Every Friday, I round up the pieces that earn a spot in my suitcase—the ones I reach for again and again, not just what looks good in a photo. I test and approve every item I share here. If it isn’t here, it didn’t make the cut. Welcome to the first edition of First Class Fridays.
A Good Travel Outfit | First Class Fridays
I always start with a good travel outfit. This is a non-negotiable for me. I’m typically seen wearing jeans, trousers, or a travel set when I am traveling by plane, train, or car. This travel set is by far my favorite. It is soft, breathable, and packs well. Plus, I love traveling with a 2-piece set because I can wear the pieces together and then separately.
An easy option that keeps me comfortable on long flights or road trips while still looking polished. Pairs beautifully with ballet flats for dinner or sneakers for walking all day — pack less, wear more. Also available in other colors.
My Go-to Personal Carry-on Item
My most-used personal carry-on bag I use when I travel. It expands if you need more room— planes, trains, automobiles, it always comes. It’s a great weekender bag, too. I love this bag because its expandable feature has saved me many times when I have shopped a bit too much while traveling.
My Favorite Travel Essential
I never leave home without a pair of compression socks. Breathable bamboo compression socks in tons of colors and patterns? Yes, please!
After a long flight to Paris in 2022, I was getting dressed the morning after we arrived, and I almost freaked out when I put on my socks. I had so much swelling around my ankles. I had never experienced this before, and I travel a ton. Granted, I had just turned 49, and I wasn’t getting any younger. Once I returned home, I asked my doctor about it, and he said it is not as uncommon as I thought. At his suggestion, I started wearing these on all travel days, regardless of duration. I even sleep with a pair of open-toe compression socks when I travel, and this has greatly reduced leg fatigue.
I typically wear nude because the color is undetectable, but there are so many choices. So have fun with it if that’s your jam.
The Travel Scarf Every Woman Should Own
I have several of these travel scarves in multiple colors. And I love it for one very simple reason: it’s an all-in-one scarf, shawl, and blanket with 20+ ways to wear it. Lightweight, super functional, and it’s made the rounds with me all over the world. Plus, the brand is committed to providing high-quality products and uses certified organic cotton.
I also love that I can use it as an extra layer when I am on the plane. If I am hot, I can easily remove it. Cold? I drape it over me like a blanket. Plus, when I return home, I throw it into the washer, and it comes out looking brand new.
The Travel Sneaker I Recently Discovered and LOVE
The lightest-weight sneaker you will ever wear. I’ve walked over 20k steps a day in these sneakers — breathable mesh so your feet don’t sweat, plus a collapsible heel for versatile styling. These sneakers pair well with sundresses, skirts, travel outfits, jeans, shorts, trousers. I have put a ton of mileage on these sneakers and they have held up incredibly well. When they get a little scuffed, I throw them in the washing machine and let them air dry.
If you enjoyed this roundup, please make sure to come back each week and discover more of my travel essentials and recommendations in my weekly First Class Fridays series.
