I'll be so real — my airport outfits used to be whatever was clean and comfy. Rarely did I put more than 10 minutes of thought into it, and I usually left it up to fate. Whatever hoodie, tracksuit or leggings were within reach as I headed out the door for my holiday would do.
However, if the fashion set and the runways they take inspiration from have proven anything of late, it's that your airport look requires prior planning and attention. Yep, security now doubles as a fashion show, and the lounge? A prime location for real-time content that declares your out of office is on, while simultaneously showing off your travel outfit.
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So, what are we wearing to breeze through passport control and browse duty-free? According to social media stars, smart casual is the way forward, pairing your luggage and loungewear with tailored separates in a similar tone. Of course, honeymooners might opt for all white on travel days — except we're modernising it for summer 2026 by opting for funnel neck jackets paired with wide-leg linen trousers.
And if, like me, Margot Robbie is your forever outfit inspo, bermuda shorts are the practical option when trying to keep your core temperature down. Although Dolce & Gabbana suggests a low-effort, high-reward matching set, better known as a co-ord, might be a travel essential, too.
So, read on to discover my five favourite airport outfit ideas I call on to travel in style — all of which I plan on re-creating using pieces from my own capsule wardrobe ahead of my summer travel. And if you're seeking swimwear styling advice or spring outfit inspo, I've got you covered there, too.
Smart casual
No one works harder at the airport than Manon De Velder, the Belgian content creator offering more airport outfit inspiration than anyone else on my timeline. However, this smart-casual clash spoke to me: both comfortable and effortlessly cool, this is the kind of outfit I'd expect to see worn by those occupying business class. Plus, it'll save you the effort of cramming your oversized blazer into your Ryanair-approved carry-on.
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In terms of my interpretation, I'm sticking with a similar colour palette. A black blazer feels a little dressy to pair with joggers, even of the same tone. Instead, I'm calling on my beloved SKIMS straight-leg joggers — which might also be helpful when relaxing post-pool, pre-dinner — and pairing them with a short-sleeve white t-shirt, layered underneath a tailored blazer, the cinched waist silhouette is my favourite spring/summer 2026 trend so far.
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Utility White
While I'm not yet in my bridal era, I'm fully aware that it's customary to almost exclusively wear white on your honeymoon — including while gliding through Heathrow en route to the Maldives. But some might say a white linen shirt and matching linen trousers are a tad predictable.
Instead, I'm thinking of following Sophia Geiss' example. That oversized utility jacket is seriously practical for a flight, considering the countless pockets double as a temporary home for my lip gloss and in-flight snacks. And by layering this over a ribbed baby tee, she's created some interest with different textures, too. Just be sure to carry a Tide Pen in case turbulence risks ruining your bright whites.
You could, however, tick off another spring trend, opting for a funnel neck jacket. Not only will it spare your neck the chill from your neighbour's air-con, but the slouchy, lightweight layer won't take up excess space in the overhead locker, too. Paired with chocolate brown accessories — specifically, a spacious Dragon Diffusion tote bag and flip flops you plan on wearing poolside, too, saving you further space in your suitcase — and you've got a luxe look Naomi Campbell would certainly approve of.
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Funnel fever
Shock: she's talking about funnel neck jackets, again. If 2024 was the year of the scarf coat, then 2025 was the year of funnel neck jackets — and thankfully, the trend isn't on its way out yet. A lighter alternative to the leather jacket and arguably more practical than a denim jacket, considering their nylon or polyester make-up usually makes them water-resistant, too. Instead of any in-flight dinner spills.
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Stacie Elsmore excels when it comes to airport dressing — to the point that she's featured on my ‘summer outfit inspo’ Pinterest board for the last three years. This balloon pant and ballet flat pairing is my most favourite to date, though. Not only do I know she was comfy on that flight, the elasticated waistband and hems allowing her to lounge with ease, and ballet flats giving her toes a chance to breathe. No shade to fashion trainers; just facts.
For me, I've been looking for a way to style up a pair of khaki barrel leg trousers, and so I'm thinking of subbing out her black trousers for these. Then, I'll opt for a pop of red in the form of these Alohas, and finish the look with oversized aviator sunglasses that rid the need for early morning make-up.
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Bermuda babe
To date, I've always opted for trousers for a long-haul flight. Yet, four hours in and I'm complaining that I'm clammy. Thankfully, Margot Robbie gave us all an education in how to make tailored Bermuda shorts work for the airport, suggesting we keep it simple with a long-sleeve tee and monochrome accessories. And it seems Surrey-based content creator Keely Busby shares her views on styling.
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I love how put together this outfit seems, when in reality it's an oversized tee French-tucked into shorts and paired with slip-on flip flops — the slimline silhouette of the shoes perfectly balancing the boxy separates on top. For maximalist-leaning me, though, I need some colour, and so I'd opt for a vibrant tote that has space for my iPad, book and headphones.
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Call it quits with a co-ord
Are they pyjamas, or a chic take on loungewear? Who knows, but Dolce & Gabbana suggest the line is blurred, and so I'm running with it. I've actually been wearing co-ords — specifically a striped shirt and coordinating trouser combo — for the last three summers, finding it's the easiest solution, sophisticated in the height of summer and keeping cool on my commute.
Chuck a white vest on underneath for added insulation, or prepare to head straight to the beach club and layer over your bikini. Because there's no point in wasting vital carry-on space.
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