Travel Like a Pro: Sloane Stephens Reveals Expert Tips for Comfort and Style

The professional tennis player shares secrets for staying organized and stylish on the go.

Sloane Stephens.Sloane Stephens

Professional tennis player Sloane Stephens is known for her impressive skills on the court, but she’s also a seasoned traveler who has picked up some valuable tips over the years. As a winner of junior titles at the French, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open and seven WTA Tour singles titles, Stephens has competed in tournaments all over the world. When she’s not traveling for tennis, Stephens is working with her charity organization, the Sloane Stephens Foundation, which aims to fight poverty and health inequity.

We caught up with Stephens to get her expert advice on how to dress comfortably and stylishly for airport travel, what shoes to wear for long flights, and the must-have items to pack in your carry-on. She also shares her tips for efficient packing and her favorite travel bags. Whether you're a frequent flier or a first-time traveler, Stephens' tips are sure to help you make the most out of your journey. So sit back, relax, and prepare to take flight with Sloane Stephens' top travel tips.

What is your all-time favorite airport outfit? 

“I’ve been living in Free People Movement’s Sprint to the Finish set. I have it in every color and am begging the team for even more options. I love matching sets, it’s such an easy way to feel pulled together and have one less thing to think about as I’m traveling.”

Sprint to the Finish, Hoodie $108 Pants $108 (freepeople.com)

Free People

What are the best shoes to travel in? 

“I’m a sneaker girl for sure. They are the easiest to travel in and super comfortable especially when walking through airports. I picked up a pair of the New Balance 550s recently because it seems like everyone in my feed is wearing them. I’m trying to get better about documenting my looks and just started an LTK page so you can shop my travel style.”

What are some essential pieces that you always bring with you when you're traveling? 

“Sweatshirts, leggings, and either a beanie or a baseball hat. Hotels and planes can get cold so I always make sure I have an extra sweatshirt or two on hand. Leggings don’t take up a lot of space but are extremely useful for off days or just lounging around. A baseball hat saves me on the days when I just don’t have time to style my hair.”

How do you balance comfort and style when selecting clothing for travel and matches? 

“I’ve recently become an ambassador for Free People Movement, and that has definitely made combining comfort and style easier since they offer a little bit of everything. While traveling, it's mostly about comfort but I still want to look put together so I typically go for a matching sweatsuit. I’m on the road for weeks at a time, so I rely on tried and true basics that I can make seem like new outfits with different accessories. For my matches, I love something bold and fun that blends style with performance. Choosing my match outfits is one of my favorite things to do!”

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Do you have any strategies for packing efficiently? How do you make sure you have everything you need without overpacking? 

“Absolutely. Packing cubes are essential! They help me keep my day-to-day clothes and my match clothes organized and separate. When you are living out of a suitcase, it’s important to stay extremely organized otherwise my bag would be an absolute disaster!”

What are the must-have items in your carry-on? 

“AirPod Pros, a book, and Carmex lip balm.”

What are your favorite bags and why? 

“Both to check and to carry on. I have the Telfar Large shopping bag ($275) in every color. That bag is deceptively a black hole, it fits so much even I surprise myself sometimes. I’m using the FP Movement Quilted Carryall ($68) as my on-court and gym bag right now and loving it. It also packs down super small so it’s easy to throw into my luggage. I bought the Away Large carry-on ($345) this off-season before I went on safari and having 4 wheels versus 2 is such a game changer - I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to upgrade!”

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What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned about packing and traveling?

“Make a packing list! This has been a lifesaver for me especially when traveling for work. I can be away for weeks, even months, at a time so I have to be sure I’m packing what I need. Making a packing list ensures that I don’t forget anything and keeps me on track to not overpack.”