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I CANNOT believe it’s fall already! I feel like I say this every year, but summer just goes by so fast. While fall weather in Los Angeles is not that different than summer, we usually travel during the fall and so I need good fall clothes for travel. My ideal pieces for fall travel are ones that pack easily {read: don’t wrinkle!}, are versatile, and great for layering. Comfort is key for me since I want to be ready for any activity from hiking, to walking the city, or long car or plane rides. Style is also majorly important to me since we take so many photos. I want to be able to look back on those photos one day and like how I looked instead of wish I changed out of my workout clothes. Here are my top 7 must have pieces for fall travel.
WARM SCARF
| Sweater | Scarf | Leggings | Booties |
A cute and warm scarf {or several} are well worth your luggage space. They can serve multiple functions such as a blanket or pillow on travel days, can help you switch up a basic outfit {meaning you can pack less}, and are the perfect layering piece since fall travel can often mean unpredictable weather. I’ve been wanting a cashmere blend for as long as I can remember and finally invested in one during a recent sale. Here are some cute, warm, and comfy options.
shop scarves
LEGGINGS
| Jacket | Sweater | Scarf (similar) | Leggings | Booties |
A good pair of leggings can take you far. You can wear them paired with a nice top and jacket out at night, with a cozy sweater to be comfy on travel days, under dresses to add some warmth and comfort, or even to workout if you’re so inclined. This is my current favorite pair {I have 4 of them}. These are my second faves. They are super comfy and high quality. I also love these for a slightly more dressed up look. They are SPANX material so they suck everything in, but the faux leather makes them look a bit fancier than regular leggings. Finally, these are workout leggings but you can get away with wearing them as regular pants since they are thick and have nice detailing.
shop leggings
COMFORTABLE BOOTS
| Dress (similar) | Vest (similar) | Boots |
Comfortable boots are ESSENTIAL for fall travel. I usually take a tall pair of brown and black boots and a pair of nude booties with me. These three pairs get me through almost every type of situation. Comfort is a major priority for me when it comes to travel shoes. We tend to walk a lot and be very active, so I never want my hurting feet to slow me down. Fortunately there are tons of comfy and cute options out there.
Pro tip: when shopping for shoes for travel, I always search the “comfort” section on Nordstrom or go to comfort brands like Naturalizer, Rockport, Clarks, and Aerosoles. It seems very granny status, but these brands have really upped their style game in the past few years.
shop boots
DRESSES
If you’ve been following us for a minute, then I’m sure you know my love affair with dresses. I wear them pretty much year around to all types of events and in all weather conditions. Here are some tips to make dresses work in the fall:
- Pick out dresses with long sleeves for some warmth
- Pair with a cozy cardigan {A dress like this looks amazing with a long cardigan}
- Layer leggings instead of tights under. It’s way warmer and oh so comfy! I’ve been able to wear dresses hiking when I style them this way
- Wear booties if the weather is mild and boots if it’s chillier
shop dresses
LEATHER JACKET
| Jacket | Dress (similar) | Booties (similar) |
A faux leather jacket pretty much always comes along with me when we travel. It’s the perfect outer layer piece and can work for so many different occasions from a casual outfit to a night out look. It’s a great investment to make, because it’ll last you for years. I have and love this one.
Pro tip: always layer a black cardigan under, no matter what you’re wearing. You won’t be able to see it under the jacket, but it’ll keep you really warm and keep you from sweating in your jacket {essential since you probably can’t dry clean it while traveling}
shop leather jackets
COZY CARDIGANS + SWEATERS
| First outfit: Sweater, Jeans, Booties | Second outfit: Sweater (similar), Skirt (similar), Boots (similar) | Third outfit: Sweater, Dress, Booties |
Cozy sweaters and cardigans are one of my favorite things about fall. There’s nothing comfier than cuddling up in a soft and cozy sweater. I’ve already stocked up on and been wearing a few really cozy options. This is my favorite light weight sweater that’s perfect for layering. It looks SO cute and subtly sexy with this bralette underneath. This is my favorite soft cardigan; I challenge you to find a softer sweater! And this one is amazing for layering over dresses.
shop cardigans + sweaters
STATEMENT COAT
| Coat (similar) | Skirt (similar) | Boots (similar) | Scarf (similar) |
I “borrowed” a red coat from my mom years ago and I’ve been wearing it every fall since then. A classic statement coat is well worth the investment as you will wear it for years and it will add style to any outfit. It’ll keep you super warm {especially since you can layer underneath it} and you’ll look super cute no matter what you’re wearing under. Wear your coat on the flight so save on luggage space. Also, I truly believe a statement coat can act as a neutral color, so no need to worry about packing another coat!
{There aren’t a ton of coats on the market yet, but I’ll keep updating this section as more come out!}
shop coats
I love fall fashion! Scarves and cardigans are my favorites, and now I’m dying to get that plaid scarf in your photo!
Scarves and cardigans are my favorites too! You would look so cute in that plaid scarf!
Wow, you’re absolutely killing it on the fashion front! This is definitely inspiring me to try and dress up a bit more as I’m always in t-shirts and jeans… I do love my leather jackets though – thanks for the great tip about wearing a cardigan underneath!
AWWw Michelle, you are so incredibly sweet. I’m glad you liked the post! I’m far from a fashion or style person, but since I travel with Bassam I like looking cute for him and for myself! I hope some of the tips helped and I’m glad you found the cardigan tip useful!
Thanks for the recs. I love the boots! I think I’ll get one. It’s so hard too find a comfortable pair that’s also wide for my legs.
I agree! My feet are really wide, but Naturalizer has some good options. They are on the pricier end but my boots from them always last me years, so I find it worth it!
I looooove that scarf in the first pic and that burgundy/maroon coat!! I might need to do a treat yourself day!
Ooh you should! I feel like that scarf and coat are ones that you’ll wear for years! They are such classic fall styles.
A statement coat is my go too all fall/winter long! The red is beautiful Lena!
It’s nice too because you can be wearing a basic outfit underneath, but no one will ever know!
I love all these looks Lena!
Thanks Nicki!
The only thing I am missing is a leather jacket!
Oh you need one! It’s a staple in my wardrobe!
I am so loving this list. I love travelling with scarves and leggings! I wear boots constantly as well. This is definitely the right stuff for girlies 🙂
I feel like a good pair of leggings and boots can take you absolutely everywhere! Glad you enjoyed the post!
SO CUTE!!! I wish I could wear stuff like this in florida!
I know! I’m in Southern California and dying to wear my fall stuff but it’s way too hot!
All of the clothes you chose are great! My favourite is the red jacket! 🙂
That red coat is my fave! I’ve been wearing it for about 10 years, so money well spent I’d say, haha
I do not travel without my blanket scarf. It has come in handy so many times between airplanes, airports and outside travel. Great list!
Me neither! Even in the summer because you never know and it’s so just so comfy for travel days.
Fall fashion is my favorite!! Great pro tip about layering with the black cardigan! I learned something new 🙂
Me too! I love all the layers and the coziness. I’m glad you liked that tip!
Great list of must haves and I already have most of these, so score! I also love how most of these pieces are easily mixed and matched when traveling – it really helps cut down on the number of items to pack into a luggage!
Agree! I love that too and as you can see within the post, I even rewore a few of the pieces a bunch of times! It’s always great for travel clothing to be able to do double duty.
My favorite fall items are definitely leggings! They are so comfortable, easy, and keep you warm.
Agree! I wear leggings on an almost daily basis. Just so comfortable!
I agree with all of your essentials <3
Carmelatte
I constantly wear these pieces!