There was once a time that dressing up for the airport was considered an event—think Princess Diana in a camel suit and Alice band, Jackie Kennedy Onassis in a mini skirt and tweed jacket at JFK, and Elizabeth Taylor boarding a private plane in a silk turban. Given that flying is now commonplace, comfort is at the forefront of everyone's minds when putting together the best airport outfit, but if Cate Blanchett's recent travel look has taught us anything, it's the value of looking like you belong in business class.
For me, the best airport style marries together cosy comfort (especially for long-haul flights) and a chic arrivals look that doesn't require an outfit change at your destination. Sportier styles have been on-trend for some time now thanks to the likes of Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid et al, but there's also a lot to be said for the addition of some relaxed tailoring.
A smart coat over a casual outfit will always tick boxes when considering fashion-meets-function, but what are the key pieces you're most likely to spot in the first-class lounge now? I'm happy to say they're all easy basics that you can shop right now, without having to break the bank.
So, if your bags are packed, passport dusted off and the last thing to sort is your outfit for passing through customs, keep scrolling. Below are nine cool and comfortable airport outfit ideas that you can shop on high street at mid-range prices. Bon voyage!
9 Affordable Outfits to Wear to the Airport:
1. CASHMERE JUMPER + PAJAMA PANTS
Style Notes: Is it just me, or were boxer-style shorts everywhere this summer? Thankfully they come in trouser form too, so there's no need to reach for a blanket on the plane. Settle into your seat in these ultra-loose, ultra-comfy baggy trousers, and add a fluffy cashmere knit to both keep you warm and add a little polish.
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I love Marks Spencer's cashmere pieces.
These look so comfortable.
I can't quite believe this isn't designer.
2. TANK TOP + STRIPED KNIT + SLIP-ON SHOES
Style Notes: And now to the art of layering, or in other words, dressing for ease. Going from one climate to another requires some thought, and I know from experience that a white tank is the perfect foundation to build on. Add a jumper around the shoulders and it's easily accessible when you need it but out of the way when you don't. Oh, and if you're anything like me and end up having to spend ten minutes unlacing your shoes at security, you'll appreciate topping off the look with backless shoes you can slip on and off in an instant.
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A basic vest that will go with anything.
You'll never go wrong with a navy and white striped jumper.
Such a wardrobe staple.
3. TRENCH + SIMPLE TOP + LEGGINGS
Style Notes: The trench coat always makes its way onto my list of the most expensive-looking pieces you can buy on the high street, and with an ensemble like this, its easy to see why. Long coats are shorthand for refined style, even when worn with jersey tops, so I'm immediately screenshotting Marianne Smyth's take on laidback luxe for my next trip.
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Stylish simplicity.
I always opt for a relaxed, oversized fit.
These leggings are my most worn pair.
4. BLAZER + TRACKSUIT + TRAINERS
Style Notes: Nothing says "rich and unbothered" quite like this low-maintenance look borrowed from off-duty models and low-key celebs. What did we even wear to the airport before leggings and retro trainers took off again? I'm not entirely sure, but I am sold on how Flora manages to incorporate a sleek blazer into her look here. Everything about this pairing is ideal for the traveller going from boardroom to baggage claim.
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Is there any outfit a black blazer can't improve?
Gymshark is my go-to brand for activewear.
I love the mint green logo against the cream.
5. TEXTURED CO-ORD
Style Notes: Now this is a look that proves that comfort and style can go hand in hand. The textured skirt co-ord is back for another cosy season, and it's exactly the kind of cloud-soft outfit you'll be happy to comfortably sit in for a long-haul flight. The best part about the look? There's no need to iron, so you needn't worry about creasing.
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Pair this with the matching trousers or light blue denim jeans.
I love it styled with the matching trousers.
A roomy tote is a travel essential.
6. BOMBER JACKET + T-SHIRT + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
Style Notes: Ask anyone which jackets fashion people are lusting over this autumn, and the definitive answer is the bomber. This throw-on-and-go jacket is perfect for city breaks and cooler climes, and can be easily bundled up in overhead storage when you need a little more room. A pair of tailored, wide-leg trousers might not seem like the obvious pairing for such a casual coat, but as Linda Tol demonstrates here, the high-low mix makes perfect sense with cool trainers.
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This is available in black and tan.
Uniqlo basics are just so good.
Such a strong silhouette.
7. KNIT TOP + DENIM SKIRT
Style Notes: Not everyone is a fan of wearing jeans to travel, so I present the most logical alternative: the denim skirt. Equally versatile (but with better ventilation), denim skirts are everywhere right now—holidays included—and if you wear it to the airport you needn't worry about it taking up too much real estate in your suitcase.
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A sweater vest will transition you through the seasons and can be worn alone or layered up.
One of my favourite denim midi skirts, hands down.
You'll be hard pressed to find a full size range of Sambas in stock, so act fast on these before they go, too.
8. HEAD-TO-TOE NEUTRALS
Style Notes: The easiest styling trick in the book is also one of the most underrated, and if ever you feel like you don't know what to wear, tonal colour blocking will rise to every occasion. There's something about stacking colours in similar hues that always looks considered and well put-together, and your airport look is no exception. Lizzy Hadfield's tank and jeans are perfect for warm weather, but you can always swap the pieces for darker neutrals for autumn, and black layers for winter.
Shop the Look:
You're going to want a quality tank that you can wear with everything.
Aligne are known for their quality denim.
How to make any outfit look designer with just one simple addition.
9. OVERSIZED SHIRT + JEANS + TRAINERS
Style Notes: For those unruffled by wearing jeans on planes, this is a look that makes the denim the star of the show. Everyone has a simple, oversized shirt in their wardrobe, and its one of the pieces that always works with a classic pair of blue, straight-leg jeans—especially if the shirt is in clean white, pinstripe, pink or powder blue. Resist the temptation to add heels (save those for formal meetings), and try trainers you can easily move in. You know, just in case you miss the final call for boarding.
Shop the Look:
A white shirt is a wardrobe essential.
A barrel leg jean is my new favourite silhouette.
A classic black trainer can make such an impact to an outfit.
