If I had all the money in the world, I’d spend it on a really amazing interior designer and travel. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I love sharing my experiences just as much as I love pulling together packing guides to help you feel confident, stylish, and comfortable while you’re on vacation.
I spend a lot of time on the plane, and regardless of whether I’m taking a quick flight, flying across the country from LA to NYC, or taking any international trip, my airport outfit formula is always the same.
If you’re looking for casual, comfortable airport outfits that feel just a little more put together than those random sweatpants you have lying around, here’s what I always wear to the airport and a few airport outfit ideas to take off in style.
What Is A Good Airport Outfit?
Everyone has their idea of a good airport outfit, but for me it’s one that feels effortless, is comfortable, and also keeps me at the right temperature on the plane.
I like feeling put together, but my airport outfits always lean toward the casual side, and you definitely won’t catch me in any kind of high heels on the airplane.
My Airport Outfit Uniform
As someone who has spent the last five years splitting time between Los Angeles and New York City, I have mastered my perfect airport outfit. Regardless of seasons or whether I’m taking long flights or a short flight, here’s what I always wear on the plane:
Comfortable Shoes
I’m all about comfortable shoes for flights. Aside from simply wanting to keep my toes happy, you also just never know how your travel experience may be. You may have to walk a distance to the gate, and if you have a late connection, you could end up being that person sprinting to your next flight. (I’ve been there more than once, and I would have missed my flight if I wasn’t wearing comfortable shoes).
I tend to gravitate toward Adidas Sambas or chunky New Balance sneakers because they’re shoes I always pack and wear at my final destination. In the winter I’ll sometimes wear boots tucked into leggings on the plane to free up some extra space in my suitcase.
If you need to be somewhere directly after your flight, consider a pair of comfy loafers with some socks, or pack a pair of slim ballet flats in your carry-on bag to quickly change into upon arrival.
Bottoms You Can Sit In For a Long Time
You’re going to be sitting a lot on your travel day—at the airport, on the plane, in a car—so pick your bottoms with this in mind.
I don’t like anything too tight around my waist, and always avoid any kind of jeans unless they’re a slouchy, relaxed fit. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than the button digging into you and leaving an imprint on your body after hours on the plane. Look for bottoms in breathable fabrics so your body can adjust to the changing temperatures in the airport and on the airplane.
Knit pants, elevated lounge pants, and anything with a drawstring or elastic waist are always winners in my book. These are a few of my favorite travel pants:
- Spanx AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant
- Beyond Yoga Caught in the Midi High Waist Legging
- Vuori Halo Essential Wide Leg Pant
- Vuori Villa Pant
- AYR High Hopes Pant
- AYR Voila Pant
I personally prefer wide leg pants because they give my legs room to breathe, but if I’m wearing tall boots or a long trench coat I’ll wear leggings instead.
My Favorite Travel Pants
Beyond Yoga Leggings
Vuori Villa Pant
AYR Voila Pant
A Layering Piece (Or Two)
Layering your travel outfit is key. These days I feel like airplane temperatures are all over the place, and it’s also common that the weather in your departure location may not be the same at your destination. So, versatile layers are very important for your airport look.
At a minimum, I always wear a cozy layer such as a sweatshirt, cardigan, or soft sweater. I like having something cozy that I can physically wear, but a soft piece like this is also helpful to keep your legs extra warm, or to use as neck support if you forget or don’t use a travel pillow.
If it’s cooler weather I’ll also travel with a jacket or coat as an extra layer. Oftentimes I don’t need it, but it saves space to wear a bulky item like that on the plane, and then I’ll store it an overhead bin on top of my carry-on suitcase.
A cashmere wrap is also a great extra layer, and it can double as a blanket during a chilly flight.
Tank or T-Shirt
A simple cotton t-shirt or tank helps to regulate body temperature as you move from airport to plane to car to final destination. Some of my favorite t-shirts are these tees from Everlane. I usually go with a white tee because it’s clean and simple.
Baseball Cap
A baseball cap has a few functions for me, and over the last couple of years it’s become a staple in my travel outfit. For early morning flights when I don’t have time to shower, a baseball cap helps camouflage unwashed and unstyled hair.
I wouldn’t consider myself a germaphobe, but airplanes are dirty. Along with quickly wiping down the seat with a wipe before I get settled, I’d like to think that a baseball cap offers some kind of protection (albeit small) from the back of my head directly touching the seat.
And finally, despite its very casual look, a baseball cap is a super easy third piece to throw on with any of your airport outfits as a finishing touch.
Airport Outfit Ideas
Need some inspo on what to wear for your next flight? Here are some airport outfit ideas that feature the items in my travel uniform.
Shop the look here
Matching Lounge Set
Matching sets are my not-so-secret airport style weapon, especially for long-haul flights or for an overnight flight. It’s the easiest way to look instantly put together even though you’re basically in pajamas. Spanx makes some of my favorite travel pieces with their AirEssentials; the fabric is buttery soft, has just enough structure, and transitions effortlessly from the plane to wherever you’re heading next.
Shop the look here
Wide Leg Pants and Chunky Sneakers
This combo is a go-to for a reason: it’s equal parts comfort and cool. Wide leg pants give you that relaxed, roomy feel you want for sitting on a plane, but they are still put together enough so it doesn’t look like you just rolled out of bed. Pair your wide leg pants with chunky sneakers for a sporty touch that will support you throughout your travel day.
Shop the look here
Silky Trousers and Jacket
If you want a more elevated travel outfit that you can easily wear off the plane, opt for silky trousers and a lightweight jacket (a leather jacket or denim jacket both work depending on your destination or the season). It’s polished without being fussy, and these pieces are easy to rewear during your trip. Add some slides, ballet flats, or loafers to complete the effortlessly chic look. This is the perfect outfit if you’re on a business trip and need to head to a meeting straight from the airport.
Shop the look here
Slouchy Jeans and Sweater
Yes, you can wear jeans on a flight! Just make sure they’re relaxed and soft enough to sit in for hours. I love pairing slouchy denim with an oversized kit for a cozy-on-top, cool-on-bottom look.
Shop the look here
Linen Matching Set
A linen set is the perfect summer travel uniform. It’s breezy, lightweight, and looks instantly chic with limited effort. These pieces are also great for wearing once you get to your destination, too. You can mix and match the pieces with other outfits in your suitcase!
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Maxi Skirt and Button Down Shirt
A flowy maxi skirt feels like elevated loungewear and pairs perfectly with a linen button-down. Leave your button down untucked for that cool girl look or layer it over a tank as a lightweight third piece. I saw a woman wearing this exact outfit on the plane once to France, and she looked so chic that I still think about this outfit whenever I travel.
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Sweatshirt and Trench Coat
When temperatures are unpredictable, an oversized sweatshirt and trench coat is a great duo. Your sweatshirt will keep you warm for your flight, and the trench adds polish without the bulk of a heavier jacket. Plus, the juxtaposition of these two pieces look so chic!
I also like wearing a long trench coat on the plane to save space in my suitcase; you can always put it in one of the overhead bins with your carry-on suitcase.
Shop the look here
Cozy Sweater and Boots
If you’re flying in fall or winter, a soft, oversized sweater paired with leggings and comfortable boots will keep you warm and cozy. Wearing your bulkiest layers on the plane will also save suitcase space but keep you warm without sacrificing style.
