Shopping·12 min read

Comfortable Airport Outfits When You Want to Look Chic

travel-outfits-header
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Alo Yoga, Urban Outfitters, Free People
June 25, 2024

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In: investing in pieces that look cool in the airport, travel well, and work for several different destinations. Out: buying a whole new wardrobe you’ll never wear after the return flight. We’re big fans of versatility here, so we’ve found polished travel outfits made up of everyday essentials — like trousers, sweatpants, and cardigans — that your closet could use anyway. Layering is the name of the game.

t-shirt
Buck Mason

Your new favorite T-shirt…

Essential to the airport outfit is a cotton tee that fits just right — it’s great for layering and looks effortlessly cool. This one is made of soft Supima cotton and is prewashed so it already feels like you’ve been wearing it for years. The boxy fit hits perfectly at the waistband of your jeans. ($45, Buck Mason)

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knit-dress
Rent the Runway

A knit dress that’ll make you feel like a celebrity…

Celebs, they’re just like us, except when they’re wearing a dress and heels at the airport. With Rent the Runway, you can rent this knit polo dress so you can feel fabulous on the way to your trip without the commitment of wearing it again. It’s comfortable and has a sporty vibe that pairs well with sneakers. Heels on a plane is where we draw the line. ($60+/4-day rental, Rent the Runway)

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watch
Bulova

An investment watch so you make it to your gate on time…

Whether you love to get to the airport early or are always rushing to make it, it’ll help to have the time right on your wrist. This watch is a classic you’ll wear forever and can pass down. It has a mother-of-pearl face with five hand-set diamonds and evoke the ocean, which hopefully matches your destination. ($556, Bulova)

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flares
Lululemon

A flared legging you can wear to Pilates later…

If you love your Lululemon Align leggings, these pants are made of the same buttery, feels-like-skin material but with a mini flared leg that makes them chic for strolling through the terminal. The high-rise waist will keep you covered and comfortable no matter how long the flight, and you can grab a matching jacket for a full athleisure ’fit. ($118, Lululemon)

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huggies
Mejuri

A pair of gold huggies that make just enough of a statement…

These Mejuri huggies stopped us in our tracks with their 18-karat gold finish, perfect size for everyday wear, and lobe-hugging style. They’ll accent your airport ’fit, and once you arrive, will complement casual and dressy outfits alike. They’re part of the brand's Dôme Collection and also come in sterling silver. ($68, Mejuri)

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denim-jacket
Anthropologie

A denim jacket that’s actually comfortable…

When we need a light layer, we’re always reaching for our trusty denim jacket. This one is already soft right off the hanger and is oversized enough that you can wear a sweater underneath. We love that it comes in petite, plus, and standard sizes, so you’re sure to find the right one for you. ($98, Anthropologie)

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sweatpants
Alo Yoga

A sweatpant that looks anything but slouchy…

Alo can do no wrong in our eyes. These sweatpants have a more polished look than others thanks to the tapered straight leg. They’re incredibly soft, the waistband can be rolled to adjust the fit, and they look great paired with the matching hoodie. If you want them to be less relaxed, we recommend sizing down. ($118, Alo Yoga)

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trouser
Everlane

A trouser you can wear right to the office…

Traveling for work? Meet your new best friend. These trousers are made of lightweight and breathable material, so you’ll stay cool even if you’re in the last row. They have an extra high-rise fit and pleats in the front, plus they come in two inseam options. When you land, pull on the matching blazer and you’re ready to take on the day. ($128, Everlane)

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track-pants
Urban Outfitters

Track pants that come in fun colors…

Track pants are back and better than ever. This pair has a relaxed, low-rise fit, but they’re not so low-rise that they’ll give you high school flashbacks. They pair easily with a hoodie and your favorite dad sneakers (see below). We love the Barbie pink so you can stand out in a sea of black leggings. ($49, Urban Outfitters)

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new-balance
Free People

The first New Balance sneakers we fell in love with…

There’s just something about the 574s. They’re the ultimate dad shoe, from the cushy sole to the suede and mesh upper. We’ve been wearing the gray version as long as we can remember because they’re really that comfortable. No matter what your airport style is, these are sure to fit right in. ($90, Free People)

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hoodie
Abercrombie & Fitch

The coziest hoodie we’ve ever worn…

This is technically a men’s hoodie, which means it’s perfectly oversized and feels as soft as if you’re borrowing your partner’s lived-in sweatshirt. What more could you ask for? It also comes in the prettiest shades and prints. Thanks, boys. ($60, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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tank-top
Aritzia

A tank top that doesn’t require a bra…

Who wants to deal with underwire on a long flight? This tank is thick enough to wear solo and the neckline will keep you covered. The thick, ribbed straps will stay up even if you’re booking it to your gate. Grab the white and black; you’ll wear them all the time. ($28, Aritzia)

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cardigan
J.Crew

A cardigan begging to be layered…

Having a cardigan on hand is a nonnegotiable when we fly, whether we’re wearing it over a tee, buttoned up as a top, or knotted over our shoulders country-club style. This one is soft, has a bit of stretch, and is slightly cropped. Any of the neutral colors will quickly become a staple in your wardrobe. ($118, J.Crew)

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linen-pants
Abercrombie & Fitch

Linen pants that feel like sweatpants…

These pull-on pants are made of a soft, breezy linen blend that’ll help you stay cool in the moments before they turn on the plane’s AC (you know what we’re talking about). They’re high-rise, so they’ll go with your favorite cropped tee; or, get the matching linen tank for an ensemble worthy of a tropical vacation. ($80, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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platform-sneaker
DSW

The platform sneaker we can’t get enough of…

Yes, these are from Dr. Scholl’s. Yes, they’re the shoes you should buy on this list if you only have the budget for one pair. They have a cloud-like bouncy insole, provide a just-right platform that isn’t too high, and don’t rub. They’re perfect for exploring a new city and will go with everything from dresses to jean shorts. We can confirm their viral popularity is worth the hype. ($69.96, DSW)

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birkenstock
Nordstrom

The original Boston Birkenstock…

When we bought these on a whim, we had no idea how essential they would be to our wardrobe. Not only do we wear these supremely comfy clogs on a coffee run, to a Pilates class, or to the grocery store, but they’re also great for going through airport security and layering with compression socks on long flights. ($160, Nordstrom)

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socks
Amazon

Compression socks that won’t make your legs feel like sausages…

Slip these on for long trips and you can rest easy knowing you don’t need to get up and increase your circulation every few hours. They have extra padding in the foot and are made of breathable cotton so your feet won’t get hot. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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jeans
Free People

A pair of jeans that’ll become your new weekend warriors…

We’ve worn these on a three-hour flight (yes, actually), and found them baggy enough to not feel restricting. They’re mid-rise, so there’s no digging in of the waistband, and the straight leg is roomy. If you’re wearing jeans on a flight, congratulations, we’re impressed by you. ($108+, Free People)

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baseball-hat
Clare V.

A baseball hat that says you’re in vacation mode…

We love bringing a baseball cap in our carry-on not only for its cool girl aesthetic, but also because it’s a great way to block out extra light when you want to nap. This one is made of corduroy, so it’s a little more elevated than your usual canvas. ($60, Clare V.)

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tote
Nordstrom

A leather tote that’ll go from day to night…

This’ll come in handy when you’re stressed out trying to figure out how many purses you can fit in your suitcase. This one is so classic that you’ll use it as your carry-on (it fits a laptop), during the day as you’re exploring, and then with your dress for a night out. You’ll get a lot of use out of any of the three colors. ($178, Nordstrom)

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