Update Your Travel Wardrobe for Spring

If you’re planning to travel this spring, it’s not too early to start thinking about your travel wardrobe. 🧳 And if you need to update or replenish any clothing, the best time to shop is early in the season (as in, now). The resort and spring collections have started to roll in, and I’ve been keeping my eyes open for non-generic basics and travel-friendly styles for the seasons ahead. Here are a few that I’ve bookmarked.

Eileen Fisher

Susan B. wears an Eileen Fisher navy organic cotton blazer and Spearmint cashmere-silk sweater.
BLAZER | SWEATER | NECKLACE (SIMILAR) | JEANS
My sizes: Blazer – Petite Small, Sweater – XS, Jeans – 8 Petite

A navy blazer can be a versatile workhorse in your wardrobe. If you’ve tried a hundred navy blazers but they’ve all felt a bit too businesslike or formal, here’s one with a more relaxed attitude. This organic cotton blazer from Eileen Fisher reminds me of a French workman’s jacket, without being too literal about it. It’s a softly-structured piece with a bit of textural interest. The color is close to Spring’s “Bright Navy,” but I think Winters and Summers, and some Autumns could wear it too.

The unlined terry fabric is lightweight, comfortable, and washable, making it a travel-friendly piece. In Misses, Petite and Plus sizes.

Eileen Fisher was one of my go-to brands for years for wardrobe basics and travel-friendly clothing. For a while through, they mostly dropped off my radar. Partly because I stopped wearing black, and partly because so many of their styles veered toward shapeless and oversized. But lately I think they’ve upped their game (especially when it comes to color) and I’ve been seeing more styles that pique my interest.

Linen Lantern Pants – $168

I’ve been a fan of EF’s “lantern” pants for several years now, and am happy to see they’re still being offered in several styles and fabrics. These in linen are 3-season pants. Available in 4 colors, sizes XXS-3X and Petites.

I love linen for warm weather travel. It’s breathable, adjusts to fluctuating temperatures, and is lighter and will dry faster than cotton.

Crinkle Silk Habutai Shirt – $258

Here’s a travel-friendly silk shirt that can dress up or down, and be worn open as a lightweight topper in milder climates. Sizes XXS-3X and Petites. This steel blue is a good one for you Summers. It’s also available in “Wheat” (light beige) color, great for Springs and Autumns.

Peruvian Cotton V-neck Top – $198

Winters, this “Lapis” color is a gorgeous one for you! This lightweight cotton knit should layer nicely. Sizes XXS-3X.

Athleta

I was running some errands earlier this week and stopped into our local Athleta store to look at refreshing my workout wear (more on this later). I noticed they had a large section labeled “Active Travel” that had some good pieces.

Everywhere Anorak – $179

This water- and wind-resistant anorak is pretty cute in person, and available in 4 neutral colors. Regular, Tall, and Petite sizes.

Shirt Jacket – $129

I was really tempted by this shirt jacket in a stretch knit, and only passed it up because I have something similar already. This would be a great layering piece for travel days. Also in Black, in Regular, Tall and Petite sizes.

(If you’re into matched sets, the coordinating pants are also quite nice!)

Venice High Rise Pant with Side Stripe – $119

Sporty chic! I think you could also dress these up for dinner out with a nice cardigan or tailored jacket. Several colors available, Regular, Tall and Petite sizes (and some colors offered in Plus).

For a a more classic pant, take a look at the Brooklyn or Endless styles.

Cole Haan

If you haven’t checked out Cole Haan lately, go take another look. I’ve found many of their styles to be comfortable and supportive enough for all-day walking, as well as good-looking! I find Cole Haan shoes run true-to-size.

GrandPro Premier Sneakers – $150

These have the look of a much pricier designer sneaker. Plenty of cushioning in the moisture-wicking footbed, and a high traction sole for stability on slick or rough surfaces. Four colors available.

Monkstrap Oxfords – $169.95*

I’ve always been a fan of monkstrap styles, and have these on order. The higher vamp means they will be secure on the foot. (And I love the idea of not having to futz with laces.) They’re also available in Black and Ivory.

*Save an additional 25% with code EXTRA25

More travel friendly shoe styles: How to Choose the Best Travel Shoes for Spring & Summer and The most popular shoe style in Paris (and it’s not a ballet flat…)

For more travel wardrobe and packing tips, be sure to check out my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub.

Susan B. sits on a wooden bench wearing a brown knit jacket, blue jeans and colorful bracelets.

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14 Comments

  1. Hello Susan
    Quick question.
    what size is your Eileen Fisher blue blazer? and are you rolling up the sleeves?
    always my issue.
    thanks

  2. Love that crinkled silk shirt! My EF trick is to size WAY down — at least one size, often two —and to choose Petite sizes even though I’m 5’8″. Her stuff runs that big and long.

    1. I’m really surprised that you find EF pieces to be long! I was just coming here to say that I like a lot of her things, but find them quite short, especially the pants. And the pieces Susan shows here, including the tops, look to be on the short side as well. I’m only 5’7” so it’s not as though I’m extremely tall!

  3. Bonjour Susan,

    My husband and I were in Paris last early October and I am looking for some rain boots/shoes that are comfortable for all the walking we love to do in Paris. We live in Central Texas and we quite surprised at how much it rained the week we were there.

    I hope you are doing alright with all the fires and bad air. It is heartbreaking to watch from Texas, I can’t imagine how hard it is to be in the LA area.

    Carol

    1. Hi Carol, do check out the link at the bottom of the post. My top recommendation for waterproof boots is always Aquatalia. I’ve traveled with and recommend this style especially: https://bit.ly/4amHnPz They run true-to-size.

  4. I made the mistake of buying a business like navy blazer. Hardly wear it. Too restraining.
    I love that green shirt underneath your blue blazer.
    As for “lantern trousers”.. not for me (says the woman who wears idiot barrel jeans haha).
    Greetje

  5. Hi Susan, great travel wear ideas, thank you ! I am taking a couple of big trips this year, and I would like to purchase a high quality suitcase for overseas travel as well. Can you recommend a brand that has everything I need, and I can trust? I know I can pay up to $1,000 for a large single suitcase, but do I need to?

    Sorry to highjack this post for my personal needs, but hopefully you can help.

    Thank you, Valerie

  6. Your advice on seasonal colors helped me turn my wardrobe around color-wise. Now I actually like many of my clothes! I think, though, that style personality is equally important, and I struggle to find styles that would best convey the “real me.” I’d love to see more posts on this aspect of building a wardrobe.

  7. I love that bright navy blazer especially with the sweater! I still need help with reading glasses that fit my Spring season. I, too, almost never wear black anymore. I’m kind of shocked how often I happily choose color after being so skeptical. Happy traveling!

  8. Some really great suggestions! I love EF fabrics, but they always look boxy or drapey for my frame. You’re right about color, though. They seem to be putting out more variety.

  9. I am travelling in late March into April and am thinking of what I will pack for a river cruise on the waterways of Holland and Belgium. Likely a tad wet but I will be optimistic and hope for spring sun. Susan, I only have the opportunity to purchase on line for Athleta, and I am definitely a fan of their sporty and functional clothes that I always packed for travel, so I am pleased to see you mention this brand. Endless pants travel especially well. Leaving a plane after 9+ hours on board , and not a crease ! I have puffer jackets and a vest as well that are excellent. I also do very well with a sister brand, Banana Republic for sweaters and some pants. Taking advantage of sales is my strategy. Good to look forward to a trip in just two months .

  10. Great finds! Didn’t know athleta offers petite sizing, that anorak looks so practical, I’ll buy before it sells out in petite