Road trips are a great way to explore new places, have fun with friends or family, and enjoy the scenery along the way. But what should you wear on a road trip? How can you be comfortable and stylish at the same time? How can you pack light and still have options for different weather and activities?

In this article, we will give you some tips and ideas on how to plan the best outfits for a road trip. Whether you are traveling in summer or winter, for a few hours or a few days, we have got you covered. Here are some of the things you should consider when choosing your road trip outfits:

• Wear comfortable footwear. You will be spending a lot of time in the car, so you want to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and that won’t hurt your feet or cause blisters. Depending on your destination and activities, you might also need shoes that are suitable for walking, hiking, or exploring. Some of the best shoes for road trips are sneakers, sandals, flats, boots, or loafers.
• Dress in stylish layers. Road trips can involve changing temperatures, climates, and altitudes. You might start your journey in a sunny city and end up in a snowy mountain. You might also encounter different levels of air conditioning or heating in the car or at your stops. To be prepared for any situation, dress in layers that you can easily add or remove as needed. Some of the best layers for road trips are cardigans, jackets, sweaters, scarves, hats, or gloves.
• Decide on leggings, shorts, or a dress. When it comes to the bottom part of your outfit, you have three main options: leggings, shorts, or a dress. Each one has its pros and cons depending on your personal preference and style. Leggings are comfortable, stretchy, and versatile. You can pair them with any top and shoes, and they can also double as pajamas or workout clothes. Shorts are cool, casual, and cute. You can wear them with a tee, a tank top, or a blouse, and they are perfect for warm-weather destinations. A dress is simple, elegant, and feminine. You can wear it with a cardigan or a jacket for extra warmth or style, and it can also save you some packing space since it is a one-piece outfit.
• Bring a big travel handbag. A road trip is not the time to carry a small purse or a clutch. You will need a big travel handbag that can fit all your essentials such as your wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, snacks, water bottle, book, charger, etc. You will also want a bag that is durable, secure, and easy to access. Some of the best bags for road trips are tote bags, backpacks, crossbody bags, or duffel bags.
• Go light on the make-up. Road trips are not the occasion to wear heavy make-up or complicated hairstyles. You want to keep your beauty routine simple and natural since you will be spending most of your time in the car or outdoors. Plus, you don’t want to deal with smudged mascara or melted foundation when you stop for photos or sightseeing. Some of the best make-up products for road trips are tinted moisturizer, lip balm, mascara, and blush.
• Sunglasses, please! Sunglasses are a must-have accessory for any road trip. They will protect your eyes from the sun’s glare, dust, or wind, and they will also add some style and attitude to your outfit. You can choose sunglasses that match your personality and mood, such as classic aviators, trendy cat-eyes, or funky round frames.

Now that you know some of the general tips on how to dress for a road trip, let’s look at some specific outfit ideas for different seasons and occasions.

Summer Road Trip Outfits

Summer is the perfect time to hit the road and enjoy the sunshine, the breeze, and the freedom of traveling by car. Here are some summer road trip outfits that will keep you cool, comfortable, and chic.

Tee + Denim Shorts

This is probably the most classic and easy summer road trip outfit. A simple tee and denim shorts combo will never go out of style, and it will suit any destination and activity. You can choose a plain white tee or a graphic one for some extra flair, and you can also customize your denim shorts with rips, patches, or embroidery. To complete the look, wear some sneakers or sandals, a pair of sunglasses, and a hat or a bandana.

Mini Dress

If you want to feel more feminine and flirty on your road trip, a mini dress is a great option. A mini dress is comfortable to wear in the car, and it will also make you look cute and ready for any photo opportunity. You can choose a mini dress in any color or pattern that you like, such as floral, striped, or polka dot. To add some layers and accessories, wear a denim jacket or a cardigan, some flats or boots, and a crossbody bag or a backpack.

Maxi Dress

Another dress option for a summer road trip is a maxi dress. A maxi dress is long and flowy, which will give you some extra coverage and warmth if you encounter some chilly weather or air conditioning. A maxi dress is also versatile and elegant, and it can transition from day to night with ease. You can choose a maxi dress in a solid color or a print, such as boho, tropical, or geometric. To spice up the outfit, wear some sandals or wedges, a belt or a scarf, and some jewelry or a hat.

Winter Road Trip Outfits

Winter road trips can be just as fun and adventurous as summer ones, as long as you dress warmly and appropriately. Here are some winter road trip outfits that will keep you cozy, snug, and stylish.

Sweater + Jeans

This is another classic and easy road trip outfit that works well for winter. A sweater and jeans combo will keep you warm and comfortable in the car, and it will also look good for any stop or activity. You can choose a sweater in any color or style that you like, such as cable knit, turtleneck, or oversized. You can also choose jeans in any fit or wash that you prefer, such as skinny, straight, or boyfriend. To finish the outfit, wear some boots or sneakers, a coat or a jacket, and a scarf or gloves.

Denim on Denim

If you want to channel some retro vibes on your road trip, a denim-on denim outfit is a cool and trendy choice. A denim-on-denim outfit consists of wearing a denim top and bottom in the same or similar washes, such as light blue, dark blue, or black. You can choose a denim shirt or jacket for the top, and jeans or shorts for the bottom. To break up the monotony of the denim, wear some colorful or patterned accessories, such as a plaid shirt, a striped tee, or a floral scarf. To complete the look, wear some boots or loafers, a hat or sunglasses, and a backpack or duffel bag.

Matching Workout Set

If you are planning to do some physical activities on your road trip, such as hiking, biking, or skiing, a matching workout set is a practical and fashionable outfit. A matching workout set consists of wearing a sports bra and leggings in the same color or print, such as black, gray, or camo. A matching workout set will give you support, flexibility, and breathability while you exercise, and it will also make you look sporty and chic. To layer up the outfit, wear a hoodie or fleece, a puffer jacket or a parka, and some sneakers or boots.