 
• Cariuma OCA Low Canvas Sneakers, $89

Cariuma OCA Low Canvas Sneakers

Skip: Rosettes

Instead Buy: Classic florals

Rosettes had their moment, and honestly, I’m still a fan of floral appliqués. But if, like me, you think the trend is starting to feel a bit dated, it might be time to turn back to basics. This season, I’m investing in classic floral dresses, tops, and more styles that will look on-trend for years to come. In fact, some of these items are nearly identical to those that have been in my closet for years, like the Gap Linen-blend Maxi Slip Dress and the Avanova Bohemian Midi Skirt. I’m packing these timeless pieces for my upcoming spring vacation, and prices start at just $22. 

• Gap Linen-blend Maxi Slip Dress, $78 (originally $98)
• Madewell Ruched Scoopneck Side Slit Midi Dress, $118 with code MADEBETTER (originally $158)
• Gap Sweetheart Crepe Maxi Dress, $53 (originally $90)
• Topshop Floral Boat Neck Long-sleeve Top, $50
• Pilcro Keira Collared Button-front Blouse, $80 (originally $118)
• Free People Astra Floral Print Top, $78
• Zeagoo Cotton Collared Blouse, $24 with on-site coupon (originally $27)
• Avanova Bohemian Midi Skirt, $29 
• Dokotoo Ruffle Long-sleeve Shirt, $22 with on-site coupon (originally $28)
• Ykr Floral Quilted Jacket, $27 with on-site coupon (originally $40) 

Ykr Floral Quilted Jacket

Skip: Ballet Flats

Instead Buy: Mesh Ballet Flats

Okay, I’m not exactly “skipping” ballet flats, but I’m definitely throwing a more interesting pair in my rotation. Last summer, I saw so many fashionable people wearing mesh flats in New York City — and they’re about to be even more popular. Unlike typical ballet flats, these breathable shoes won’t make your feet overheat when visiting warm destinations. Opt for a more timeless look with the woven Vicenza Ballet Flats, or embrace ‘90s nostalgia in the Coconuts by Matisse Marlow Jelly Flat. You’ll find me on vacay wearing this style to the beach, pool, and running errands — and you can get in on the trend from just $20. 

• Gap Mesh Mary Jane Flats, $60
• A New Day Women’s Issa Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats, $35
• Jeffrey Campbell Jellz Slip-on Flats, $50
• Cushionaire Weston Woven Mary Jane Flat, $70
• Aldo Joselia Flats, $85
• Doeyg Mesh Ballet Flats, $43 with on-site coupon (originally $50)
• Wild Fable Isabella Jelly Flats, $20 
• Coconuts by Matisse Marlow Jelly Flats, $40
• Vicenza Woven Ballet Flats, $200
• Universal Thread Sylvia Woven Mary Jane Ballet Flats, $35

Universal Thread Sylvia Woven Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Skip: Cut-off Shorts

Instead Buy: Tailored Shorts

“Corporatecore” is in, which means tailoring and refined silhouettes are no longer restricted to officewear. This spring, I’m embracing the trend by saying goodbye to laidback cutoff shorts and shopping more elevated silhouettes. My favorite denim styles of the season include the Madewell Pleated Denim Trouser Short and Aritzia The ‘90s Vintage Bermuda Denim Short. Looking for something dressier? You can get expensive-looking shorts for less with the Gap 365 High-rise Linen-blend Shorts and The Drop Rios Relaxed Pleated Shorts. Shop these on-trend picks from $25, below. 

• Madewell Pleated Denim Trouser Short, $98
• Mango High Waist Denim Shorts, $50
• Aritzia The ‘90s Vintage Bermuda Denim Short, $78
• Aritzia The Effortless Linen Mid-length Short, $98
• Everlane The Utility Short, $68
• Reformation Mason Short, $128
• Luvamia Dressy Bermuda Shorts, $30 
• The Drop Rios Relaxed Pleated Shorts, $25 
• Madewell The Denim Emmett Short, $78
• Gap 365 High-rise Linen-blend Shorts, $50 

Gap 365 High-rise Linen-blend Shorts

Skip: Mini Shoulder Bags

Instead Buy: Large Tote Bags

Rejoice: Big bags are back! Not only are oversized slouchy bags the perfect personal item, but they’re also ideal for beach days and long sightseeing adventures since they can fit all your day’s essentials. Throw your favorite sunglasses, sunscreen, and water bottle into one of these spacious bags, which you can snag from $23. Jump on the trend with picks like the under-$30 Hoxis Vegan Leather Slouchy Tote or the fan-favorite Cuyana Easy Leather Tote. Shop leather, suede, and straw bags, ahead. 

• Hoxis Vegan Leather Slouchy Tote, $29 
• Monrich Large Tote Bag, $23 (originally $27)
• Gap Gingham Straw Tote Bag, $70
• Melie Bianco The Brigitte Satchel, $128
• Gap Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag, $70
• Anthropologie The Love Knot Slouchy Bag, $98
• Mango Suede Shopper Bag, $100
• 8 Other Reasons Slouchy Tote, $70
• Cuyana Easy Leather Tote, $268
• Madewell Handwoven Leather Tote, $198

Madewell Handwoven Leather Tote

Skip: Long Cardigans

Instead Buy: Short Cardigans

I’m officially tucking my longer cardigans away in storage in lieu of these more fashionable shorter styles. Layer these fitted cardigans over basic tanks and tees, or button them up to wear alone. Whether you opt for cashmere, cotton, or another material, this year-round staple will pair with so many items in your closet. If you haven’t jumped on this trend yet, spring is the perfect time; it’s a great layering piece for sunny days with a bit of chill in the air. Keep reading to find solid, striped, and pointelle versions from $21. 

• Amazon Essentials Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan, $21 (originally $22)
• Anrabess Striped Cardigan, $36 (originally $43)
• Trendy Queen Cropped Cardigan, $35 (originally $40)
• Prettygarden Knit Cardigan Sweater, $39 with on-site coupon (originally $46) 
• Caslon Weekend Cardigan, $44 (originally $80)
• Caslon Stripe Wool and Cashmere Cardigan, $55 (originally $100)
• Reformation Clara Cashmere and Wool Crew Cardigan, $198
• J.Crew Pointelle Crewneck Cardigan, $50 (originally $70)
• Scalloped Merino Wool-blend Cardigan, $128
• J.Crew Fine Rib Striped Cardigan, $70

J.Crew Fine Rib Striped Cardigan

Skip: Sweatsuits 

Instead Buy: Knit Matching Sets

I love to wear matching sets when I travel, but this season I’m reaching for knit outfits rather than sweatsets. While these sets have been around for years, I’m predicting they’ll be bigger than ever this spring; they’re comfy and stylish, so you’ll feel confident from departure to arrival. The now-$52 Viottiset Knit Sweater Set is cozy enough to take on cold-weather travel, while the Petal and Pup Silvie Wide Rib Sweater Tank and Pants Set is perfect for warm-weather destinations. Shop these sets and more for a stylish and comfortable look you’ll reach for again and again. 

• Petal and Pup Silvie Wide Rib Sweater Tank and Pants Set, $99
• Illusory Oversized Knit Set, $35 with on-site coupon (originally $73)
• Free People Hailee Waffle Stitch Cardigan and Pants, $90 (originally $128)
• Viottiset Knit Sweater Set, $53 (originally $70)
• Zesica Knit Pullover Top and Wide-leg Pants Set, $52
• Aohite Knit Pullover Set, $47 with on-site coupon (originally $52)
• Topshop Thermal Stitch Sweater Vest, $50
• Topshop Thermal Stitch Sweater Pants, $50
• Gap Cashsoft Shaker-Stitch Sweater Pants, $80
• Gap Cashsoft Shaker-Stitch Crewneck Sweater, $80

Gap Cashsoft Shaker-Stitch Sweater Set 

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