Firstly, please don't DM me accusing me of being anti-leggings. Let me start by stating that I've brought you not one but two stories this month that have given leggings a moment. Firstly, I shared some surprisingly chic legging outfits that are trending this winter, and then I wrote this story all about the very specific legging trend that's taking over my feed. I'm just as likely to be spotted around the city in my yoga gear as any other 30-something New Yorker, so if you think I'm here to shame you for wearing leggings to the airport, I promise this is not that.
As a fashion editor and a very frequent flyer who's at JFK just about every month, I'm here to tell you that there are pant trends floating around this season that feel both cool and comfortable, and the fashion people on my feed (and in my Delta lounge) seem to agree. If you're looking for a little travel outfit inspo this winter, dive into these six chic trouser trends that fashion people are wearing to the airport.
Sporty Stripes
Adidas is obviously the ruler of the side-stripe domain, but don't sleep on the slew of cool and affordable options from Edikted, which is shoppable at Nordstrom.
Stretch Flares
If you were also a dancer in your youth or just an awkward teenager in the early 2000s, you will absolutely be familiar with this iconic style of black pants. Essentially, we're talking about bootleg leggings, but it's basically 2025, so let's rebrand.
Leopard Print
Leopard print has made its presence felt all year long, and it was everywhere at Charles de Gaulle Airport last month, styled with bordering-on-boring elevated basics in that typically Parisian way. Wear it for a little injection of personality that lets the flight attendants know you're not a regular passenger—you're a fun passenger.
Soft Jeans
If the idea of wearing jeans in your airplane seat makes you uncomfortable just thinking about it (hi, it's me), then this wave of ultra-soft denim-look pants currently on offer should make you very happy.
Cargo Pants
Speaking of throwback pant styles, cargo pants just keep on keeping on. There are loads of affordable options ideal if you're a spiller, but Tibi's navy Crispy Nylon style is my pick of the bunch.
Matching Sets
A moment for the chic people I spot at the airport wearing their polished, cozy matching sets. Whether they're residing below a soft knit zip hoodie, a cozy turtleneck, or a slouchy sweatshirt, what we have here are basically socially acceptable pajamas ready for a long-haul flight.
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Sorry, But Jeans Look Downright Dated in the Face of These 7 Classier Pant TrendsThere, I said it!
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If You Wear This Jean-and-Flat-Shoe Combination While Traveling, I'll Know You Have Cool StyleA go-to chic travel outfit is a must this season.
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The Travel Pants That "Survive TSA and Turbulence," According to Lauren Santo DomingoComfy and stylish.
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Return Your Capris—Fashion People Are Already Bringing This "Dated" Pant Trend BackWell, that was quick.
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Trust a Frequent Flyer—These Cool Sneakers Will Make Drawstring Pants Look First-Class CodedThe ultimate airport outfit.
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It's Officially a Butter-Yellow Summer—27 of the Chicest Finds at Zara,Replica Store, and J.CrewFashion people love this color trend.
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The $1090 Pants J.Law and Zoë Kravitz Wear Nonstop, Plus 5 TikTok-Viral Alts I Tried InsteadThey stack up surprisingly well to the original.
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Everything I Would Pack If an All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Greece or the Amalfi Coast Suddenly Landed on My DoorstepCan you tell I'm itching for a European vacation?
