The Perfect Red Eye Flight Outfit

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overnight flight outfit, what to wear, tips, essentials

I’m Jessica, and I have a love / hate relationship with red eye flights.

On the one hand, overnight flights are the most efficient way to travel, since you don’t sacrifice any actual days when you’d rather be doing something else.  And the type A in me loves efficiency.

But on the other hand, I tend to have a hard time sleeping on planes, so I usually end up arriving completely groggy and in need of a long nap – which sort of defeats the point of saving a day.

Even though sleep and red eye flights don’t seem to mix well for me, I do have one thing down to a science: my red-eye flight outfit. It’s a special kind of travel outfit that works perfectly on overnight flights.

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FOUR GOALS OF THE PERFECT RED EYE FLIGHT OUTFIT

1. Be comfortable.

2. Be prepared for a plane that’s freezing cold or nauseatingly hot.

3. Be able to wear it again on your trip.

4. Be better than pajamas.

ANATOMY OF A RED EYE FLIGHT OUTFIT

Black stretchy bottoms:  Depending on the trip, I like to wear either stretchy black skinny jeans (these are my current favorites) or full-length yoga bottoms (like these).

The keys here are elasticity and fabric.  You don’t need a waistband cutting into your skin, and comfortable pants make sleeping easier.  Right?  On the flip side, fitted black pants can still be a foundation for a polished look during the trip and yoga leggings double as workout gear.

Related: Check out my Best tips on travel packing for Women for more help in packing light!

Slip-on Shoes: Somewhat obvious, but I always wear shoes that can go on and off easily.  It’s hard to bend over in airplane seats (maybe that’s just me?) so laces are outta the question.  I usually go for a black ballet flat (check out Tieks) or black flat ankle boots like these.  Both are versatile enough to go with a ton of outfits.

Cozy Socks: A must.  I can pretty much promise you that even if you’re sweating on the plane, your feet are probably freezing, so cozy socks are key.

And I’m not talking just socks like you would wear to the gym – those won’t cut it.  Try wool and make sure they’re long!  In addition to keeping your feet warm, socks will also put a layer between you and a gross airplane floor which is always a good thing.  Something like these should do the trick.

I’ve also brought legwarmers with me before and they are an awesome addition to a carry on bag!  I know – the 80’s called and wants them back, but bear with me.  They take up virtually no space, keep you SO WARM and are easy to take on and off.

Lotsa Long Layers:  Any travel article will tell you to dress in layers for a flight and red eye flights are no different.  My suggestion is to make sure your layers are LONG.

Clothes get bunched up when you’re shifting around and nobody wants to have skin showing when they’re curled up in a ball trying to get some shut-eye.

I like to layer a camisole under a Lululemon long-sleeve tee (shirts in their vitasea fabric are perfect) under a Joie linen t-shirt (you can find them on sale) and top it off with a cozy jacket or sweater.

Gigantic Scarf: I look for scarves that are extra-large so that if I don’t need to use it to keep warm, it can double as an extra pillow or cushion.  Blanket scarves are everywhere right now and would be a perfect choice!

Need more info?

Read more about the anatomy of the perfect airplane outfit and a what to wear on a long haul flight.

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10 Comments

  1. YES! I completely agree! The gigantic scarf is my go-to trick as well, so cozy and fashionable 🙂

  2. Perfect! I tend to not wear leggings since I’m not a leggings fan to start with, so I love something loose and long that allows me to curl up into it as well like maxi skirts

    1. So funny – you’re the second person to recommend a maxi skirt and I have never even thought about wearing one on a plane! Sounds like shopping justification if I’ve ever heard one!

  3. Love it! The key is definitely comfort!
    I’m flying out to China next Monday night, and I’ve been giving my flight outfit a big thought. I think I’m going with leggings, a loose fitting top (and thermals in my bag, because I’m going from summer to winter), my boots to save room in my bag, thick socks and a bulky scarf. Now to think about what to take in my carry on. eee!

    Chalsie | The Workshop Co. x

    1. Your flying outfit sounds perfect! Bulky scarves are the best – I use them as extra cushion or a pillow on flights. Can’t wait to hear more about your trip!

  4. Great one! Despite my countless of flights I always have a hard time choosing my travel outfit (probably because I want to look somewhat cute at the same time…) Comfy pants are awesome and I’ve also started liking wearing a jersey maxi skirt as it’s flowy and airy but simultaneously acts like a second blanket 🙂

  5. I love this list! I agree– I too have a love hate relationship with red eyes. I just wish I could fly business, then I wouldn’t mind that redeye at all! I have one next week from Jakarta to California and I’m dreading it!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

    1. Oh wow that is a REALLY long one! I don’t blame you for dreading it. Hopefully it leaves Jakarta late at night and you’ll already be tired enough to get a little sleep on the flight.