What to wear on a road trip | Payte on the Road

Every time I go on a road trip, I’m always wondering what I can wear in order to feel cute but also comfortable while sitting in the car for many hours at a time. I like to look good even though I am traveling and doing many different types of activities.

When I get to packing, I always have to think about what I’m going to bring with me in order to do just that! It can become quite challenging to mix comfort with fashion.

So I’ve put together this helpful guide on what to wear on a road trip so that you don’t have to compromise either of these!

What should you wear on a road trip?

While road trips are super fun and awesome to go on, if you aren’t comfortable and always feeling itchy, you might get annoyed and it could also have a negative impact on your overall experience.

Dressing for comfort is one of my number one priorities while packing for the trip. Especially while driving long distances, you don’t want to feel stuck in your jeans or have itchy clothing once the weather gets a little warmer.

I really like to pack stylish clothing but that is also meant for comfort. Keep your clothing casual. Wear looser-fitted shirts or tanks. Wear comfortable and cute leggings or jeggings. Bring the clothes you feel good in, that you like but that you’ll know you won’t be changing from when you get uncomfortable.

What you shouldn’t wear on a road trip

It all depends on how you feel. But I think skinny jeans are something to avoid. Especially while you’re sitting in the car for a long period of time.

You can pack some in your bag for sure, but maybe keep them for your day exploring the city instead of a long drive ahead of you.

High heels can be another item to pack if really necessary but it’s probably best to have comfortable shoes while driving and even for walking around on your explorations.

If you have clothing that you like but isn’t comfortable or you feel that it doesn’t fit right, don’t pack it. It’ll probably stay at the bottom of your bag anyways.

Pack lightweight items that you will be able to feel comfortable in any situation you might get yourself into!

do you really need to bring the cutest outfits?

Who said you can’t look cute and fashionable in comfortable clothing? You don’t have to bring all the latest trends while on the road.

You can definitely pack some good-looking clothes but don’t forget to consider the fact that you will be sitting and driving in the car for a while. Make it something enjoyable instead of getting stuck in your trendy clothing.

You can also change yourself into something more glamorous once you get there. You can stop by your hotel and freshen up and change to something awesome looking before heading out and you could even stop by a rest area before getting there to change too.

Where are you going

Another thing to consider while wondering what to wear on a road trip is your destination. What will be the sole purpose of your trip?

If you don’t even plan on going out, or you’re doing a camping and hiking road trip, don’t bring extra clothes your not going to wear just in case you need it.

Maybe one outfit for that but keep in mind where you’re going and bring comfortable clothes for that.

When you plan your outfit for the day, keep in mind what you will be doing. Even the stops you might do along the way. Keep the clothes you’ll need close by if you aren’t wearing them when you leave your accommodation in the morning. If you are planning to stop at a beach at some point, have your bathing suit handy.

Also, keep that in mind when considering what outfits you will bring in your suitcase for your road trip.

Bring layers, layers, and more layers

Layering is a key element of your packing. If you are planning to do some car camping, sleeping in your van, camping in your tent, and even hiking or walking around a city, it’s always a good idea to have layers handy.

Layers aren’t only good for the weather but also for your time in the car driving. Wear layers that are easily removable.

Usually, mornings are always a bit more chilly. Start your days with more layers and as the day advances, remove the layers that are now too warm. Same for the evening, have your layers handy so you can add up to your outfit.

While sleeping outdoors, you’ll probably have chillier nights. Keep some layers near you so you can easily add on to your sleeping attire in case you get cold during the night.

Layers are important to pack if you don’t want to be cold.

Outerwear to consider

Remember earlier I told you all about knowing where you are going and what to expect? This will come in handy when you’re packing your clothes.

If you are traveling somewhere where the weather might get a little chillier, don’t forget to bring your attire accordingly.

Expecting some wintery weather, pack your winter jacket, gloves, scarves, hats, and even winter boots.

Summer travels, don’t forget your hat to protect yourself from the sun.

If you are expecting some rain, even if you aren’t planning on some rain, pack a light rain jacket.

Here are a couple of ideas for your to carry with you.

what to pack for shoes on your road trip

Shoes are a very important item in your road trip packing. You’ll need comfy clothes but also comfortable shoes.

I know that for myself while going on a road trip, I usually do a lot of walking too. Being comfortable while doing so is a must to avoid blisters or having your feet hurt badly at the end of the day.

Nowadays, you can get some cute shoes that are comfy too! So there is no excuse to take cuteness over comfort for your feet!

I have great recommendations for you that I’ve tested over the years and love. So make sure you click on my different links so you can try them out for yourself and see how they are life changers!

Sneakers

Shoes are probably the most important footwear to carry with you. Traveling involves a lot of walking around so better have something you feel good in and that will keep your feet comfortable all day.

You can find great shoes that will do just that right below!

Walking sandals for travel

Sandals are definitely a must-have pair of shoes on a road trip. You’ll want a comfortable pair to wear whenever the weather is warm enough to show your toes and just too warm to wear running shoes.

Don’t go wearing flip-flops on a hike or on a busy walking day through the city. Opt instead for a cute but still supporting your feet sandal in order to be able to feel as if you were wearing a good pair of walking shoes.

A big plus to sandals is that they will give your feet the opportunity to breathe more easily.

Here are a couple of good options for you in order to have great support and cute sandals as well.

Slip-Ons and flip flops

Slip-on and/or flip-flops need to be part of your wardrobe. You will most likely not wear these types of shoes while doing some exploration but they can have multiple purposes throughout your trip.

They can be great to slip on to do a bathroom break en route, go pay your gas, or get something from the store.

You can also have cute ballet shoes you can bring with you to style an outfit.

Flip-flops can be used for the beach but also to shower in public showers such as campground showers.

They are great to put on when you don’t have much walking involved.

You can again, find all my best recommendations right here!

Forget your heels

Unless you have an event such as a wedding planned somewhere into your itinerary, chances are, you won’t need heels at all during your road trip.

Don’t carry some extra weight and use extra space to bring your heels. Choose some comfortable shoes, sandals, or even slip-on shoes instead. Your feet will thank you for that.

On a road trip or traveling in general, you’ll probably do a lot of walking around in order to do plenty of sightseeing. Do you really want to walk 18km a day in high heels? We averaged around 18km of walking on our road trip through Scotland and even with good shoes, by the end of the day, my feet were killing me!

That is why good shoes are a must and that you should definitely leave your heels at home.

What to pack for pants on your road trip

Leggings and Jeggings

Leggings and jeggings over denim for sure! These are the ultimate road trip pants to wear. You can easily style a beautiful pair of leggings with anything in your wardrobe plus, you’ll be super comfortable wearing them.

Wearing a good old black pair of leggings will go with just about any other clothing.

Jeggings are a great invention. I have a couple of pairs that look just like a pair of jeans but are actually jeggings. They will look exactly as if you were wearing some denim jeans but with the advantages of a pair of leggings. What is not to like about that!

In the summertime, you can also style your favorite shorts.

Don’t bring tight and itchy clothing

Wearing looser and comfortable clothing will allow you the freedom to move more freely. It will also prevent itchy clothing or even clothes that feel too tight sometimes.

I find that especially in the summer, there can be more humidity in the air, and having tight clothing will feel even tighter. I don’t know about where you live, but out here in Quebec, the humidity levels can get crazy sometimes.

By wearing looser clothing, you’ll find it easier to move around and it will prevent you from feeling stuck in your clothes.

What to pack for shirts on your road trip

T-shirts

Bringing some t-shirts with you is a must. Packing some light and looser t-shirts is a great option to feel comfortable.

Don’t pack shirts that are too tight-fitting. Looser shirts will allow your body to breathe more easily, especially on warmer days.

You’ll also be a lot more comfortable with a looser t-shirt than feeling in something too tight.

Make sure you pack some insulated shirts as well in case you get colder weather, or it is colder at night. In my case, these would be the only tight-fitted shirts I would bring with me.

Tank Tops

Tank tops are great for warm days, days at the beach, or even just hanging out.

Pack a couple of them in your bags so you can change into them if needed.

I like to bring looser tank tops where I can wear a sports bra or even a cute bralette underneath.

You can easily style them with pretty much anything and it could even work out for a night out.

If you are driving and it gets super warm in the car, wearing a comfortable tank top will make you feel better and you’ll enjoy the heat a bit more while driving since you won’t be feeling too warm.

Jackets

Depending on where you will be heading, it might be important to consider packing jackets.

Think about your destination and what you might need.

Pack a rain jacket, a winter jacket, a soft shell coat, and a cute jacket to wear on chillier nights that looks good.

Any type of jacket you might need, don’t forget to pack them up.

Cardigans and sweaters

It’s also important to pack some cardigans or sweaters. They will come in handy if the weather is a little cooler but not cold enough to wear a jacket. Or even just in the evenings, the weather can drop a little and you’ll be warmer wearing your sweater.

You can definitely bring any kind of sweater. Bring the one you are comfortable wearing, and that you also like. You can pack some cute ones as well so you can wear them to go out while not having to wear some sort of kangaroo-styled sweater.

Cute & comfy Road Trip T-Shirt Ideas

Are you wondering what shirts you’ll want to pack? Or maybe you want to do a little update on your wardrobe or maybe you want some new cute outfits to wear on your road trip?

I found these cute shirts you can purchase to do just that!

What to pack for dresses for your road trip

Dresses are a great option for comfort and cuteness combined. Here again, you want to wear dresses for comfort and less of a fashion show kind of dress.

Choose some wrinkle-free dresses. Chances are, you’re probably not going to carry a steamer with you on the road to erase your clothe’s wrinkles.

Choose looser fitted dresses or avoid tight dresses. Some can be somewhat fitted but won’t be tight around you.

Don’t pack too many accessories

Some accessories are definitely important in order to have a great road trip. The most important ones, are a hat in the summertime to protect you from the sun, sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun whether summer or wintertime, a travel tote or a large bag so you can carry your stuff around or use as a purse or even an improvised beach bag.

Other than that, bring accessories that you think might be important for you. You probably won’t need much else.

Cute & comfy travel outfit ideas for a road trip

Are you looking at your wardrobe and wondering what am I going to wear on my next road trip then? Or maybe you already have the clothes you need but are wondering how you’re going to look cute while having the trip of your life wearing looser and more comfortable clothing?

I have plenty of outfit ideas for you! You can find all the links below each outfit idea so you can order those exact outfits!

I might not have the exact match but I have given you the links closest to the ones in the photos!

Casual Zip-Up Hoodie, Loose fitted T-shirt, Billabong shorts, Roxy sandals

Loose fitted t-shirt, Billabong shorts, Volcom sandals

Flannel plaid jacket, Loose fitted t-shirt, Billabong shorts, Roxy sandals

Flannel plaid jacket, Loose fitted t-shirt, Jeggings, Roxy slip-on sneakers

Cardigan, Loose fitted t-shirt, Denim jeggings, Volcom sandals

More road trip must-haves

Don’t forget to bring your road trip essentials such as your GPS, some water, some snacks, and some entertainment!

You can find my complete list of road trip essentials by reading my road trip essentials next!

So even if you are a complete newbie to road tripping or are an expert, knowing what to wear on a road trip can easily become overwhelming.

I know the feeling! Who doesn’t want to look amazing while traveling? I get it! You probably also want some great photos from your trip that you’ll someday be looking back to and tell yourself Wow! That was quite the outfit!

Wearing comfortable clothes doesn’t mean you can’t do that and that you need to look like a potato sack to feel comfortable in your clothes. with all the options out there, you no longer have to sacrifice stylish outfits in order to be comfortable while driving around a country!

Next time you go traveling, remember what to wear on a road trip, and don’t forget to pack some comfortable outfits so you can enjoy it even more!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love and use!

If you want more resources for your next road trip, you’re at the right place! I have plenty to help you out!

How to plan an epic road trip

10 things I never travel without

10 things you should do before your next family vacation

7 reasons why you should travel as a family

How to keep your car organized on a road trip

My road trip essentials

Our 14-day itinerary across Scotland

18 of the best road trip planning tools

How to find free campsites across North America

How to get WIFI on the road

33 reasons why road trips are fun