Fresh Finds for Spring & Summer Travel: Polished, Packable Pieces
I say this every year, but spring is the best time to shop for your warm weather travel wardrobe. Lighter-weight, layerable pieces are in stores, and you can still find plenty of styles that don’t skew too beachy or trend-driven. I’ve been keeping my eyes open as the new spring and summer pieces come in, and wanted to share some of my top picks.
This article was originally published January 31, 2026. Updated April 2026 with new clothing picks, revised recommendations, and additional resources for building your warm weather travel wardrobe.
It’s been delightfully warm in Paris this week, which has me wishing I’d packed one or two lighter tops. I’ll have a Paris style update for you next week, but in the meantime, the shop windows are full of pretty tops with embroidery and eyelet details, so I may pick up something here.
The Fabric You Love, in New Styles
For everyone who has ever said “I love Eileen Fisher stretch crepe pants, but I just wish they had pockets,” here you go:
Many of you love this stretch crepe fabric for travel. It’s lightweight and washable, and polished enough for day-to-dinner wear. EF introduced two new styles (both with pockets and a more relaxed fit), this “Arch” pant, as well as a full-length, straight-leg style. Both are available in 3 neutral colors, sizes XXS-3X, as well as Petites! I’m wearing the “Ink” color, which is a nice not-too-dark navy.
More Eileen Fisher Finds for Travel & Warm Weather
Striped Linen Classic Collar Jacket – $248
Even in summer, a light jacket can come in handy for cool evening breezes or chilly air-conditioned interiors. I like the shorter length which works well with wide leg pants or a skirt. Also in Wheat (light beige).
Linen Lantern Pants – $178
Linen pants are my summer saviors, and I’ve added this style to my wardrobe for warmer days ahead.
I own several Eileen Fisher linen pieces — and have traveled with many over the years — and find their linen is comfortable and durable. (I wash in cold water and line dry.) The fabric is also of weight that’s not transparent, even with lighter colored pieces.
A Note on Navy
I’m seeing quite a lot of navy in the new collections, across multiple brands — so much so that I recently devoted a whole post to finding the best shades of navy for every seasonal palette. If this is a go-to neutral for you, or if you’re wanting to take a break from black or brown, now is a great time to explore it.
Fresh In-Store Finds for Spring & Summer
Eyelet Blouse – $89.65
Is there anything more summery than blue and white? I’m seeing LOTS of this shade in Paris shops at the moment, as well as eyelet and embroidery details. This breezy 100% cotton top offers some arm coverage that won’t make you overheat.
This color works best for Summers and some Blue Springs.
Linen 5-Pocket Pants – $128*
These linen 5-pocket pants offer the easy, versatile styling of jeans with the breathability you need in warmer weather. I picked them up in navy and am seriously tempted to add the railroad stripe as well — a great option if you love a stripe. (Good for Summers, Springs.)
Cotton Poplin Shirt – $98
If linen’s tendency toward creases is a hard stop for you, cotton poplin is a crisp alternative. I love the colors in this one — great for Springs & Autumns. The cropped length is not only petite-friendly, but allows it to be worn open as a lightweight jacket alternative.
If you prefer a full-length shirt, this one is available in a bunch of solid and striped colors.
Linen Kick-Flare Pant – $150
And wouldn’t that shirt look great with these kick-flare pants with openwork trim at the cuff? These pants are available in several colors in Regular, Petite, and Long lengths.
Boatneck Tee in Linen – $98*
Sure, you could opt for a generic white tee, but this boatneck style in linen is quite chic. Also available in Poppy (warm pinky red) and black.
White is best for Winters & Summers, Poppy for Springs, Black for Winters.
Linen Flounce Hem Skirt – $158*
For those who prefer skirts in warmer climates, this one in linen is so cute! Darker colors and patterns in linen tend to look effortlessly relaxed rather than wrinkled — a great trick for travel. (Style with the linen tee above, or a linen shell like this one.)
Brown dot is best for Springs & Autumns, Poppy for Springs, Black for Winters.
If today’s finds have you thinking about your broader travel wardrobe, I have a couple of posts that might help. Smart Travel: Build Your 12-Piece Capsule Wardrobe is a good starting point if you’re building from scratch or want to streamline what you pack. And if shoes are on your mind, check out The Best Women’s Shoes for Warm Weather Travel. As always, I’d love to hear what you’re planning — and where you’re headed this season!
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Hi Susan: always always appreciate your postings. I was eyeing that same jacket by EF. I like the arch pants that you posted here also. I’ve been on Big Island for the last month, which has certainly been a refuge. Wishing you the best.
Hi, loving your style letter! I am going to Murano, Italy, then Florence, Rome, Sorrento, the last 10 days of April, first week in May. We are traveling light–only a rolling small bag. What do you suggest to bring? I know you travel regularly!
Hi Nancy, thank you! You should be prepared for a range of temperatures, and by May it may be quite warm in parts of Italy, so lightweight layers are key. For more travel wardrobe tips, you can visit my Travel Wardrobe Hub, and filter the articles by season (Spring) and your trip length. And I offer personalized packing guidance, which you can check out at my Style Services page. I’ll also be sharing some updated spring travel capsule ideas in a couple of weeks.
Susan, I always enjoy your posts. A little respite in these unsettling times.
Perfect timing – shades of blue are my “best” colors. I really like them, but I’m a little tired of my nearly all blue wardrobe and would love to learn ways to add a few unexpected color notes to look less predictable.
I tried (and returned) that EF blazer. I was expecting a cotton fabric — instead, it’s the same cotton/nylon they make their windbreakers and rain jackets from. It has a sheen and makes a noise when moving. Also, the front facings are not stitched down, my #1 pet peeve in jackets.
That’s a helpful description of the blazer!
I’m going to walk part of the Camino in Spain in October and then onto a few other Northern Spain spots afterwards. Our luggage will move between hotels by someone else. The guides advise taking an umbrella. A quick-dry rain jacket/windbreaker material jacket that’s not full on “camping gear” might be good.
That sounds like an amazing trip!
I did a similar trip last fall. I brought a knee length REI rain coat and used it a lot. Some of the Camino is quite forested and cool. My suggestion is layers.
Thank you for your thoughtful posts! I bought the EF cotton-nylon blazer in dove as I have liked the fabric in past items and I love everything about it except the color is not great for my winter coloring (I didn’t need another black jacket). Any ideas on how to wear the dove beyond just with black and white?
What is the difference between lantern pants and barrel leg pants?
I find the lantern pants are slimmer cut and a less-pronounced curve shape.
Thanks as always for the thoughtful context of your posts. I’ve spent 30+ years in healthcare and these are hard times indeed. However, fashion can be a respite and my patients tell me they look forward to seeing my shoes when I see them in in the hospital.
I would love to see a post on stylish walking shoes that aren’t sneakers. I’m going to NYC and then Quebec City in May.
That denim blouse/jacket is so good! I recently bought my first denim jacket and it is one with black plastic flowers on it. Why do I always fall for drama things? Never easy to combine. I just never learn.
Greetje
You like things that are distinctive, and I think that’s a key element of your style. 😉
The Madewell button down is my favorite piece. I prefer tailored pieces in natural fabrics and that fits the bill. I like to wear a light cotton or linen shirt over a tank in the hottest weather. Keeps the sun off my arms.
I would not have noticed these Eileen Fisher pieces without your post. Thank you.
I shared my struggle to answer the simple question “How are you?” greeting with a friend. My little world is fine, but I feel affected by events. Her advice? “I still have much to be grateful for.” And I do, including reading your blog.
Hi!
I’ve been having good luck with Lands End for the past couple of years. I don’t know if you have your eye on them, but I’ve been surprised and pleasantly surprised. Some items that are for shorter waist folks, too and it’s hard to beat the swimsuits, particularly if you are a swimmer or longer torsoed (as I am).
I’ve been following you for years, and love your posts!
Susan, what size did you get in the J. Crew 5-pocket linen pants? I am close to your size, so that info would be very helpful.
Hi Mary, I took a 28 Petite. Unlike some of their petite pants, these run true-to-size.