9 Elevated Casual Spring Travel Essentials

I like to travel in comfort, but I also want to look stylish and put together while I’m on the go. I’ve learned to pack and wear a few key pieces that help me put together stylish vacation outfits that also feel good and travel well. Whether you’re planning for a road trip or packing for a flight this spring, include these elevated, casual spring travel essentials for guaranteed good style.

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Spring Travel Essential No. 1 – Multi-Functional Blazer

I always travel with a blazer, and I prefer to wear it on the plane because I know I’ll look more put together for whatever we do after arriving at our destination—whether we check into our lodging or head straight to dinner. The blazer needs to be super comfortable, but also multi-functional with the other items in my suitcase.

This Talbots AirKnit stretch blazer fits the bill perfectly. The soft double-knit fabric provides breathable four-way stretch with the perfect lightweight drape. And the removable full-zip hoodie attachment ensures great functionality, taking the classic navy jacket from polished to more casual so easily.

Spring Travel Essential No. 2 – Comfortable, Polished Travel Pants

Very rarely do I travel in jeans. Usually I prefer to travel in pants with an elasticized waistband and no hardware (snaps, buttons or zippers) at the waist. Of course these pants need to be comfortable and move easily with me, but I still want them to look more presentable than leggings or athletic joggers.

These straight leg cuff pants from Talbots feature that same AirKnit soft fabric as the blazer, so I can literally travel in them all day and/or night and feel comfortable, but also polished. They don’t wrinkle with wear, and there’s no binding or irritating hardware to deal with. They also have roomy side pockets, which is another plus.

By the way, everything I’m showing today runs true to size. I generally wear a misses medium at Talbots, and that’s what I’m wearing in everything you see. I love recommending Talbots to my readers because they are size inclusive with fits available for petite, misses, plus and plus petites. And in many items, their sizes range from extra small to extra large and 2 to 18.

Spring Travel Essential No. 3 – Versatile Solid T-Shirts

While I love a good button-up shirt (more on that in a bit!), I lean into versatile, easy-to-pair solid t-shirts when I travel. I can count on them to be comfortable, mix and match effortlessly and provide great wearability since they don’t generally wrinkle and they launder easily.

In these outfits I’m wearing the bateau neck tee with 3/4 length sleeves, shown above in Derry green, and the Pima cotton crewneck tee with short sleeves in indigo blue. The bateau neck tee comes in a dozen colors, so you’re sure to find a few that work with your travel capsule. And the Pima cotton crewneck tee is also available in classic black and white.

Spring Travel Essential No. 4 – White Jeans

It may sound a little unconventional – and a little risky to some readers – but I always prefer to have a pair of white jeans in my spring travel wardrobe. That way I can get a completely different look when I wear them with the jackets and tops I’ve packed. To me, blue jeans would yield that same look that I’m getting with my navy travel pants. But with the white jeans, my tees and jackets will completely fresh.

Talbots is one of my favorite stores for jeans that fit a woman’s body. And I find that Talbots also does a great job of creating denim styles that wear well, look classic but also have a modern vibe. These slim straight ankle jeans will play a big role in my spring and summer wardrobe.

They fit true to size; I’m wearing my usual 10, but I’m losing weight and will probably need an 8 shortly. I especially like that these white jeans feature a dense denim that does not reveal cellulite or panty lines. Finally, I do prefer an ankle length jean when traveling because they will pair easily with any shoes I might pack, including sneakers, loafers, ballet flats, sandals or even heels.

Spring Travel Essential No. 5 – Slip-On Flats

While I might pack some strappy sandals or heels for my trip, too, I always take along or wear a pair of comfortable slip-on flats. This gives me a second pair of shoes that I can wear while traveling as well as touring. And if you’re doing a lot of walking, it’s important to have a second pair of shoes to change into. This simple practice will help prevent blisters and sore feet.

These soft sole leather loafers from Talbots are both on trend and comfortable. They fit true to size and also come in green and navy. But I love that the Havana tan coordinates nicely with my pebble leather crossbody bag in the same hue. I don’t have it, but this leather belt also comes in the same warm brown tone.

Spring Travel Essential No. 6 – Denim Jacket

I never leave home for long without a denim jacket, especially spring through fall. Did you know that many trucker style denim jackets, like mine, feature an interior pocket that is perfect for storing your cell phone, passport or identification as you work your way through checking into your flight? It’s not a secure pocket, but it’s a handy place to put things as you’re traveling.

My denim jacket is still available in limited sizes from last year, but Talbots has several newer ones to choose from, including this similar jacket in the updated Isla wash. I find them to run true to size for a slightly oversized fit, which is generally desirable in a jean jacket.

Spring Travel Essential No. 7 – Modern Sneakers

I don’t go on any trip without a pair of modern sneakers. I want shoes that are both comfortable and stylish. I can wear them with jeans, my travel pants, shorts and even skirts and dresses.

I’ve been wearing my Tretorn sneakers for a couple of years now, and they are super comfortable but also very modern and sporty. I find them to run true to size. And of course the navy trim on them works beautifully with the rest of my travel ensemble. But they’re also available in white leather with silver trim.

Spring Travel Essential No. 8 – Versatile Wrap

I like to travel with a versatile wrap that I can wear as a scarf or shawl. I can use the wrap on my shoulders or lap while I’m traveling in an airconditioned space, tie it around my neck on a blustery day or drape it over my shoulders with a dress for alfresco dining.

This fringe wool wrap from Talbots is such a beautiful texture. It’s the perfect travel companion because it unfolds to 80″ x 30″ but is thin enough to tie like a scarf easily. I’m wearing it in indigo blue, but now it’s available in navy dusk and black.

Spring Travel Essential No. 9 – Button-Up Shirt

And finally, I do like to travel with a button-up shirt. Yes, I may need to steam or iron it along the way. But having a versatile button-up in my suitcase helps me to multiply outfits easily. I can wear it by itself, unbuttoned over a tee as a lightweight “jacket” or buttoned up and sandwiched between layers on a cool day.

My denim button front shirt will not wrinkle as easily as a thin cotton one. Plus it’s a little more interesting and adds nice texture to my outfits. It runs true to size and is available in misses, petite, plus and plus petite sizes extra small to extra large (up to 3x in plus sizes). This is a travel essential that will stretch your travel wardrobe with so much versatility.

Multiply Your Outfits

I’ve shown you a few outfits with my spring travel essentials, but obviously these pieces mix and match in so many more variations. Add in a packable dress like this one, some pretty heels and a few more tees, and you’re set for a great spring getaway.

I’m so grateful to Talbots for sponsoring today’s travel essentials blog post. I know so many of my readers love shopping Talbots for their modern classic styles. If you’re not already a member, be sure to join their Classic Awards program so you can earn rewards towards future purchases while you shop. I’ll be using my generous Classic Awards birthday bonus to shop this month!

And thank you for stopping in today. You can shop the items in today’s post through the highlighted links in the text above, the captions under the photos and the shopping widget below. And you can always find all of the looks I show here in my LTK Shop, which is a great place to see video footage of me modeling the outfits.