9 It-Girl Airport Outfits To Steal For Your Next Jaunt Abroad
From tracksuits and sneakerinas to capri pants and cardis, these looks are worthy of an upgrade.
People often claim that the glamour of air travel is behind us; we beg to differ. Even if you are booking onto a budget flight for your summer holiday (you gotta do what you gotta do), there’s no reason your style can’t be first-class.
Don’t believe us? Direct your attention to these frequent flyers from past and present, whose chic airport outfits are reason enough to put down the tracksuit and reach for something a little more special for your journey – which is as important as the destination, or so we’re sold. Not that we’re swearing off tracksuits entirely (read on to see how Bella Hadid so deftly styles hers) but we’re also considering slip skirts, capri pants and tailoring as more interesting alternatives.
Some rules to observe: if you are opting for an outfit that’s leg- or shoulder-baring, bring layers, including a large scarf and a jumper or hoodie. Airplane air conditioning is notoriously baltic, and you don’t want to be left with just a bobbly communal blanket for warmth.
Secondly, you needn’t swear off an all-white outfit; simply make like Alexa Chung and throw on a maxi trench coat to save it from dusty hand luggage and turbulence-induced coffee spills. And finally, as every 'It'-girl knows, always carry a pair of sunglasses for in-air naps and anonymity at the arrivals gate.
A Vest, Blue Jeans and A Leopard-Print Bag
It’s a testament to Kate Moss’s innate chic that the outfit she wore to board a plane from New York to London looks just as good now as it did in 1994. In particular, we love the leopard-print bag. Jil Sander’s Eldorado fits the bill, or go in search on Vinted.
A Trouser Suit, Loafers and Space-Age Sunglasses
Hear us out: a trouser suit can work wonders on a (business) flight if you choose something with a measure of stretch and/or one blended with soft Tencel or similar. Simply remove the jacket when boarding, and pop it back on when it’s time for that important meeting. Do like Brigitte Bardot and accessorise with a pair of Prada-esque space-age sunglasses and loafers.
Shorts, A Slouchy T-Shirt and Biker Boots
A pair of jersey shorts and a matching T-shirt is the most comfortable thing you can wear on a plane – just be sure to bring a jumper and a scarf that can double as a blanket for over-zealous air con. What makes this outfit so special are Emily Ratajkowski’s buckled boots, an inspired choice.
Tailored Trousers, A Cropped Top and Hoodie
Tailoring may not be the first choice for air travel but Iris Law proves that a slouchy, low-slung pair can totally work. Keep everything else extra-cosy – like a super-soft hoodie, your favourite leather jacket and comfy yet cool hiking-style boots.
Capri Pants, A Twinset and Oval Sunglasses
An all-white outfit may not be the most practical (well, unless you’re eschewing RyanAir for a private jet, like Naomi Campbell in 1998), but the components are just right: capri pants, a camisole and matching cardigan, and a pair of sleek, oval sunglasses. Don’t forget the anklet, either.
A Slip Skirt, Baby Tee and Skate Trainers
We miss the Nineties. Let your airport outfit pay homage to the era by opting for a satin slip skirt, baby tee and chunky skate trainers, as Gwyneth Paltrow did in 1997. Note the padded jacket, which will come in handy once you're in the air.
A Tracksuit and Sneakerinas
A grey tracksuit feels positively balletic when teamed with a pair of satin sneakerinas and a coordinating headband. The Chanel camo-print bag and Y2K-inspired sunglasses don’t go amiss, either. Bravo, Bella Hadid.
White Jeans, Ballet Flats and a Maxi Trench
A maxi trench is the perfect layer for air travel – it will keep you warm and disguise otherwise-questionable comfy clothes beneath. That isn’t the case here, of course; Alexa has opted for the classic white-jean-and-camisole combination, and a pair of high-vamp ballet flats. Perfect.
Cargo Pants, Trainers, and A Blazer
Let us count the ways we love cargo pants, especially when needing comfort on a long-haul flight. Style yours like Rihanna does, with slim-profile trainers, a form-fitting vest or tee, and a pinstriped blazer, which makes everything look more purposeful.
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