Although the days of flying in your finest clothes are long gone—and thankfully so—the art of airport outfits is still just as important in the age of Instagram. It’s an imperfect science: Dressing too formally can leave you uncomfortable for hours, while going too casual can feel embarrassing. The secret? Mixing high-low staples like sweatpants, cute sweaters, white sneakers, and T-shirts into pulled-together (and extremely comfy) outfits.
Dressing to the nines is out of the question, especially if you're going long-haul, so put down the stilettos (yep, even the most comfortable heels) and look toward your loungewear collection for inspiration. Comfort is king when it comes to cute airport outfit ideas, but with enough consideration and some creative styling, you won’t look out of place in first class or coach alike. The details—affordable designer bags, oversized sunglasses to mask the lack of sleep on a red eye, and versatile layers to keep you comfortable no matter how much pressurized air is blowing on you in the cabin—make all the difference.
From tried-and-true athleisure looks to meeting-ready ensembles that you’ll want to wear all day long, these are the best airport outfits to wear on your next flight. (And don’t worry: There are plenty of slippers and Amazon leggings to choose from.)
1. The OG airport outfit
Sometimes you can’t beat the classics. These four pieces are iconic for a reason—they each look good and play a key role in getting you to your destination as comfortably as possible. A gray sweatshirt and black leggings will always look good together without causing you to freeze or overheat. A baseball cap, meanwhile, keeps flyaways firmly in place. And sporty sneakers are easy to slip off when you’re going through security and springy when you’re getting through a seemingly endless walk to your gate. Perfection.
Gap Vintage Soft Arch Logo Sweater
Colorfulkoala High-Waist 7/8 Yoga Pants
Everlane The Baseball Cap
New Balance 574 Core Trainers
2. The comfort-first airport outfit
Flying is stressful enough on its own—you don’t need to make it any tougher for yourself by fussing over an outfit. This best-selling matching set from Amazon comes in 26 colors and has earned rave reviews for its soft, lightweight fabric. Pair it with slippers that are just as durable as sneakers, like Ugg’s celeb-beloved Tasmans, and pat yourself on the back for getting ready in less than five minutes.
Prettygarden Two-Piece Tracksuit
Ugg Tasman Slippers
3. The plane-to-meeting airport outfit
We’ll be the first to admit that flying in business attire sounds like torture, even if it’s a necessity when you’re headed straight to a meeting or a conference. These soft, stretchy picks, though, will change your mind. Both this relaxed blazer and these smart pants offer just enough give and are made from wrinkle-resistant materials, meaning you’ll look fresh even after sitting for hours. Paired with these comfy cult-fave ballet flats and minimal jewelry, you’ll feel (and look) like a boss.
Madewell Relaxed Blazer in Softdrape
J.Crew Kate Straight-Leg Pants
Everlane Italian Leather Day Gloves
Mejuri Letter Necklace
4. The stealth-wealth airport outfit
Whether or not you’re heading straight from the airplane to a luxury hotel, you deserve to look like that person. This chic airport outfit will serve you well. Zara’s matching turtleneck vest and knit pants just look like money, even if the entire set costs less than $75. Add to the luxe vibe by way of your accessories, including don’t-talk-to-me sunglasses and slightly edgy studded flats. Mentally, we’re in first class.
Ferragamo Gancini Sunglasses
Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats
5. The vacation airport outfit
If you want everyone to know you’re off to somewhere relaxing, this is the airport outfit for you. Pop on a graphic tee and some linen pants that’ll keep you cool once you reach customs—and just keep a sweatshirt or cardigan on hand if you get chilly. Accessorize with some beach-ready picks, including a woven tote bag and some cherry red shades. And while shoes are up to you, you really can’t go wrong with airport-friendly walking sandals.
Desert Dreamer Cézanne Entrance Tee
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Quince 100% European Linen Pants
Tory Burch Ella Hand-Crocheted Tote
Madewell Baymont Square Sunglasses
6. The sporty airport outfit
If travel is your middle name, then a practical jet-set airport outfit is probably more your vibe. This one is ready to sprint to the gate when you are, complete with a sporty-cute quarter-zip, bike shorts with plenty of coverage, and extra-cushy running shoes that feel like walking on clouds. Athleisure has never looked better.
Lululemon Brushed Softstreme Ribbed Half-Zip
Baleaf High-Waist Biker Shorts
Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Training Crew Socks
Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes
7. The inter-climate airport outfit
When your destination is at a wildly different temperature than your home, layering is your friend. Throw a bold cardigan over a white T-shirt and you should be set for nearly any climate. Meanwhile, denim should get you through most temperatures—and note that these midrise jeans have plenty of built-in stretch to keep you from feeling constricted. Top it all off with easygoing sneakers (with on-trend metallic details) and you’re set.
J.Crew Cable-Knit Stretch Cardigan Sweater
Hanes Perfect-T
Good American Petite Good Girlfriend Jeans
Gola Coaster Flame Sneakers
8. The red-eye airport outfit
Heading somewhere far-flung and catching a night flight to get there? You’ll need a warm and comfortable ensemble to snuggle up in. Instead of going straight for pajamas—a little too informal—opt for a vintage-inspired hoodie and some soft, perfectly cut pants. Fuzzy socks only add more comfort, and a silk eye mask (which offers the same benefits as silk pillowcases) will help you get plenty of shut-eye.
Madewell Terry Relaxed Raglan-Sleeve Sweatshirt
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Buck Mason Lounge Wool Wide-Leg Pants
Clothirily Fuzzy Socks
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in fashion and travel, I can provide insights and information related to the concepts used in this article. Let's dive into the different airport outfits mentioned and discuss them in detail.
High-Low Staples and Mixing Comfort with Style
The article highlights the importance of mixing high-low staples to create comfortable yet stylish airport outfits. By pairing items like sweatpants, cute sweaters, white sneakers, and T-shirts, you can achieve a pulled-together look that is both comfy and fashionable. This approach allows you to strike a balance between being too formal or too casual.
Comfort is Key
When it comes to airport outfits, comfort is key, especially for long-haul flights. The article suggests putting away your stilettos and focusing on comfortable loungewear. The emphasis is on choosing clothing items that allow you to move freely and feel at ease during your journey.
Affordable Designer Bags and Oversized Sunglasses
To add a touch of style to your airport outfit, the article recommends accessorizing with affordable designer bags and oversized sunglasses. These accessories not only elevate your look but also serve practical purposes. Oversized sunglasses can help mask any signs of tiredness, while designer bags provide a fashionable and functional way to carry your essentials.
Athleisure Looks
The article suggests trying out athleisure looks for the airport. Athleisure refers to clothing that combines athletic and leisurewear, creating a sporty yet stylish aesthetic. This trend is all about comfort and functionality, making it a perfect choice for travel. You can opt for matching sets, like a two-piece tracksuit, paired with comfortable slippers or sneakers for a relaxed and trendy airport outfit.
Business Attire with a Twist
For those who need to transition from the plane to a meeting or conference, the article offers suggestions for business attire that prioritizes comfort. It recommends choosing soft, stretchy fabrics that offer flexibility and wrinkle-resistant materials that keep you looking fresh even after hours of sitting. Pairing a relaxed blazer and smart pants with comfortable ballet flats and minimal jewelry creates a polished and professional look.
Stealth-Wealth Vibes
If you want to exude an air of luxury, even when traveling, the article suggests a chic airport outfit that gives off a "stealth-wealth" vibe. This outfit combines affordable options that look expensive, such as a matching turtleneck vest and knit pants. By accessorizing with sunglasses and studded flats, you can create a high-end look without breaking the bank.
Vacation-ready Looks
For travelers heading to a relaxing destination, the article recommends a vacation-ready airport outfit. This includes a graphic tee, linen pants for breathability, and a sweatshirt or cardigan for layering. Accessorize with a woven tote bag and beach-ready sunglasses, and opt for comfortable walking sandals. This outfit communicates a laid-back and travel-ready vibe.
Practical and Sporty
For frequent travelers who prioritize practicality, the article suggests a sporty airport outfit. This includes a quarter-zip top, bike shorts, and cushioned running shoes. This look combines functionality and style, allowing you to move comfortably through the airport while still looking put together.
Layering for Different Climates
When traveling to destinations with varying temperatures, layering is essential. The article recommends layering with a bold cardigan over a white T-shirt and opting for versatile denim jeans. The cardigan provides warmth and style, while the jeans offer comfort and flexibility. Complete the outfit with sneakers featuring trendy metallic details.
Red-Eye Comfort
For overnight flights, the article suggests choosing a warm and comfortable outfit. Instead of pajamas, which may be too informal, opt for a vintage-inspired hoodie and soft, well-fitting pants. Fuzzy socks add extra comfort, and a silk eye mask helps you get a restful sleep during your flight.
These different airport outfits cater to various travel needs and style preferences while prioritizing comfort and functionality. By considering these outfit ideas, you can create a travel wardrobe that combines style and practicality for a smooth and fashionable journey.
