Planning airport outfits can often require as much consideration as what goes into your luggage. On top of practical considerations, like the temperature of a place, how much baggage space you're allowed and the length of your journey, you want to make sure you still feel like you. So if you, like me, have got your tickets booked and your hotel room reserved, you're going to need some help with your airport look very soon.
Much like planning an outfit for a special occasion, you may be faced with the dilemma of not knowing which vibe to go for. Do you go for the sporty look with leggings, a logo sweater and comfy fashion trainers? Is it going to be a cool linen shirt, linen trousers and an oversized beach bag that doubles up as a carry-on to avoid being loaded up with luggage? Or do you head to your terminal in a summer dress and sandals as though you’ve already landed at your chosen exotic location? No matter how you play it, we’re here to give you all the inspiration. And where better to start than the ‘90s?
You only have to look back to the likes of supermodels Naomi Campbell (notice the capri pants everyone is wearing this summer), Kate Moss and Cindy Crawford to see how the airport has always been an off-duty runway for celebrities. And while the rest of us are highly unlikely to be swarmed by paparazzi at arrivals, we can still go in with the same approach when it comes to planning a look.
Luckily, the actual runways have also given some guidance, with Gucci offering up the shorts and top co-ord – an easy win when it comes to a plane-to-pool outfit and Balenciaga showing us how to make an oversized hoodie look fashion-forward.
It's not just the catwalks, either. Airport outfits and travel clothes are all we see on Instagram these days thanks to a newfound tradition that has all our fave influencers and celebrities sharing their pre-flight OOTDs. Yep, fashion bloggers and stylists seem to hit the nail on the head each time, achieving the right balance between looking comfortable and pulled-together, all while seeming as though they've not even tried.
Whether you choose to go for the loungewear look or prefer smart jeans and a blazer (in case it helps you get that upgrade), we've decoded the different styles. And it's all thanks to seven fashion insiders who have given their tips and tricks when it comes to airport outfit ideas, along with some easy formulas you can copy and paste from your own wardrobe.
1. The Cosy-Comfy Airport Outfit
It’s not often fashion meets function, but between jumping in an early morning cab and the plane temperature being unpredictable, a lot of people tend to dress for the journey rather than the destination. Cosy, comfy pieces – that still have that luxe look – are the base to all off-duty model looks.
Digital creator, Rachael Keegan shares her airport outfit ideas, “When travelling, I’m all about comfort as I get cold at the airport. I think tonal dressing always looks effortless, so I tend to copy my everyday summer outfits and go for timeless separates or matching sets. A knit co-ord or a midi dress with a hands-free crossbody bag never fails.”
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2. The Dressier The Better Airport Outfit
If you believe your holiday starts the moment your out of office is on, and you're not afraid of showing it, you’re not alone. Celebrity stylist, Nana Acheampong, is the queen of standout travel outfits: “To me, there’s no such thing as being overdressed. With a wardrobe full of colourful, bold and fun pieces I see the airport as the perfect place to wear them, and from my recent experience of losing my luggage, wearing a holiday-ready outfit meant I was still ready for the beach and a night out, even without my suitcase!”
3. The Quiet Luxury Airport Outfit
When it comes to quiet luxury it’s all about sleek separates. Think cashmere knitwear and an understated designer tote bag, all elevated with timeless jewellery and the chicest of sunglasses. AKA, the sort of travel outfit that could get you sat nearer to the front of the plane…if you catch our drift.
Author and travel writer Gina Jackson says, “I’m often heading off to tropical locations, so my fail-safe outfit is a just-ironed linen two piece. They’re lightweight and comfy enough for plane journeys but still elevated and stylish – the perfect outfit to wear to the airport and then straight onto the beach or even to dinner.”
4. The Sporty Airport Outfit
Embracing athleisure is one of the best moves you can make when it comes to airport outfits. Whether you’ve got a long haul flight or a quick dash to Paris, a sporty look made up of great-quality joggers, a logo hoodie, and a cap so you don't need to worry about doing your hair will be your go-to.
Billie Bhatia – writer and co-host of ‘Spill’ podcast – is a fan of activewear on-board. “With sweatshirts and leggings making up a large percentage of my everyday uniforms when running errands or working from home, of course I’m also going to utilise these for travelling, too,” she says.
5. The Colourful, Ready-For-The-Heat Airport Outfit
If you’ve been counting down the days until your holiday, no doubt there’s a pile of summer outfits ready and waiting. So why keep them on pause any longer? Bring out the denim shorts, wear the crochet dress, and add the raffia accessories. While everyone has to go get changed after landing, you’ll be sitting there smug as punch already in your beach look.
Author and presenter, Zeena Shah is all for travelling in holiday looks, “I created #ColourMeUpMonday to inspire everyone to have fun with dopamine-endorsing outfits no matter the day of the week. So this of course goes for airport outfits, too. I’m all for wearing a new floaty dress with ballet pumps and switching to flip flops as soon as I can see the sea.”
6. The Influencer-Style Airport Outfit
There’s no doubt about it, Instagram can heavily influence your airport outfits. Whether it’s a Frankie Shop blazer layered over leggings, a vest with a sweater draped over the shoulders, or simply just the latest Dragon Diffusion bag with jorts, wearing hero items all at once is an easy way to ensure your trip is grid-approved from the moment you’re on that runway.
Content creator, Lois Sterling, owns items on everyone’s wish list: “I’m all about investing in key staples that will serve me well across all seasons. My capsule wardrobe consists of items I know will all work together, and this means getting ready for a trip is made easier. Instead of trackies, I often wear denim shorts to the airport as they’re super casual and comfy but can be easily dressed up once I land.”
7. The Night Flight Airport Outfit
If a flight further afield is on the cards (lucky you) then airport travel outfits need even more thought. Getting tucked up for a night in the sky is all about comfort, beating the air con – clever layers like long sleeve tops and super soft knitwear will help – and also having essential beauty products in your carry-on ready for when you’re about to land. Because we could never say no to a sheet mask, even at 30,000 feet in the air.
“Comfort is key for long-haul flights, I always opt for drawstring wide leg trousers which are easy and roomy for the flight but also lightweight for when you arrive in a warm destination. It’s also all about the layers, a pair of cashmere socks with Birkenstock Bostons is equal parts cosy and stylish. And they’re practically like wearing your slippers! ” Says digital creator, Francesca Saffari.
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