Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. A pair of high-waisted palazzo pants you'll be tempted to wear every. single. day. of your trip as they're just that freaking comfy. Reviewers also say they're super breathable and surprisingly wrinkle resistant.
2. A two-piece tank top and shorts set so you don't have to put any thought into putting a matching outfit together — the work has been done for you!
Promising review: "I got so many compliments when wearing this set on vacation in Hawaii! The top is very comfortable and cropped at just the right length. The shorts were a little see through, but for the price they were very comfortable." —Courtney Smith
Get it from Amazon for $33.98 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 13 colors/patterns).
3. A padded tank that 1) looks incredibly cute and 2) eliminates the need for a bra.
Promising review: "I was so skeptical of buying these, as I’m not a crop top kind of gal and don’t trust built in bras! These shirts are magic. I bought two colors. I wore one to a theme park and it held me in and kept me comfy ALL DAY. I can’t recommend these enough for traveling, lounging, and everyday wear." —Nikki
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 25 colors).
4. Or, if you want to support a small biz, a crewneck brami — AKA a 2-in-1 bra top — so you can still ditch your usual underwire but still get alllll the support you need.
Klassy Network is a woman-founded small biz from Natalie Rogers. Each of the brand's brami tops is designed with removable padding and you can even buy extras if you need/want!
Check it out on TikTok here!
Promising review: "Love this top so much! The medium fits perfectly! I was expecting the thin pads similar to what is in a swimsuit or sports bra, but these pads feel more like an actual bra and gives good coverage and support! The length hits perfect. 👌 10/10 would recommend" —Heather K.
And here's more from former BuzzFeeder Chantel Turner who's a big fan!:
"I wish that every top I owned was a Brami top so I could trash all of my traditional bras. I own a few of their shirts in different styles and they are absolutely amazing! Somehow the shirts provide the support of a bra without you having to actually wear a bra. It feels extremely comfortable. The fabric is soft and very well made. I truly do wish that there was a way to apply this fabulous non-bra bra technology to every single blouse."
Get it from Klassy Network for $40 (available in women's sizes XXS–3XL and in four colors).
5. A silky satin midi skirt with a silhouette that says "chic" and an elastic waistband that says "I'll give your most comfortable sweats a go."
6. A cropped quarter-zip hoodie if you LOVE blasting the AC in your hotel, so you need an extra layer to keep you cozy.
Promising review: "No joke, this is the best sweatshirt I own. I have it in three colors and the tan is my favorite. It’s a little baggy, which I love. I also find it to be super comfy and great quality. I have probably worn it 100 times and it shows no sign of wear. In fact, typing this makes me think I should go buy another one." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 14 colors).
7. A pair of cropped, feather-light pants that do 👏 not 👏 wrinkle 👏, offer UPF 50+ protection, and dry in a flash in case you need to wash 'em in the sink before the next leg of your trip.
I have these in black and they are my go-to pants for travel days — especially ones that involve flying. The wide-leg design/silky fabric is ultra-comfortable, the pockets are large enough for smartphones, boarding passes, and passports, and the elastic waist/drawstring sitch guarantees there's no pinching or bagging even if you're sitting and/or standing for an incomprehensible amount of time. The sides also have some subtle darting that take them up a notch in the ~fashun~ department.
Promising review: "I can't think of anything I don't like about this pant. The material is wonderful and easy to care for. I like the crop as you can so easily dress them up or down. I have found traveling with two pairs of these, four or five tees, a wrap, a pair of sandals and flats, and wearing sneakers I can be gone for a week in a carry-on only. Couldn't live without them." —LaVon V
Get them from Athleta for $89 (available in women's sizes 0–26 regular, tall, and petite, and in three colors).
8. A plain white Madewell tee you can wear again and again and again because there's really no wrong way to pair it. Like seriously, I'd like to see an outfit it doesn't make sense with??
9. Or a geometric tee that works just like any regular ol' tee but with ✨a little extra spice ✨in the form of a cutout.
Marcella is a New York–based small business that describes its ethically and sustainably made designs as "minimalism with edge."
Promising review: "Purchased in white and I love the cutout detailing. Simple yet makes me feel put together and like I put in effort without really trying." —Antoinette M.
Get it from Marcella for $65 (available in sizes XS–XXXL and in two colors).
10. A Pashmina scarf ready to be fashioned into a blanket or pillow when flying; a wrap when you're cold or need something modest for visiting cultural sites like temples; or even a shield from the sun as it offers UPF 50+ protection!
PS: Happyluxe is a small biz!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this wrap!! It is the perfect weight and size for travel. It didn't leave my side on an 11 day backpack trip through Europe and was used as a scarf, blanket, towel, and wrap all throughout the trip. Fashionable enough to dress up a basic travel day outfit, warm enough to keep away a chill on a cooler night, and light enough to pack away small into a bag or tie around a purse strap. I can't say enough great things! I am buying these as gifts for everyone I know that travels." —Jenn
Get it from Amazon for $46+ (available in nine colors).
11. Some budget-friendly high-waisted leggings if you've sworn off jeans and any other bottoms without at least 5% spandex.
Promising review: "If you’re on the fence about buying these leggings, DO IT. I bought a black pair to see how they’d fit and let me tell you! I have wide hips, big thighs, and a large behind, and these leggings fit perfectly! Even better, THEY ARE NOT SEE-THROUGH when I bend over!! I’ve *never* found leggings that weren’t sheer when I bent over before! I bought eight more in different colors and they all are the same quality! I love them so much that over a year later I bought two more black pairs!! I recommend these leggings to everyone. I swear I wear these to work three times a week, at least. I love them!!" —hali howard
Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's standard and plus size, three lengths, and 25 colors/patterns).
12. A Levi's denim jacket that I won't even waste your time explaining. You and I both KNOW there's nothing more versatile.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this jacket!!! It goes with just about everything, and is comfortable. I went up a size after reading some of the reviews, and that worked out well for me. The length of the jacket is also a nice feature, it hits right about the hip, and is not a midriff. I'm really glad I ordered this jacket, it's so cute, and I know it will last a lifetime, Levi's makes the best denim wear as far as I'm concerned." —Jo Packer
Get it from Amazon for $40.26+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 1X–4X and in nine washes).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give this a spin before you buy it!
13. A two-piece lounge set you're certain to feel comfy and pulled together in because getting up at the crack of dawn for a 5 a.m. flight is *not* your forte but it did save you a pretty penny.
Promising review: "I highly recommend this wonderful outfit. I ordered two sets but now that I've received them, I'm gonna have to order more colors. I can't get over how super cozy and warm they are." —Betibu
Get it from Amazon for $54.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 16 colors and patterns).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give this a spin before you buy it!
14. A pair of handmade huaraches with all the airflow of a sandal, but also the benefit of a closed-toe design if you have any vacation activities in mind that are more intense than suntanning on the beach. (Zip lining, anyone?)
Macarena Collection is a Buena Park, California–based small biz with all sorts of Mexican-made leather sandals, embroidered Huipil shirts, and home goods.
BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has a very similar pair from the same small biz and here's what she has to say:
"I swear, these are the comfiest shoes I've ever worn straight out of the box. On my first day of wearing them, I walked about 40 city blocks with no pain, blistering, or rubbing. Zilch! I basically live in them now and, it turns out, they match with basically everything I wear. I most recently wore them on a day trip to Malacca, Malaysia. I walked all over Jonker Street in search of rice balls and baba cendol, and up a grueling hill to see the ruins of St. Paul's Church. Despite it feeling about 1000% humidity, these sandals kept my feet cool and comfy for hours and hours...like they always do!"
Promising review: "I am loving these shoes! They are high quality, super comfortable and go with anything. I bought them in both black and brown and have been wearing them daily!!!! I would recommend them to anyone. I read the reviews before I bought them and bought a half size smaller then I normally wear. They fit perfectly." —Sarah Niegocki
Get them from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $46.49 (originally $54.99; available in sizes 5–10).
15. A classic London Fog trench you can throw on over anything and immediately look like you belong in whatever European city you're visiting.
Promising review: "This trench coat is well constructed and very high quality. It looks great over formal attire but can also elevate a casual look. It has a slightly loose fit, as expected with this style, but can be cinched with the belt. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for spring or fall. Just enough to cut the chill and keep you dry in the rain, but not overly warm. This is my second LF trench, the first had a plaid flannel lining which — while very soft and pretty — always made me sweat. This one is perfect!!" —Ash
Get it from Amazon for $102.94 (available in two colors and sizes XS–3X).
16. A stylish midi tank dress with straps wide enough to hide your bra so you don't have to waste any room packing a strapless option you absolutely detest wearing anyways.
Promising review: "I was a bit skeptical about buying a bodycon dress from an unknown...but am soooo glad I did. The fit is amazing. I can dress it up or down (think New Year's Eve, or a beach party). It is really that cool and versatile... This is an all-season, all-event dress... This dress will work for a variety of body shapes. Cons: Sorry, can't think of any." —Susan R.
Get it from Amazon for $25.50+ (available in sizes XXS–5X and in 11 colors).
17. A classic crewneck sweater that just the lightweight layer everyone needs when traveling. And best of all, when people ask about it, you get to say "it's cashmere!!!" but also "and it only cost $50!!!"
Promising review: "Can’t believe the price for such soft high quality cashmere. Will buy many more!" —Deborah G.
Get it from Quince for $50 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 22 colors).
18. An oversized hoodie with a built-in sleep mask that ensures some quality shut eye whether you're traveling by plane, train, or automobile (most likely Lyft or Uber...).
BTW, Pond Los Angeles is a woman- and Asian American-owned brand based in sunny California.
Promising review: "I fly a lot and am constantly trying to find a hoodie with a big hood to cover my eyes so I can catch up on some beauty sleep on the plane. I saw this product on Instagram and knew it would be a game-changer. I was able to use it recently for the first time on an early morning flight, and let me tell you, it is EVERYTHING I was looking for and more. It’s comfy, cozy, oversized, and the eye covers make you feel like you’re in a whole other world and not packed like a sardine on a plane. My over-ear headphone fit perfectly under it, and I got the best sleep I’ve had on a plane — EVER! Like other reviews have said, it is big, so size down if you want something a little more snug. It’s a little big, but I love my stuff oversized, so I am fine. I have been wearing it every day at home and can’t wait to get the black and blush one!" —Heather G.
Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $102.40 (originally $128; available in women's sizes XS–XL and in five colors).
19. A seriously *stunning* slip dress you can gussy up or tone down. Wear it with heels and you've got yourself an evening dress, or pair it with a leather jacket and ankle boots for an impossibly cool city slicker look.
Promising review: "Love this dress so much. It’s like wearing a satin nightgown but out in public. I pair a tank top over it and sneakers for a casual look. The slits are sexy without being overtly sexy and the material just hugs my curves with enough room to still move about." —Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $43+ (available in sizes XXS–5X and 26 colors).
Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it!
20. A pair of Levi's Ribcage jeans that go where no low-rise jean has ever gone before — up, up, up past your bellybutton.
Promising review: "Bought these for both my daughter and me, and they look great on both of us!!! They’re extremely comfortable and they stretch just enough. The quality is exactly what you expect from Levi’s. We purchased three pairs in total and plan on purchasing more in other colors." —Lulu Herrera
Get them from Amazon for $55.51+ (available in sizes 16–32 Standard and 35–39 Plus and in 13 washes).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give these a spin before you buy them!
21. Or a pair of pull-on skinny jeans if you're someone who doesn't like leaving the house in something that could be considered loungewear but you do want to *feel* like you're wearing loungewear nonetheless.
Promising review: "OK, I'm not going to lie. I was skeptical about these pants. I hate buying clothes online without trying them on first, but the reviews here said that they run true to size, so I trusted them. I am SO GLAD that I did. These pants are everything I ever wanted. Make my butt look cute? Check. No nasty zipper to dig into my gut? Check. Perfect length for any season? Check. I can wear these with a cute blouse as a teacher, and still look professional, while still being comfortable. I feel comfortable wearing these basically any time, and I think that if you're lacking a pair of them and thinking about it, you should go get a pair. They're AMAZING." —AlySedai
Get them from Amazon for $14.01+ (available in sizes 2–28, in three lengths, and 18 washes).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
22. Thesus Weekend Boots — the ideal choice for adventure travelers everywhere thanks to their seam-sealed water-resistant upper, anti-slip rubber lug sole, and temperature-control lining. While they're perf for hikes and other demanding activities, the versatile design lends itself just as well to brunch, window shopping, and putzing around town.
These boots generally fit true to size, but if you plan on wearing thicker socks or if you're between sizes, it's recommended to size up.
Thesus is a mission-driven, Ontario, Canada-based small biz creating outdoor footwear that's easy on the planet, the eyes, and your feet! Their materials are 90% sustainable and traceable — and they're working toward 100%. This brand is all about the details, taking years to develop each collection, and traveling the globe to seek out the best materials for the health of both people and the planet.
Promising review: "I took these hiking in the Rockies and they held up very well. The thicker sole also helped cushion my feet from rocky terrain. They look good too!" —Alice
Get it from Thesus for $198 (available in EU sizes 36–46 and 14 colors).
23. A simple V-neck blouse with a rounded hemline and chic, crinkled fabric reviewers say does not wrinkle because if all my fave travel tops have one thing in common, it's definitely that.
24. A simple flat that's easy to slip on and off at the airport and takes up next to no room in your bag so you can go ahead and pack that sweater that you def won't need on your Caribbean trip but... like... what if you do and then you regret not bringing it??
Those 46,000+ 5-star ratings don't lie!
Promising review: "I normally cannot wear flats because they give me terrible blisters on the back of my feet. These didn't! Bought these in nude for a city vacation with a lot of walking, but where sandals aren't necessarily worn, and these were perfect! They obviously don't have the support of sneakers, but I am so happy to finally have a cheap pair of flats that don't give me blisters. I did break them in with thin socks on around my house before wearing them out, and when possible, I wear them with little sock liners. Also — I was able to fold these in half like Tieks and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!" —Kate
Get it from Amazon for $23.15+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 20 colors).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
25. A pair of 100% European linen pants you *will* reach for day in and day out — and I say this from experience. (If you're my friend and you've seen me wear these two days in a row... no you didn't.)
I have these pants in driftwood, black, and martini olive because I just can't get enough. They're extremely comfy, wash beautifully, and deliver a low-fuss look that's still super pulled together. I find they run large, so size down if you're between sizes!
Promising review: "I loved these linen pants so much I ordered them in two colors. My go-to summer pants; they're great high-quality linen and so comfortable. Easy to dress down at the beach or wear with a tailored top or sweater out to dinner. Already thinking of how I'll style them for fall! A must-buy. Runs slightly large so size down!" —Ashley C.
Get them from Quince for $39.90 (originally $148, available in sizes XS–XL and in seven colors).
26. A trusty pair of Reebok Club C Doubles — the only shoes I'd save from a burning building if given the opportunity. They're comfy straight out of the box and they pair with literally every outfit!
You know that TikTok sound "If I like it…I'll just grab it in a different color"? These shoes are my kryptonite. I have them in four different colors and wear them with EVERYTHING whether I'm on vacation or at home. They go with skirts and dresses just as well as with jeans and they've never given me a blister!!! According to the health app on my iPhone, my most recent trip included 57 miles of walking and my feet were in tip-top shape despite walking all day, every day through four different countries. Pro tip: If you're a women's size 8 or smaller, you can get them in big kid's sizes (I'm an 8 women's, so I get a 6 in kids) and they're like half the price!!
Promising review: "They are soooo comfortable and soft on the inside I wish I’d bought them sooner. They were comfortable from the moment I put them on… didn’t even have to break them in.” —Sarahsmile
Get them from Amazon for $64.66+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 11 colors).
Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it!
27. Croc platforms that *may* just be cute enough to convert the Never Croc-er™ amongst us. They're ultra-comfortable, waterproof, and can take a serious beating, too, if you need to shove them in the exterior water bottle pouch of your backpack because you bought more souvenirs than anticipated.
I have these in all black (as pictured above) and I am OBSESSED with them. They are my go-to travel/all-day walking shoe. They have gone around the world with me and walked 20,000-step days in NYC without so much as a hint of a hint of a blister. They're super easy to get on and off, v cushy, and are impossible to stain. I had my last pair for two years and they didn't even scuff at all — I had just completely worn off the soles so it was time to replace them.
Promising review: "These sandals are a game-changer. One of my friends got a pair and I thought they were the cutest shoes ever, I did a double-take when she told me they were Crocs. Really? That ugly clog-making company? Well, call me a Crocs convert because I want a pair in every color. I’ll die in these shoes because I’m never going to take them off. It feels like you’re walking on clouds, they’re so comfortable and supportive. The gradual platform looks edgy but is super easy to walk in — I can still run after my toddler all day. These elevated sandals have changed me life. They go with everything — jeans, shorts, dresses. Buy the shoes, guys." —oh no
Get them from Amazon for $39.55+ (available in sizes 4–11 and in 19 colors/patterns; check out additional colors here).
28. A ruched bodycon dress with a simple silhouette made more exciting by adjustable ties. Slip on some color-coordinated sandals or chunky sneakers and you're all done, bb!
Promising review: "This thing fits like a dream! I am a pretty 'chesty' person so dresses can sometimes be hit or miss. But this is perfect. I did size down and it fit me perfectly. 10/10. I’m buying more colors too." —Ashley Patterson
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 12 colors).
29. Some bike shorts you can wear on hikes, to the gym, or under dresses and skirts as an anti-chafing measure because your vacation average of 20,000 steps a day is no joke!
Promising review: "These are perfect! Exactly how I want my gym shorts to fit right now. This fabric is amazing and the rise is perfect for my pregnant growing belly. Inseam is perfect. Love that there’s no logos. The green is sooooooo luxurious. Love it." —Nick
Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL, in three lengths and 45 colors).
30. A tiered maxi dress so comfortable and easy to wear, you will do the sniff test on it to see how many more times you can wear it before washing.
Promising review: "Love the adjustable straps, pockets, and light brushed canvas feel of the dress. Does show sweat stains pretty quickly, but I’ll be buying a darker color for hot mom summer." —Modern Day Moguls
Get it from Amazon for $59.90+ (available in sizes XXS–5X and in 20 colors).
31. A pair of flexible Birkenstock Essentials sandals that can be shoved in the last few inches of carry-on space you have without worrying about irreversibly damaging their form.
32. A smart button-down maxi if your usual go-to is an oversized men's shirt and lived-in jeans. Look, when it's freakin' humid out, reaching for denim just isn't an option.
Promising review: "Amazing! Simple, yet beautiful. The pockets are a wee bit high, but I am pretty tall. I have the blue and plan to order a couple more. This dress will be beautiful dry cleaned. It looks very expensive, but it's less than 30 bucks! This dress is going to have a lot of fun with me!" —Zippy
Get it from Amazon for $29.88 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 21 colors).
33. And a Hackwith Design House shirt that can be worn ~six~ different ways so you can pack a capsule wardrobe and not have to lug around a large checked bag.
Hackwith Design House is a small, woman-owned business. Their sustainable designs are made to order and sewn in their Minnesota studio. Their sizes run from XS–4X. On Mondays, they also release limited-edition designs so you can be one of only 25 people to own a piece!
I have this shirt and I *love* it. All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca who I happened to stumble across on my FYP. It checks all my boxes: black, comfortable, versatile, and durable. My initial worry was that I wouldn't feel secure in it (I have a 38DD chest and most wrap tops/dresses I've tried haven't stayed where they're supposed to), but I haven't had an issue with this! I've worn it tied in the front giving me a square neck (like the middle picture) and tied in the back giving me a V-neck up front (just like the photo on the right) — both were super comfortable and I didn't have to adjust myself at all. As someone whose weight fluctuates, I also appreciate that this piece can handle pounds gained and lost. The fabric is medium weight so I'll be wearing it season to season and there's just enough elasticity in the arms that if you roll up your sleeves, they won't fall back down. All that is to say trust that I will be buying additional colors!
Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in five colors).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.