There’s something different about summer 2026. It’s quieter—in the best way. Less screen time, more sky. Less scrolling, more singing at red lights with your friends. That’s where road trips come in.
At Aerie, we’ve always believed the best memories aren’t curated, they’re lived. The tangled hair from driving with the windows down, the questionable gas station snack choices, the blurry photos that somehow mean the most. That’s the heart of #AerieREAL, showing up as you are, wherever the road takes you.
And in 2026, travel is leaning nostalgic. Think detours, hidden coastal pull-offs, vintage motels, and roadside diners that haven’t changed in decades. Your road trip outfits? They need to keep up, not just with the miles, but with the moments.
The Road Trip Outfit Uniform: Comfort is Non-Negotiable
When you’re spending hours in the car, comfort isn’t optional, it’s everything. Start with the legend: OFFLINE by Aerie® leggings. Already a fan favorite, these leggings take buttery-soft to a whole new level. They move with you, breathe with you, and look amazing when you step out for a coffee stop.
Layer it up with your go-to oversized sweatshirt, the kind that feels like a hug when the AC is blasting or when the sun starts dipping. It’s cozy, effortless, and always comes in handy.
And for those moments when leggings aren’t the vibe? Enter fleece shorts or relaxed trousers. They give that “I tried” energy while secretly feeling like pajamas. Perfect for long hauls, quick stops, and everything in between.
Swim-to-Street: Because You Never Know Where the Water Is
The best road trips are the ones without a strict plan, especially when you stumble upon a spot for a spontaneous swim.
Make sure your bag is packed with bright colors and bold, fun prints that feel like summer. A one-piece swimsuit is your most versatile essential; just style it as a bodysuit with denim shorts and a light button-down, and you’re ready for a hidden lake or a beach you didn’t plan to find.
Lean into that vintage-inspired energy with bikinis in retro patterns and vibrant shades. Look for soft, comfortable textures like terry cloth and crinkle fabrics that feel great all day, whether you’re behind the wheel or in the water.
The “Golden Hour” Outfit Change
Every road trip has that moment, the one where the light hits just right, the music slows down, and suddenly everything feels cinematic. Golden hour isn’t planned, but you’ll always want to be ready for it.
This is where effortless layers come in. A lightweight button-down tossed over your swimsuit or tank top catches the breeze in that perfectly undone way. Swap your daytime shorts for a flowy skirt or an easy slip dress that moves with you, not against you. It’s less about changing your outfit and more about evolving it with the moment.
And don’t forget the details: a pair of worn-in sneakers or simple sandals, layered jewelry that glints in the sun, and maybe that sweatshirt tied loosely around your shoulders for when the air cools down. It’s the kind of look that feels spontaneous but somehow always works.
The “Analog Girl” Packing List (Beyond Clothes)
What you pack matters, but how it makes you feel matters more. Start with smart accessories: a canvas tote for farmer’s market finds, snacks, or random souvenirs you definitely didn’t plan to buy. Add a bucket hat for sun protection and those inevitable bad hair days.
For comfort on the road, bralettes are a must. They give you that barely-there, bra-off feeling while still keeping things easy and supported during long drives.
And then, the essentials that make this summer different:
- A film camera—for photos you can’t instantly review (and that’s the point)
- A physical map—for when you lose signal and for the aesthetic
- A journal—for documenting the little things you’ll forget later
Because the real magic of a road trip isn’t just where you go—it’s how it feels getting there.
Leave a Reply