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As Martha Stewart recently proved with her chic travel selfie en route to the Winter Olympics in Milan, the ultimate goal of jet-setting is to remain comfortable without sacrificing an ounce of style. As a travel writer who has spent years perfecting the art of the airport uniform, I’ve learned that the secret to surviving a long-haul flight lies in high-quality, “quiet luxury” pieces that look far more expensive than their price tags suggest.
Lately, my go-to for these elevated essentials is Quince. Their current collection of cashmere and performance fabrics offers the perfect solution for winter travel, especially when you’re navigating the tricky transition from freezing departure gates to humid tropical arrivals. Here are the pieces currently in my regular rotation that make “airport style” feel effortless.
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Quince Winter Travel Pieces:
- Super Soft Fleece Hoodie Pullover
- Super Soft Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
- Mongolian Cashmere Full Hoodie Zip
- Mongolian Cashmere Sweatpants
- Flownit Pullover Hoodie
- Flownit Midrise Joggers
- Whistler Midrise Thermal Joggers
- Mongolian Oversized Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
- Mongolian Cashmere Polo Sweater
- Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
- Scuba Captain’s Convertible Blazer
The SuperSoft Fleece Collection
If you want to walk off a plane looking pulled together but feeling like you’re in pajamas, the SuperSoft Fleece Hoodieand matching Cropped Wide-Leg Pants are the gold standard. The fabric—a blend of Tencel Modal and spandex—is remarkably buttery and lightweight, making it ideal for layering. I recently wore this set from a chilly morning in Boston to a sun-drenched Florida airport and stayed perfectly comfortable the entire time. The cropped length of the pants is particularly practical; I pair them with wool socks for the flight and swap those for sandals the moment we land.
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Elevated Mongolian Cashmere
For those who prefer a “Quiet Luxury” aesthetic, Quince’s Grade-A Mongolian cashmere has become a travel staple. The Full Hoodie Zip and matching Cashmere Sweatpantscreate a look that feels very “Loro Piana” but at a fraction of the cost. The weave is dense and substantial, which helps it resist pilling—a common heartbreak with travel knits.
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High-Performance Flowknit Sets
When I need my plane outfit to work double-duty, I reach for the Flowknit Pullover Hoodieand Midrise Joggers. Made from a sustainable, moisture-wicking poly blend, this set is breathable enough for a dash through the terminal but sleek enough to wear to the hotel gym once you arrive. The thumb-holes and thick drawstrings give it a high-end athleisure feel that holds its shape much better than cheaper jersey alternatives.
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The Cold-Weather Specialist
For truly frigid flights where the cabin draft is relentless, the Whistler Midrise Thermal Joggers are a lifesaver. They feature a sturdy, wind-resistant outer shell with a brushed, cozy interior that traps heat without feeling bulky. I love pairing these with the Oversized Cashmere Crewneck for a “slouchy-chic” look that provides maximum warmth on overnight hauls.
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The “Old Money” Airport Essential
This polo is the ultimate “old money” piece for your winter travel wardrobe. It strikes that elusive balance between a structured, professional look and the cloud-like comfort of Grade-A Mongolian cashmere. It’s breathable enough for a stuffy cabin but looks sharp enough to wear straight to a lunch meeting or a resort dinner upon landing. For a high-low winter look, I love pairing this refined knit with the rugged, cozy Whistler thermal joggers.
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The Lightweight Legend
As one of Quince’s biggest bestsellers, this crewneck is a dream for a streamlined carry-on. It provides warmth without the bulk, making it a perfect base layer. I love the “Varsity Red” for a pop of color, but I also frequently use it as a chic substitute for a scarf when the overhead air gets too crisp.
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The Polished Finisher
Finally, for the traveler who needs to head straight from the runway to a meeting or dinner, the Scuba Captain’s Convertible Blazer is a game-changer. Despite its structured, military-inspired look—complete with gold buttons and a double-breasted cut—it’s made from a stretchy, wrinkle-free scuba fabric that’s surprisingly comfy. You can toss it over a hoodie on the plane, and it will emerge from your seat looking crisp and completely unbothered.
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