EVELYSS / Guides / Travel & Everyday

What to Wear on a Long Car Ride (Comfortable, and Ready for Thanksgiving When You Arrive)

“A car outfit has one job most people forget: sitting. Anything that's fine standing, a stiff waistband, a back zipper, a chunky hood, starts to hurt by hour three. Dress for the seat, then fix your look at the last stop.”Her take

What makes an outfit comfortable for hours in the car?

Sitting puts pressure on the waist, the backs of the thighs and the small of your back. A waistband that digs in, thick seams, rivets on back pockets, hoods and bulky collars all become uncomfortable after a while.

Cars also change temperature constantly. The sunny side gets warm, the footwell gets cold, and every stop lets in winter air. Layers that open at the front are easier to take on and off when you're buckled in than pullovers.

The best pants for a road trip

Choose a soft, stretchy fabric with a flat waistband. Dark colors hide spills and creases.

• Wide-leg knit or pull-on pants: comfortable and still look polished when you arrive.
• Ponte straight-leg pants: smart enough for dinner, stretchy enough for six hours.
• Tailored joggers in a soft knit: relaxed but tidy, especially in black, navy or charcoal.
• Leggings with a longer top or tunic: warm and easy, best with a top that covers the hips.
• Jeans only if they're broken in and stretchy. Stiff or new denim presses at the waist and behind the knees.

Tops and layers

Start with a breathable base, such as a soft cotton or modal long-sleeve tee or a fine knit. Over it, wear a cardigan, zip-front knit or shacket you can open or remove at a stop.

Take a bulky coat off before you buckle up so the seatbelt sits flat across you, and lay it over your lap or keep it in reach for stops. A large scarf or wrap does double duty as a blanket and a pillow.

Shoes for passengers and drivers

Passengers can wear what's comfortable: broken-in sneakers, loafers, or slip-ons you can kick off. Feet can swell a little after hours of sitting, so avoid tight shoes and bring cozy socks.

If you're driving, wear shoes with a thin, flexible sole and a secure back so you can feel the pedals. Leave heels, chunky platforms, loose slides and fluffy slippers for when you've parked.

How to arrive looking put together

For a Thanksgiving or holiday drive, wear the comfortable base of your arrival outfit in the car, and finish it at the last stop. Swap the cardigan for a nicer knit or blazer, change shoes, add earrings and a necklace, and refresh your lipstick.

Hang a dress or nicer top in a garment bag from the rear hook rather than folding it in a suitcase. Keep a lint roller in the car for coat and seat fluff.

What to keep within reach

A small bag at your feet saves digging through the trunk.

• A large scarf or wrap.
• Sunglasses, because winter sun is low and bright.
• Lip balm and hand cream; car heat dries skin.
• A claw clip or hair tie, for leaning back without a ponytail bump.
• A fresh top, in case of spills.
• Wipes and a small zip bag for snacks.

Three outfit formulas

Swap colors to suit you.

• Thanksgiving drive: black wide-leg knit pants, cream long-sleeve tee, camel cardigan, white sneakers; at the last stop, a black fine-knit sweater, loafers and gold hoops.
• Cold-weather road trip: charcoal ponte pants, thin thermal top, gray zip-front knit, insulated sneakers, a long puffer laid over your lap.
• Mild-weather drive: soft straight-leg jeans, striped tee, chambray shacket, slip-on sneakers, a silk scarf for your hair at stops.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Dress for the seat: flat stretchy waistband, front-opening layer, coat off before buckling, broken-in shoes, and a quick finishing swap at the last stop.

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