I Take My Airport Outfits Very Seriously—6 Style Commandments I Live By

Airport style has long been one of my hyperfixations. I love studying old photographs to see how people dressed up while flying, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, when air travel was considered a rare luxury. It was de rigueur for women to travel in pillbox hats, high heels, impeccably-tailored suits, structured handbags, leather gloves, and fur coats. We used to be a proper society!

Images of Catherine Deneuve boarding an Air France flight with her Hermès Kelly, Jane Birkin arriving to the airport with her signature basket, and Audrey Hepburn posing on the jet bridge in a beautiful frog-button jacket and Louis Vuitton Speedy are all burned into my subconscious. They epitomized glamour, and I could only hope to somehow emulate them in my own outfits.

Although a far cry from the formality of earlier decades, the '90s were another inspiring era for airport fashion. Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—their easy, minimalist travel attire became the blueprint for decades to come. The early aughts and 2010s, meanwhile, brought us visions of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen going from Point A to Point B in seemingly endless layers, overflowing Birkins, and Birkenstocks with socks. (I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to their airport 'fits, which continues to guide my own when in a pinch.)

As leg room has gotten tighter and the entire airport experience far less luxurious, most travelers prioritize comfort over style. I travel quite frequently for work, and would like to think I’ve cracked the code for a good travel outfit. It’s very important to me—after all, you never know who you might meet. Find my best, tried-and-true tips below.

Start With a Good Base Layer

No matter the season, when building a travel outfit, I always start with a white T-shirt. Since the temperature on planes tends to be unpredictable, it’s helpful to have a light base that can be layered upon if needed. My absolute favorite is the Leset Margo T-shirt; I wear it so frequently, I have a few extras for when it’s in the laundry. I also love Still Here New York’s T-shirt, and there’s one from Uniqlo that's solid.

For bottoms, I love an easy trouser, like Leset’s Arielle or The Row’s Gala pant. If it’s a shorter flight, I’ll even opt for relaxed jeans, such as these from Reformation or these from Madewell. In the case of an overnight flight, I usually spring for Leset’s Lauren pant, which is essentially a glorified sweat pant in terms of feel, but still looks elevated, especially when styled with a loafer.

Outerwear Can Be a Game-Changer

I’m a firm believer that a great coat can elevate any outfit. Even if you prefer to wear sweats to the airport, chic outerwear will help you look and feel more put-together. Typically, I’ll reach for a structured, oversized black maxi coat, like this one by the Frankie Shop, or a light trench. If I’m going somewhere cold, I’ll wear my heaviest piece of outerwear (usually a long shearling) on the plane.

Be Strategic With Footwear

My rule of thumb is to always wear my heaviest pair of shoes on travel day to free up space (and weight) in my luggage. Typically, these are my ankle boots by the Row or a pair of loafers. If it’s a red-eye, I’ll sometimes wear a pair of chunky socks with a slide, either Birkenstocks or Hermès Chypres. (Understandably, I’m going to lose some people with this one.) My trick is that I'll bring a pair of unused hotel slippers to change into on the plane for optimal comfort.

Pick Your Layers Carefully

Depending on where I’m headed, I’ll usually bring a sweater to throw around my shoulders (or wear), and a scarf that can double as a blanket. Even if the climate is warm, hotel rooms and planes tend to run on the chilly side, and I never regret having it.

Don't Skimp on Luggage

I'm less precious with my checked baggage, which will inevitably show wear and tear, but I love having a chic carry-on and personal item that feels elevated. For the latter, I’ll turn to a tote that's minimal yet capacious. I pride myself on being prepared for just about any scenario while traveling—I would like to think that Mary Poppins would approve of my choices.

Grab Your Sunnies

Lastly, one cannot forget sunglasses! Not only are they useful for bright planes, they also add a layer of subtle privacy should you want to doze off in-flight (or hide under-eye bags after a red-eye).