Although the days of flying in your finest clothes are long gone—and thankfully so—the art of airport outfits is still just as important in the age of Instagram. It’s an imperfect science: Dressing too formally can leave you uncomfortable for hours, while going too casual can feel embarrassing. The secret? Mixing high-low staples like sweatpants, cute sweaters, white sneakers, and T-shirts into pulled-together (and extremely comfy) outfits.
Dressing to the nines is out of the question, especially if you’re going long-haul, so put down the stilletos (yep, even the most comfortable heels) and look towards your loungewear collection for inspiration. Comfort is king when it comes to cute airport outfit ideas, but with enough consideration and some creative styling, you won’t look out of place in first class or coach alike. The details—affordable designer bags, oversized sunglasses to mask the lack of sleep on a red eye, and versatile layers to keep you comfortable no matter how much pressurized air is blowing on you in the cabin—make all the difference.
From tried-and-true athleisure looks to meeting-ready ensembles that you’ll want to wear all day long, these are the best airport outfits to wear on your next flight. (And don’t worry: There are plenty of slippers and Amazon leggings to choose from.)
1. The OG Airport Outfit
Sometimes, you can’t beat the classics. These four pieces are iconic for a reason—they each look good and play a key role in getting you to your destination as comfortably as possible. A gray sweatshirt and black leggings will always look good together without causing you to freeze or overheat. A baseball cap, meanwhile, keeps flyaways firmly in place. And sporty sneakers are easy to slip off when you’re going through security and springy when you’re getting through a seemingly endless walk to your gate. Perfection.
2. The Comfort-First Airport Outfit
Flying is stressful enough on its own—you don’t need to make it any tougher for yourself by fussing over an outfit. This best-selling matching set from Amazon comes in 26 colors and has earned rave reviews for its soft, lightweight fabric. Pair it with slippers that are just as durable as sneakers, like Ugg’s celeb-beloved Tasmans, and pat yourself on the back for getting ready in less than five minutes.
3. The Plane-to-Meeting Airport Outfit
We’ll be the first to admit that flying in business attire sounds like torture, even if it’s a necessity when you’re headed straight to a meeting or a conference. These soft, stretchy picks, though, will change your mind. Both this relaxed blazer and these smart pants offer just enough give and are made from wrinkle-resistant materials, meaning you’ll look fresh even after sitting for hours. Paired with these comfy, cult-fave ballet flats and minimal jewelry, you’ll feel (and look) like a boss.
4. The Stealth Wealth Airport Outfit
Whether or not you’re heading straight from the airplane to a luxury hotel, you deserve to look like that person. This chic airport outfit will serve you well. Zara’s matching turtleneck vest and knit pants just look like money, even if the entire set costs less than $75. Add to the luxe vibe by way of your accessories, including don’t-talk-to-me sunglasses and studded, slightly edgy flats. Mentally, we’re in first class.
5. The Vacation Airport Outfit
If you want everyone to know you’re off to somewhere relaxing, this is the airport outfit for you. Pop on a graphic tee and some linen pants that’ll keep you cool once you reach customs—and just keep a sweatshirt or cardigan on hand if you get chilly. Accessorize with some beach-ready picks, including a woven tote bag and some cherry-red shades. And while shoes are up to you, you really can’t go wrong with airport-friendly walking sandals.
6. The Sporty Airport Outfit
If travel is your middle name, then a practical, jet-set airport outfit is probably more your vibe. This one is ready to sprint to the gate when you are, complete with a sporty-cute quarter-zip, bike shorts with plenty of coverage, and extra-cushy running shoes that literally feel like walking on clouds. Athleisure has never looked better.
7. The Inter-Climate Airport Outfit
When your destination is at a wildly different temperature than your home, layering is your friend. Throw a bold cardigan over a white T-shirt and you should be set for nearly any climate. Meanwhile, denim should get you through most temperatures—and note that these mid-rise jeans have plenty of built-in stretch to keep you from feeling constricted. Top it all off with easygoing sneakers (with on-trend metallic details) and you’re set.
8. The Red-Eye Airport Outfit
Heading somewhere far-flung and catching a night flight to get there? You’ll need a warm and comfortable ensemble to snuggle up in. Instead of going straight for pajamas—a little too informal—opt for a vintage-inspired hoodie and some soft, perfectly cut pants. Fuzzy socks only add more comfort, and a silk eye mask (which offers the same benefits as silk pillowcases) will help you get plenty of shut-eye.
