When it comes to airport outfits, comfort is always my top priority. Before I even think about whether something looks cute, I'm thinking about practicality. If I have to use the restroom, I don't want to deal with a bunch of layers. I want to be able to sit for hours without feeling restricted, move around comfortably, and wear fabrics that breathe because I get hot on planes pretty quickly. Comfortable, supportive shoes are also a must since my feet tend to get sore after long periods of walking and standing.

I also think about little details, like my hair. If I decide to rest or lay down during a flight, I don't want a complicated hairstyle getting in the way. I want everything about my outfit to work with me, not against me.

For my airport look—and my first day in Rio—I wore this cream tunic-style dress from H&M. I've had it for several years, and it remains one of my favorite pieces. It's lightweight, breathable, and incredibly comfortable. The relaxed fit allows me to move freely, making it perfect for travel. One thing I especially love is the textured fabric. It already has a naturally crinkled look, so when it wrinkles throughout the day, it still looks intentional and polished.

I paired it with my new red and pink Nike V5 RNR sneakers, which were absolutely the right choice for a long travel day. They provided great support while still adding a fun pop of color to the outfit. I wore lightweight no-show socks with grip backs to keep everything comfortable and breathable.

For accessories, I carried a red crossbody bag from Shein. It's an older piece, but it worked perfectly for keeping essentials like chapstick, hand sanitizer, and other small necessities within easy reach. Originally, I had the leopard-print satin scarf tied around the purse as an accessory. I also wore a few satin scrunchies on my wrist—partly because they're practical and partly because I love how they add a little extra detail.

Partway through the trip, I ended up wearing the scarf on my head to help keep my braids smooth while resting. It served a practical purpose, but it also created a really cute boho-inspired look that I ended up loving.

Overall, this outfit checked every box. It was comfortable enough for a full day of travel, stylish enough for exploring Rio after arriving, and versatile enough to adapt throughout the trip. It was perfect for settling into our Airbnb, walking around the neighborhood, and getting our first glimpse of the city.

This look was truly chef's kiss—proof that comfortable travel outfits can still feel stylish and put together.

Day 2:

Tropical Colors for a Day of Exploring Rio

Our second full day in Rio was packed with adventure. We visited Christ the Redeemer, rode the famous cable cars up to Sugarloaf Mountain, and spent the day taking in some of the most incredible views I've ever seen. Since we would be outside most of the day, I wanted an outfit that felt bright, colorful, and tropical—something that matched the energy of Rio itself.

Starting from the top, the sunglasses were actually a vacation purchase. I picked them up during one of our excursions from a brand called Chilli Beans. They have so many fun and unique styles, and these felt like the perfect souvenir from the trip.

The star of this outfit was definitely my top, which is part of a matching set from FARM Rio, a brand that originated in Rio de Janeiro. I absolutely love the tropical parrot and banana tree print. It felt like the perfect piece to wear while exploring the city where the brand was born. The colors are vibrant, cheerful, and unmistakably Rio.

I paired the top with a green crinkled maxi skirt from Zara that actually belongs to my mom. The flowy silhouette added movement and kept me cool throughout the day. Together, the top and skirt created a look that felt colorful, effortless, and perfectly suited for the tropical surroundings.

For accessories, I carried my orange Michael Kors crossbody bag, which was a birthday gift from a friend several years ago. The orange pulled beautifully from the colors in the top and added another fun pop of color. I also attached a yellow flower clip and a floral scarf to the bag strap. Not only were they cute details, but they were practical as well. Throughout the day, I had multiple options for styling my hair depending on the weather and how I was feeling.

Speaking of hair, I started the day wearing it down, with plans to use either the scarf or flower clip later. I also had a yellow satin scrunchie on my wrist in case I wanted to throw it into a ponytail. By the afternoon, though, Rio's heat had other plans. It got so warm that I ended up pulling my hair into a large wrapped bun just to get it off my neck and back. Honestly, it was one of the best decisions I made all day.

To finish the look, I wore a pair of floral embroidered mesh flats from Shein. Visually, they were absolutely perfect for the outfit and matched the feminine, tropical vibe beautifully. However, if I could change one thing about this look, it would be the shoes. We walked more on this day than any other day of the trip, and while the flats looked adorable, they didn't provide enough support for that much sightseeing. By the afternoon, my feet were definitely feeling it. If I were recreating this outfit, I would choose a shoe with a little more cushioning and arch support while still keeping the same aesthetic.

Overall, I absolutely loved this look. It was colorful, breathable, comfortable, and felt completely at home in Rio de Janeiro. It captured everything I wanted for the day—tropical, vibrant, and fun. As a bonus, this ended up being the outfit I was asked about the most throughout the entire trip, which doesn't surprise me one bit. It's still one of my favorite looks from Rio. 🌴☀️🦜💚🧡

By day three, I had settled into a rhythm with my vacation wardrobe. My goals were the same as the previous days: lightweight fabrics, bright colors, fun patterns, comfortable shoes, and accessories that were both stylish and functional. If there's one thing you'll notice throughout this trip, it's that every outfit was designed to help me enjoy the day without constantly adjusting, fixing, or feeling uncomfortable.

I started with my Chilli Beans sunglasses, which quickly became my most-worn accessory of the trip. They worked with almost every outfit and were perfect for Rio's bright sunshine.

For my top, I wore a brand-new white cropped tee that I picked up from TJ Maxx for only $12.99 before leaving for the trip. It's one of those simple pieces that doesn't look like much on the hanger but ends up becoming a wardrobe workhorse. The clean white color balanced out the bold print of the dress and kept the overall look feeling fresh and effortless.

Speaking of the dress, this tropical sundress is another TJ Maxx find, although it's from last year. Whenever I spot dresses like this on the clearance rack, I almost always buy the largest size available. This one is either a large or extra-large, and that's completely intentional. Since I often style these dresses with cropped tees layered over them, I don't need them to be fitted. I want them oversized, flowy, breathable, and comfortable. The result is a look that feels easy to wear while still being put together.

The print was absolutely perfect for Rio. The coastal-inspired tropical pattern felt right at home against the beach backdrop and reflected everything I love about vacation dressing—colorful, playful, and full of personality.

Accessories were once again chosen with versatility in mind. I wore a blue satin scrunchie on my wrist and attached a matching blue flower clip to my bag. Both pulled beautifully from the blue tones in the dress while giving me options for styling my hair throughout the day. I also brought along a brown scarf. While it didn't match any one color exactly, it worked perfectly because it acted as a neutral and complemented the warm brown tones already present in the print.

For my bag, I returned to the red crossbody from day one. One thing I was really intentional about while packing was minimizing the number of accessories I brought. I packed only two primary handbags—the red crossbody and the orange Michael Kors bag from day two—and they worked with nearly every outfit I wore throughout the trip. It was a great reminder that you don't need a different bag for every look if you choose versatile colors.

On my feet, I wore my red Adidas Mary Jane Sambas, and they were absolutely the right choice for the day. Not only did they tie in perfectly with the red bag and accents in the dress, but they were also incredibly comfortable for walking around the city. After learning my lesson the previous day, I appreciated having a shoe that looked cute while still providing more support.

This was one of our slower-paced days in Rio. We spent time relaxing on the beach, wandering through the city, enjoying the scenery, and eating plenty of açaí bowls. One of my favorite memories from this day was spending time on the beach watching some of the people in our group hang glide and parasail over Rio. It was one of those moments where you just stop and take it all in—the ocean, the mountains, the sunshine, and these colorful gliders floating through the sky. It felt like something straight out of a postcard. Having an outfit that was comfortable enough for a full day outdoors made it easy to simply enjoy the experience.

I also loved having multiple options for my hair throughout the day. Between the scrunchie, flower clip, and scarf, I could easily switch things up depending on the weather, the activity, or simply how I felt in the moment. Those little details may seem minor, but having accessories that are both practical and pretty can make a huge difference when you're traveling.

Looking back, this outfit perfectly captured the feeling of the day—easy, colorful, comfortable, and carefree. Everything worked together without feeling overly planned, and that's often when I feel most like myself. It was practical enough for a full day of exploring and relaxing, yet colorful enough to feel like a true Rio vacation look. Between the beach views, the açaí bowls, and watching hang gliders soar over the coastline, this day felt like the Rio experience I had always imagined. 🌊☀️🏖️❤️🩵

Day four was all about comfort. We had a full day planned with a Jeep tour, a visit to the botanical gardens, and a light hike, so I knew I needed an outfit that could keep up with all the walking and activity while still feeling cute and put together.

For this look, I wore a graphic cherry tee from Shein that I picked up last summer and paired it with a black athletic skirt featuring built-in leggings. The skirt was stretchy, comfortable, and perfect for staying active throughout the day while still looking stylish.

On my feet were my trusty Nike V5s, which quickly became one of the MVPs of this trip. Between the gardens, the hiking trails, and exploring different parts of the city, comfortable shoes were non-negotiable.

For accessories, I carried my black crossbody fanny pack from Amazon and tied a green scarf from TJ Maxx around it. The scarf featured touches of red and green along with a fun cheetah print that tied in perfectly with the colors in my shirt and sneakers. I also kept a scrunchie on my wrist so I could throw my hair up whenever the heat and humidity kicked in.

Of course, no Rio outfit would be complete without my Chili Beans sunglasses.

One thing I appreciated about this outfit was how versatile it was throughout the day. We headed out early that morning when the temperatures were still cool, so the built-in leggings helped keep me comfortable. As the day warmed up, the outfit remained breathable and easy to move around in.

Sometimes the best travel outfits aren't the most glamorous—they're the ones that allow you to fully enjoy the experience without thinking about what you're wearing. This outfit did exactly that. It was comfortable, functional, colorful, and perfect for a day spent exploring Rio's incredible natural beauty.

Day 4 Evening:

Dinner at Churrascaria Palace

After a full day of exploring Rio, we traded our sneakers for something a little dressier and headed to one of the city's most famous Brazilian steakhouses, Churrascaria Palace. Established in 1951, it's known for its incredible traditional Brazilian barbecue, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We enjoyed a four-course meal, and every course was delicious. It was one of those dining experiences that felt special from beginning to end.

For dinner, I wore a beautiful gauzy yellow dress that I found on the TJ Maxx clearance rack. If you've followed my style for any length of time, you know clearance-rack summer dresses are one of my favorite things to hunt for. I always seem to find the best pieces there.

To make the dress feel a little more unique, I layered it with the top from a lemon-print set I purchased from H&M last year. The soft yellow tones felt perfect for a tropical evening in Rio and added a playful touch to an otherwise simple silhouette.

For shoes, I wore gold flat mules that I picked up from TJ Maxx during last year's vacation shopping adventures. They were comfortable enough for walking while still feeling polished enough for a nice dinner.

And then there was the orange handbag.

At first glance, it probably shouldn't have worked. There wasn't any obvious orange in the outfit, but there were subtle peachy tones in the lemon-print top that tied everything together just enough. Sometimes the best accessories are the ones that don't perfectly match but still somehow make sense. The pop of orange gave the outfit a little personality and helped keep it from feeling too expected.

I styled my hair half-up, half-down and secured it with a yellow flower claw clip. Of course, my trusty scarf was tied around the handle of my handbag, and I had my ever-present scrunchie close by as well.

As it turned out, those accessories ended up being more than just decorative. When we left the restaurant, the skies opened up and it started pouring rain. While we waited for our Uber, I untied the scarf from my bag and wrapped it around my hair to help protect it from the downpour. It wasn't part of the original styling plan, but it was a perfect reminder of why I love incorporating functional accessories into my outfits whenever I travel.

This look ended up being everything I wanted for the evening—comfortable, feminine, tropical, and just dressy enough for a memorable dinner in Rio. Sometimes the best outfits aren't just the ones that photograph well; they're the ones that help you enjoy the experience a little more. This one definitely did both. ✨🌿🍋🧡

Day 5:

Colorful, Comfortable, and Made for Exploring

Day five was another slower-paced day, and it ended up being one of my favorites of the entire trip. We spent time at the beach, wandered through local markets, browsed shops, visited a mall, and explored different parts of the city at our own pace. There wasn't a strict agenda, which made it the perfect opportunity to simply enjoy Rio and spend time together as a family. Looking back, it was easily one of the best family vacations I've ever been on.

For this outfit, I leaned into everything I love most about vacation style: comfort, color, and versatility.

I started with a brown satin bandana from Shein wrapped around my head, paired with my Chili Beans sunglasses. Not only did the scarf add a little personality to the outfit, but it also helped keep my hair under control in the Rio humidity.

For my top, I wore the same white tee from TJ Maxx that made several appearances throughout the trip. It's one of those basic pieces that proves you don't need a suitcase full of clothes to create multiple outfits when you have versatile staples.

The star of this look, though, was the skirt.

I've had this colorful patterned skirt from Shein for about three years, and it remains one of the hardest-working pieces in my closet. I've styled it with blazers, button-downs, graphic tees, dressy tops, and simple basics. I've worn it to church, on vacation, for casual outings, and dressed-up occasions. It's lightweight, breezy, incredibly comfortable, and one of those rare pieces that somehow works for almost everything.

I paired it with my blue Mary Jane Sambas, which pulled out the blue tones in the skirt perfectly, and finished the look with my orange handbag. The orange details woven throughout the print made the bag feel intentional while adding another fun pop of color.

Of course, my accessories had to be both stylish and practical. I clipped my blue flower claw clip and a couple of scrunchies onto my handbag so they were easy to grab whenever I needed them. Functional accessories have become a bit of a travel signature for me.

This outfit was comfortable enough for a full day of walking, shopping, and exploring, but still felt colorful and put together. In many ways, it perfectly reflected Rio itself—vibrant, energetic, relaxed, and full of personality.

Sometimes the outfits that become your favorites aren't the newest or trendiest pieces in your closet. They're the ones that have stood the test of time and continue to work no matter where life takes you. Three years later, this skirt is still proving exactly why it earned a permanent place in mine. 🌴✨🧡💙

Our final full day in Rio started slowly, which felt like the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable week. Before heading home that evening, we returned to a small local bakery we had discovered earlier in the trip. We loved it so much after our first visit that we knew we had to go back one more time. We spent the morning enjoying breakfast together, taking our time, and soaking up every last moment of the city before it was time to leave.

By then, we had fully adjusted to Rio's warm weather, so my hair quickly found its way into a high bun. It kept me cool, kept my hair out of the way while eating, and honestly fit the relaxed vacation vibe perfectly.

For this outfit, I wore a silky green satin top from Express layered over a beautiful floral dress from TJ Maxx—another clearance-rack treasure. The dress is a soft peachy color with a gorgeous floral print featuring shades of green, orange, pink, red, and touches of yellow. It felt bright, cheerful, and perfectly suited for a sunny morning in Rio.

The only challenge was that the top was longer than I wanted. My original plan was to use a small styling tie that I normally pack to create a cropped look, but I had forgotten it at home. Vacation styling sometimes requires a little creativity, so I improvised. I cut out the small hanger loops sewn inside the dress, tied them together, and used them as a makeshift waist tie to crop the shirt exactly where I wanted it.

Was it unconventional? Absolutely.

Did it work? Also absolutely.

Sometimes the best styling tricks happen when you're forced to get creative with what you have.

For shoes, I wore my green and pink Nike Cortez sneakers, which pulled beautifully from the colors in the floral print while keeping the outfit comfortable enough for another day of walking. I finished the look with my orange Michael Kors crossbody bag, which had become one of the hardest-working accessories of the trip.

And because no Rio outfit seemed complete without them, I had my pink and green satin scrunchies on my wrist and my yellow flower claw clip attached to my handbag, ready whenever I needed them. By this point in the trip, my hair accessories had become just as functional as they were fashionable.

This outfit checked every box for a travel day: lightweight, colorful, comfortable, and easy to move in. Looking back, it feels like the perfect representation of my week in Rio—bright colors, practical styling, a little creativity, and plenty of joy mixed in along the way.

As we finished breakfast and prepared to head home later that evening, I found myself already wishing for one more day. Rio gave us beautiful scenery, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences, but my favorite part was simply spending the week together as a family. And that made every outfit, every adventure, and every memory even sweeter. ✨🌿🧡🌸☀️

Every trip has a final outfit, and this was mine.

After spending the day soaking up our last few hours in Rio, we packed our bags, headed to the airport, and began the journey home. As much as I loved Rio—the beaches, the food, the scenery, and the adventures—I was ready for my own bed and especially ready to see my dog, who I had missed all week.

Looking back, it felt fitting that my final outfit ended up being red, white, and blue, even though that wasn't intentional when I packed it. By the end of the trip, I was excited to be heading back home to the good old U.S.A., and somehow the outfit matched the mood perfectly.

For this travel look, I wore a red satin scarf from TJ Maxx, which helped keep my hair comfortable and manageable throughout a long travel day. I paired it with a lightweight New York sweatshirt from H&M and a blue-and-white striped skirt, also from H&M.

On my feet were my Nike V5s, which had already proven themselves throughout the trip. When you're facing airports, long walks to gates, security lines, and hours of travel, comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.

I carried my red handbag and, naturally, my blue flower claw clip was attached to it, along with my trusty satin scrunchies—one blue and one brown. By this point, my hair accessories had become essential travel companions. They were always within reach whenever I needed a quick hairstyle change, and I loved how they doubled as colorful accessories throughout the trip.

One thing I don't often think about when packing but ended up loving was bringing multiple phone cases. For this trip, I packed two. The yellow striped case shown in this photo and another blue-themed case with fun little details on it. I fully intended to switch to the blue one for this outfit, but completely forgot. Even so, the yellow case had traveled all over Rio with me, so it felt appropriate that it made one last appearance before heading home.

What I loved most about this outfit was how practical it was. The sweatshirt was lightweight enough for Rio's mild fall weather but comfortable for chilly airports and airplanes. The skirt kept everything breathable, and the entire look felt polished without sacrificing comfort.

It was the perfect ending to a week of colorful, comfortable, and functional outfits.

As our plane lifted off and Rio disappeared below the clouds, I found myself feeling grateful. Grateful for the memories, grateful for the time spent with my family, grateful for the adventures we shared, and grateful to have experienced a city that was every bit as beautiful as I imagined it would be.

And while I was excited to get home, a small part of me was already wondering when I'd get to come back. ❤️✈️🇧🇷🇺🇸

Rio taught me something about travel style: the best vacation wardrobe isn't the one with the most clothes—it's the one filled with pieces you genuinely love, pieces that mix and match effortlessly, and pieces that allow you to fully enjoy every experience. Looking back through these outfits, that's exactly what this trip became: colorful, comfortable, practical, and full of joy. ✨🌴☀️

For more content

What I Wore in Rio

Airport Style:

Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

Day 4 Evening:

Day 5:

Day 6 Evening:

Dawn Young