Airport Style Guide: 20+ chic & comfortable airplane outfit ideas
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Mastering the art of putting together a chic yet comfortable airport outfit no matter the season is something I’ve been working towards for the last 5+ years & I think I’ve finally got the perfect formula. You think I’m joking but I’m totally serious.
And since we never gatekeep over here, I’m sharing that formula with you so that you can use it when gearing up for your next great adventure.
Here’s my formula [this can be adjusted depending on the season you’re traveling in & the destination you’re headed to]:
BASE LAYER + TOP LAYER[S] + COMFORTABLE SHOES + HAT + CROSS BODY = CHIC
The base layer is usually some version of a matching set [which is almost always from Amazon]. I want it to be stretchy, easy to wash when I get to my destination & something that can easily fit under a jacket.
The top layer is usually a jacket [heavier for cold destinations or a jean jacket for warm destinations] - I try to wear my most bulky jacket to save space in my suitcase.
When it comes to shoes I aim for two things:
First - comfort. I made the mistake of wearing new shoes on a flight one time and the horrible blisters I got were enough to remind me to NEVER make that mistake again
Second - bulk. If I can save space in my luggage and wear bulky boots on the plane, I totally will.
98% of the time I wear hats on the plane. I have never had much luck in safely packing my hats in my suitcase and much prefer to wear them instead of risking them getting scrunched up.
Pro-tip: if you’re sitting in a window seat you can take them off and rest them flat against the side of the plane [this is for wide-brim hats].
Finally, one of the best things you can have in your airport outfit arsenal is a cross-body bag. This is the one that I’ve been wearing recently. But if you’re not looking for an investment bag - I also LOVE this affordable alternative. I put everything I need quick access to like my passport, phone, earbuds, chapstick, etc.
Combine all of these elements and you’ve got yourself a formula for success.
Now let’s get into the styling. I’m sharing 20+ chic airport outfit ideas below.
A MATCHING SET
These are what I wear 90% of the time on any flight (especially on a long haul). There’s something so simple and comfy about throwing one of these on and not having to think too long and hard about your outfit. I have had such great luck with Amazon matching sets & have linked some of my favorites below.
SWEATER + T-SHIRT + JOGGERS
This is my second most common airport outfit & you can really mix and match here depending on where you’re traveling to. Usually, my sweater is a statement piece from my favorite brand or something I’ve rented on Nuuly or Rent the Runway [code RTRALLEP for 40% off two months].
Then the t-shirt is something that matches - either a graphic tee or something plain. For fun graphic t-shirts, this is my go to shop. But when it comes to staple pieces, there’s no beating this brand [or their prices].
When it comes to joggers, I usually get those from a few different places but I’ve been loving this shapewear brand’s airport-focused line.
JEANS + T-SHIRT + SWEATER/COAT
Listen…I already know what you’re going to say… JEANS ON AN AIRPLANE?! I’m not insane, I promise. But I have a few pairs of comfortable jeans that I can wear on planes if I want to elevate my look a bit. This is important if I need to hit the ground running in my destination.
This is my favorite brand of jeans and pretty much the brand I exclusively wear. This is the pair that I wear honestly almost every day - I should buy a second pair at this point lol.
FANCY PJS
I don’t wear this often but probably should haha. This was such a luxe way to fly home from Singapore on a BRUTALLY long flight (17 hours) and still feel put together. Of course these are from Farm Rio - my favorite brand. But you can find some comfy PJs that can double as real clothes here too!
And while I wouldn’t wear these on a plane, these are my all time favorite fancy PJs that you can easily turn into a fun outfit for a night on the town.
CLASSIC CREWNECK AND MATCHING JOGGERS
Sometimes you just need a super cozy and comfy sweatshirt and joggers. This was in the dead of winter in Chicago and I was flying to South East Asia so I really didn’t want to lug around a winter coat. So instead, I opted for a very warm set like this.
A YOGA SET
I don’t do this too often because, for whatever reason, I feel like yoga sets can be a little too restrictive on flights. But if you find the right one, it’s bliss.
I love this brand for all their yoga & athleisure sets. Pair it with a cross body, something to keep you warm and a comfortable pair of shoes - these are my favorite - and you’re GOLDEN.
THE MOB WIFE COAT
I mean…need I say more?! If you want to turn heads at the airport (one of my favorite pastimes) you should bust out the mob wife coat. These are perfect for when you want to bring a statement coat on a trip but can’t imagine devoting the space in your suitcase to fit it.
Plus if you get cold on a plane this was basically like a giant blanket (I’ve never slept better on a plane haha).
I get most of my statement coats via Nuuly or Rent the Runway [code RTRALLEP for 40% off two months].
THE ACCESSORIES
Arguably these are the most important elements of your airport outfit.
When it comes to shoes - if I’m wearing a sneaker - these are the ones I’m grabbing for. They are crazy lightweight, clean up nicely if they get dirty and most importantly, I can wear them all day.
If I’m going somewhere warm, sometimes I’ll wear a sandal to the airport - I know this is controversial but I have TSA pre-check so I don’t have to take off my shoes.
If it’s the winter, I’m wearing a BULKY book most likely which often times is some version of a combat boot - those are my favorite for fall and winter travel.
For bags, I’m ALWAYS carrying my Tumi Backpack & my Away carry on [click here to get $20 off your Away order].
I put my crossbody on and hide it under the coat I’m wearing…shhh don’t tell anyone haha. My crossbody is usually this bag, or this one. But if you’re not looking for a designer bag then I would go with this bag.
For hats, this is my GO TO hat brand. But if I want to mix it up - this is my VERY close second option.
For more outfit inspiration, travel tips and destination recommendations check out the rest of the blog, shop my LTK page & my Amazon Storefront.
