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As a travel writer, I live out of a suitcase more than I care to admit. With more than 70 countries under my belt, I’ve become a bit of an expert in packing for multiple countries, continents, climates, and carry-on limits all at once. Which is why Quince has completely changed my life in terms of travel essentials, and is quintessentially the only place I shop. Their clothes are thoughtfully made, affordable, and versatile enough to handle long-haul flights, multi-day treks, and last-minute dinner reservations. After testing these pieces everywhere, from Thailand to Tulum to Toronto, I can confidently say that these seven pieces are the ones I reach for every single time (almost as often as my passport).
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Bella Stretch Straight Jean, $50
As someone who prefers comfort over style 99% of the time, jeans are not something I grab often. That was until I found these perfectly stretched straight jeans. They’re structured enough to look polished but are made from breathable organic cotton. I’ve worn them on both long and short flights, city walking tours, and even dressed the white pair up with a flouncy top and flats for dinner. The high-rise fit is ultra-flattering for my post-baby bod, and the straight leg pairs well with sneakers, sandals, boots, and more without bunching or looking awkward. I love that they come in a few versatile colors (I have the Cloud White and Midnight Blue colorways), and they hold their shape surprisingly well after multiple wears without a wash in between. Plus, with Quince’s 365-day return policy and quality guarantee, they’re a low-risk, high-reward travel piece.
100% Organic Cotton Midi Dress, $69.90
This smocked midi dress was one of my most-worn pieces on a recent foray to Mexico. A true dupe for the more popular (and 3X as expensive) Hill House Nap Dress, this lightweight poplin dress looks just as cute with white sneakers as it does with sandals, boots, and heels. The stretchy smocking means I didn’t have to fuss with the fit, even after long travel days, and the midi length felt both modest and flattering. I love that it packs down easily without wrinkling much (a win when you travel as much as I do), and there’s a ton of color options to suit just about any mood.
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European Linen Pants, $39.90
I could (and do) live in linen pants, even during the winter. There’s something just so chic about them, not even talking about how incredibly versatile and comfortable they are too. Crafted from European linen, they’re breathable and lightweight yet retain literally all of their shape, even after multiple stuffs into a suitcase or super long travel days. The price point is solid for the quality (less than $40 a pair!), and there’s an abundance of colors to choose from, including classic black, gingham, white, flax, and more — so they fit easily into any travel wardrobe. The sizes run true, and the only negative I have is that they need to be hang-dried so they don’t shrink in length. The relaxed yet tailored fit makes them versatile enough to pair with everything from tees to blouses.
Mongolian Cashmere Tee, $44.90
There are a few items in my closet that I’ve worn as many times as I’ve worn the Quince cashmere tee shirts (which I’ve in ivory, black-and-white stripe, and grey). Buttery soft and so comfortable, they’re just as perfect paired with leggings on a flight as they are jeans at the market. What I love most is how effortlessly these tees elevate any outfit, whether I’m dressing up for a date night abroad or simply layering them under a chunky cardigan for travel days. For a truly elevated look (that’s just as comfy), pair them with the matching cashmere joggers.
100% Leather Everyday Sneaker, $79.90
I wear these Quince leather everyday sneakers almost every day, whether I’m traveling, running to the grocery store, or chasing my kid around the yard. They’re insanely comfortable and still hold their shape, no matter how many times you wear them. They come in two classic colors, white and black, making it easy to style virtually any outfit (from dresses to sweatsuits). At a remarkably affordable price for high-quality leather sneakers (less than $80, hello!), they’re a reliable go-to that strikes a perfect balance between style and comfort.
Ultra-Soft High-Rise Leggings + Ultra Soft V-Neck Tank, $29.90 + $39.90
As a girlie who loves high-fashion but has a limited budget, I’m always on the lookout for dupes of my favorite brands. And this luxurious leggings set is an exact dupe of Beyond Yoga’s famed pieces. I have the set in cobalt and heather gray, with two more sets sitting in my cart as we speak. The buttery-soft fabric feels like a mix between a cloud and a second skin, offering the perfect balance of stretch, style, and support. I wore my blue set in Mexico (on a zipline excursion and during the flight) and received a million compliments on the color. Plus, for less than $70 for the entire set, you can’t beat the price for the quality.
Mongolian Cashmere Wrap Sweater, $109
What put Quince on the map (their Mongolian cashmere) is why I’m so obsessed with the brand. And this wrap cardigan is no exception. The soft, warm cashmere is impeccable for flights, and made me feel fancy enough to fly first class even though I was stuck in 36F. I have the camel colorway, and it mixes and matches effortlessly with my entire travel wardrobe. Plus, at just $109 (more than half the price of other retailers), it’s a brilliant investment piece that’s lightweight and packs well, making it a go-to for style and comfort on the road.
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