For me, packing for a holiday is like an Olympic sport and I’m constantly trying to achieve gold. But, thinking back to trips over the years, the real challenge has been what to wear to the airport. You can master a capsule holiday wardrobe, but the airport outfit is a separate beast. Plus, the dress code can feel pretty lawless. The next time you’re at the terminal, look around, you’ll see a hodgepodge of looks ranging from the suited-up corporate work-tripper to the cute and cosy gal kitted out in head-to-toe Alo Yoga.
That’s where we come in, as we’re here to find your perfect airport outfit formula. Firstly, the practical considerations. Is it a long-haul or short-haul flight? If you live in jeans, there’s nothing wrong with denim on a short haul, but opt for on-trend (and much comfier!) wide-leg or baggy styles. The current ‘jorts’ trend is made for a relaxed travel look. Short haul also tends to mean you’re a carry-on girlie who can get clever with outfit hacks. An oversized beach bag can double up as your under-the-seat hand luggage, and utilising a sundress and sandals combo as comfy plane attire means you’re holiday-ready as soon as you land.
The allure to wear a vest top and cargo pants or a cute co-ord is totally doable on a fleeting flight to a European getaway, but the plane’s AC can expose you to arctic conditions, so layers are essential. A light cashmere cardi will keep you warm in the air *and* during holiday sunset dinners when paired with a white cotton prairie dress and straw bag for a romantic cottagecore aesthetic.
Long-haul flights are where the cosy airport staples really come into play. In this situation, packing hacks be damned, dressing purely for comfort is key. Joggers and a slogan tee are a cool and failsafe combo, and a fleece-lined hoodie is like a sartorial blanket. Bury your head into the hood and block out the other passengers until landing. For footwear, fashion trainers are the obvious choice. Slip-on shoes like Vans’ checkerboard slip-ons or Birkenstock’s Boston suede sliders will serve you well during passport control.
Below, find some winning outfit formulas approved by the best of the best celeb jet setters, plus the products to shop so that you can borrow their effortless off-duty airport style for your next flight.
Tank top & cargo trousers
This is our walk-off-the-plane-ready-to-holiday look. Some feet-phobe folks may disagree, but toes out at an airport is fine by us, and we honestly wouldn’t fly anywhere without a trusty pair of Havaianas flip flops by our side.
Ganni Multicolour striped rib tank top
Free People Jumptown parachute pants
Havaianas Brasil logo flip flops
Gap Green Sheer Rib Cropped Tie-Front Cardigan
Slogan tee & track pants
Cashmere socks are a simple luxury well worth investing in. That, plus a roomy printed tee and track pants, equals a match made in travel heaven.
MyTheresa Juliet low-rise track pants
Ganni Baby bunny graphic-print cotton-jersey t-shirt
Vans Vans checkerboard classic slip-on in black & cream
The White Company Cashmere bed socks
Oversized shirt & silks
Like a thin knit cardigan, an oversized shirt offers the same plane-to-holiday versatility. It’s the coolest beach cover-up going. Taking notes from a chic and relaxed J Law, pair with some silk trousers that are soft on the skin and super breathable. If it’s a long-haul flight, though, be aware of potential creasing.
Gap White Crew Neck Vintage Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Reformation Olina silk pant
Marks and Spencer Pure linen collared oversized girlfriend shirt
H&M Cotton canvas beach bag
Hoodie & shorts
Some of us factor in time to exercise during our hols (personally, never), so if you’re planning a morning 5k run on your trip, then embody this sporty persona at the terminal. Wearing running trainers means you don’t need to pack ’em.
Adanola Logo-embroidered cotton oversized hoodie
Lululemon Nylon high-rise short 5″ retro remix shorts
Asics Gel-1130 trainers
String Ting Lumi love club drip wristlet phone strap
Basics and fashion trainers
A statement trainer can liven up your practical attire, especially in a bold hue like Puma’s red Speedcats. Luxe accessories and layered necklaces will add an effortless elegance to trackies and a t-shirt.
Hush Liza cord joggers
Puma Speedcat OG sneakers
Orelia Gold multi row coin necklace
Prada Symbole square-frame acetate sunglasses
Sports t-shirt & ‘jorts’
Once you’ve landed, employ this low-key, stylish combo of a football shirt and denim cut-offs to stroll the local beach town, shopping for souvenirs and pondering over ice cream flavours. Pair with the newest trainer trend of a ballet or Mary Jane hybrid style for all-day exploring.
adidas Originals Summer football shirt in blue
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We The Free Cruisin’ bermuda shorts
Nike Nike air rift trainers
GUCCI Ophidia monogram-pattern canvas shoulder bag
Cashmere twin set
Have you ever seen anyone look as chic on a night flight? Cashmere and a ‘60s-style thick headband is the answer.
Autograph Pure cashmere tapered ankle grazer joggers
Autograph Pure cashmere zip up hoodie
Jersey Headband
Damson Madder DM canvas tote red stripe
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women’s Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
