The Complex Guide to Traveling in Style

Image via Complex Original

This time of year it's easy to get caught up in the madness of holiday travel. And it can suck. You wake up early, make a mad dash to the airport or train station, and are subject to pretty much being a prisoner in some sort of elongated metal tube that seemingly stretches minutes into hours, amidst screaming, crying babies, smelly foreigners and grumpy stewardesses. 

While there exists a variety of alcohol and pill cocktails that help make the travel portion easier, that doesn't mean you should succumb to the all-too-common error of dressing for absolute comfort whenever you travel. You're still in public, so not looking like a slob should still be a priority. And having the right gear to get you from point A to point B is crucial.

Here's some tips on how to feel good while looking great, even when you're flying coach. Check out The Complex Guide to Traveling in Style.

The Phone Wallet

Case Mate iPhone 4 Credit Card Case, $35
The Hundreds iPhone 4 Code Wallet, $55 

Kill two birds with one stone and combine your phone and your wallet. This way you'll have less to keep track of, and hopefully means you'll be more vigilant about not losing your shit. So don't go throwing your phone on the ground when you get frustrated at Angry Birds. It also helps you figure out what kinds of cards you really need to bring with you when you're not home. So leave that Pinkberry frequent buyer card at home.

Luggage

Topo Designs Klettersack, $139 
Patagonia MLC Burrito Bag, $179
Morris Lessmore DODOcase, $65 

Step up your backpack game with this rucksack from Topo Designs, the drawstring closure keeps your stuff extra secure, while the flap above means you can tote around a rolled-up blanket for extra comfort. If you're bringing tailored gear along, the Patagonia MLC Burrito bag combines a duffle bag with a garment bag, that rolls up or is hangable ensuring your nice clothes don't get wrinkled. Throw out that crappy neoprene iPad case and opt for a classier interpretation like this DODOcase.

Toiletries

Billykirk x Opening Ceremony Waxed Leather Dopp Kit, $155
L.L. Bean Personal Organizer, $23 
Malin and Goetz 1 Oz Essential Kit, $30

Keep all your grooming gear in check with a bright dopp kit like this one from Billykirk and Opening Ceremony. It'll make it easy to spot in your bag if you need to use deodorant or take medicine while en route. A hanging dopp kit like this one from L.L. Bean is also available in bright colors and has the added convenience of being able to be hung while in the shower and a built-in mirror. Cop travel-sized versions of the premium bathing products you've been using for convenience. Companies like Malin and Goetz have been offering travel sets for quite some time, so stop stealing them from hotels already.

Underwear

Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go Boxer Brief, $25 
Champion Moisture-Wicking V-Neck 5-Pack, $16 
Smartwool New Classic Rib Merino Socks, $18 

Traveling can make you feel really gross. Fight it with quick-drying gear that protects against moisture and odors. These breathable boxer briefs are anti-microbial and are easily washable in a sink, that's why backpackers prefer them on long trips where showers come few and far between. We suggest you still shower on a regular basis though. Moisture-wicking v-necks are preferable under your buttondowns or comfortable cardigans, and act as a first line of defense against pit stains. Soft merino wool socks also defend against moisture and odor, and unlike cotton socks won't leave your feet feeling like a locker room after a long day on the go.

Headphones

Bang & Olufsen Form 2 Headphones, $100 
Klipsch Image S4 In-Ear Headphones, $60

Great headphones are so necessary for travel. Drown out obnoxious noises like crying babies, snoring passengers, and bros talking about how they're excited to hit up that one Irish pub back home. Two models that get a lot of love at the Complex office are the Bang & Olufsen Form 2 headphones, that offer awesome sound and a great design that won't make you look like you're about to DJ, and the Klipsch Image S4 in-ear headphones, which have great noise-cancelling quality in a small package.

Clothing

Our Legacy 3-Roll 2 Grey Tweed Sportcoat, $550
Ralph Lauren Custom-Fit Brushed Blue Plaid Shirt, $55
Burton Premium Full-Zip Sleeper Hoodie, $99 

Let's face it: you get more respect looking presentable at an airport. Combine comfort and style with an unstructured blazer in a heavier tweed fabric, perfect for brisk weather. A brushed twill shirt like this blue plaid from Ralph Lauren feels awesome without being itchy like wool flannel. You'll want to live in it. Plus, you can even wear it under a hoodie, like this Sleeper Hoodie from Burton that offers a lot for weary travelers. We're talking an inflatable neck pillow and an eye mask that folds down from the hood, hidden pockets for tickets and passports, and a place to slip your headphones through.