Choosing an Airport Outfit? 4 Chic (and Sensible) Rules Stylists Always Follow

Regardless of your destination, preparing for a flight of any length is usually paired with a long, often-exhaustive to-do list: Pack everything you need (and nothing you don’t), arrive at the airport with ample time to navigate the labyrinth at TSA, and, if you’re traveling to a new country, watch your passport like a hawk. Trust us, we could go on. But the one thing that’s often deprioritized is figuring out the perfect outfit. 

Gone are the days when jetsetters would don their finest attire to board a plane: Nowadays, some people are okay with wearing baggy sweats and even pajamas to fly. But just because the airport isn’t exactly a black-tie occasion doesn’t mean style and comfort are mutually exclusive. 

“It’s never either-or,” says Laura Tully, a wardrobe stylist in Boise, Idaho. “The goal is flexibility that still looks finished, not just a pile of options in your bag.” Lydia Mikulka, a wardrobe stylist in San Francisco, agrees. “People have taken comfort dressing too far,” she laments. “You’re still in public, so dress like it.” 

If you want to up your style game the next time you travel, you’re in luck. Below, these stylists share their tips for looking (and feeling) great at the airport.

Soft-Yet-Structured Pieces

Let’s be honest: Very few things sound as unpleasant as being on a red-eye or long-haul flight in a pair of skinny jeans. Denim is a “hard no” for Tully, while Mikulka steers clear of anything that runs tight through the leg—including leggings. 

Courtesy of Mate the Label

“Clothes that actually support your body will always help you feel good and look pulled together,” Tully shares. “That’s not a coincidence; that’s the point.” She reaches for structured pieces with a little bit of give and “pants that don’t punish your stomach for existing.” Meanwhile, Mikulka gravitates toward cotton poplin pants with an elastic waist. 

That said, if you’re really set on wearing denim, opt for a wide-legged silhouette with a little bit of stretch.

Keep it Au Naturale 

Your fabrics, that is. Mikulka says she runs hot when she flies, so she prefers natural, breathable materials. Her favorite? Cotton. Since most separates are available in the fiber—tops, pants, sweaters, and even underwear—it’ll be easy to put a cool look together. Trust us, whether you’re traveling somewhere warm or have to sprint through the terminal, you’ll thank her for the nudge later.

Courtesy of Quince

Layer Up

Speaking of staying cool, both Tully and Mikulka call layering their secret weapon. “One minute, the AC is blasting—and the next, you’re sweating on the jet bridge,” Tully shares. “A nice tee or tank underneath a sweater gives you room to add or subtract without the outfit falling apart.”

Courtesy of Gap

Mikulka usually wears a base layer, like a cotton tank, and a mid-layer she can remove as needed. Psst…if you’re short on room in your suitcase, use your bulkiest item as an in-flight layer.

Understand Your Environment

“The biggest mistake people make when dressing for a flight is forgetting they’re actually flying,” Mikulka shares. “You need to prioritize safety and comfort, not just style.” She recommends sporting pieces that “aren’t too fussy,” be it pants that pull on or off with ease or a layer that can be easily tied around your waist or shoulders. 

As for footwear? Mikulka’s a fan of sneaker mules, which have the support of a running shoe and the ease of a slide. “They’re still functional enough to run for a gate or handle an emergency landing,” she says.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

For Tully, a functional wardrobe should exist beyond the airport and encourages you to build a wardrobe “rooted in your real life.” “If your closet actually supports you, you should be able to pack for almost any trip without a special shopping run,” she says. “Trust me, it eliminates the scramble to buy “travel clothes” before a trip.”