I Wore This Set for a 10-Hour Train Ride—Now, I'll Never Travel in Anything Else

I've spent much of the last two months on some form of transportation, be it an eight-hour flight to Italy, a three-hour drive through Italy, a two-hour flight to Miami, or most recently, a 10-hour train ride to Montréal. And the only thing that kept me sane through all the security checkpoints, delayed arrivals, and uncomfortable seating arrangements was the outfit I wore on all four round-trip excursions. 

Dressing for long travel days is tricky. I always want to look somewhat put together just in case I have to see someone or go somewhere upon arriving before I can change. At the same time, though, I'll never advocate for wearing tight jeans, fitted trousers, or a miniskirt in a cramped space for hours on end. That's why, when I realized how much travel I'd be doing in 2023, I ordered a white, linen two-piece set from Zara that appeared to solve all my what-to-wear woes. 

The set features wide-leg pants with a drawstring waist and a matching white halter top. It's just as cute for any summertime activity as for a 10-hour train ride through Upstate New York and into Canada. For proof, see how I wore it to the Miami Grand Prix. Even after it got muddy at the track, I bleached it, and it was like new again, further proving to me that it's an ideal travel companion. Ever since I wore it in Miami, it's accompanied me on every trip I've gone on, garnering over a dozen questions about its origins along the way. 

Unfortunately, just after I returned from my latest trip in the set, ready to convince the world that they needed to buy it too, Zara's annual sale started. And just like every time it kicks off, many of the best items sold out lightning quick, two of which were my beloved linen halter top and drawstring pants (before I could buy it in black, unfortunately). Of course, I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for a restock. In the meantime, if you happen to be heading off on a long trip in the next few weeks and have similar nervous feelings about your outfit, I found an alternative that's not yet out of stock at the Spanish retailer. Shop the next best thing and more worthy travel sets below. 

Coming up next: I Travel for a Living—This Easy Packing List Has Never Once Failed Me