6 Editor-Approved Airport Outfits That'll Double Your Chances of an Upgrade (2024)

One of the most popular things we cover here at Who What Wear is airport style. Pictures of what Gigi Hadid, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Rihanna, Kendall Jenner and more wear to terminals across the world are always just as loved as any fashion week street style pictures. It is, therefore, (unofficially) within our job descriptions to look at endless pictures of airport style, so you can bet we WWW editors have our own long-haul uniforms down.

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Here, several of our editors have broken down what they always wear to travel and divulge their tips on staying comfortable and looking stylish at 39,000 feet. Our personal styles couldn't be more different on a day-to-day basis, but when it comes to travelling, we all have similar tactics for formulating airport outfits. Each editor sticks to neutral palettes to make layering even easier, and every single one of them travels in a pair of flat shoes—some even opt for the very same trainer brand. Scroll below to see what six of our editors wear when travelling.

Hannah Almassi, Editor in Chief

(Image credit: @hannahalmassi)

"It's been so long since I've flown that I almost can't remember what I usually wear, but from what I recall, I like to prioritise a long cardigan or big shawl—something I can wrap myself up in on the plane (I always feel the cold) that's also packable and resists creasing so I can bundle it up into a big basket bag. (Yes, I take my basket bag on the flight as I don't want it to get ruined in a suitcase). I'd most likely chuck this over a comfy midi dress or slouchy trousers with a tee—never jeans as they're so uncomfortable!"

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Johnstons of Elgin

Cashmere Poncho

"Something like this also doubles as a handy, chic cover-up on chilly nights."

M&S Collection

Cotton Rich Slim Fit T-Shirt

"I like my T-shirts fitted, not baggy."

Loewe

Paula's Ibiza Small Shell Basket Bag

"I wish itwere mine."

H&M

Wide Linen-Blend Trousers

"One word: comfort."

Dear Frances

Bridge Slide in Nut

"I have these in navy suede, and they're so easy to throw on with all summer outfits."

Maxine Eggenberger, DeputyEditor

(Image credit: @maxineeggenberger)

"Whether or not I'm travelling, I'm the sort of person who likes to layer year-round as I always feel the chill. For the plane, I'll wear a blazer over a shirt layered over a vest, and then I'll drape a cardigan overtop of my tote so I have it on hand when I inevitably get cold. Although my outfits usually revolve around dresses and skirts, jeans with stretch in them are my go-to for flights (again with the sole intention of keeping myself cosy). Superga trainers serve as my shoes of choice as they allow me to dash as quickly as possible from the plane to baggage collection to my hotel. I'm all about maximising my pool time."

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Sézane

Gaspard Cardigan

"Hands down, the best and most versatile knit I own."

The Frankie Shop

Lui Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt

"When I land, I'll style this over everything from bra tops to satin slip dresses.”

Emily Dawes, Affiliate Editor

(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

"I like to be comfortable but still feel a little put-together when I travel. That's why these H&Msatin-look trousers are perfect. They feel like pyjamas but look like tailoring! I also like to travel in layers as I'm only ever too warm or too cold. A hoodie is cosy, but I'll add a chic trench layered on top for when I leave the airport. If I'm flying somewhere warm, I'll stow the jumper in my case as I go through passport control. Of course, a roomy tote that doubles as a work or beach bag at the other end is an essential. And for shoes, slip-ons are my go-to, and since investing in a pair of Birkenstock Bostons recently, I can't imagine a better plane shoe. Compression socks optional."

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Totême

Double-Breasted Cotton-Blend Gabardine Trench Coat

"I own this trench and think it's well worth the investment."

Colorful Standard

Hooded Cotton Sweatshirt

"Hoodies don't come chicer than this beige iteration."

Arket

Heavyweight T-Shirt

"The tee our editors all love."

H&M

Lyocell-Blend Trousers

"H&M always delivers on comfy trousers."

Chloé

Woody Medium Leather-Trimmed Linen Tote

"This designer canvas bag has been on my wish list for months."

Birkenstock

Boston Suede Clogs

"I'm devoted to my Boston Birkenstocks."

Remi Afolabi, Video Content Creator

(Image credit: @remiafolabi)

"I'm definitely the layering type when it comes to travelling. It makes it easy for me to adapt to my environment weather-wise. I've developed a love for matching sets as of late and adore this Le Ore cardigan-and-trouser combination—a much more stylish alternative to the regular tracksuit. Trench coats are easy to throw on and don't carry too much bulk, which I like. Love how elevated this trench coat looks in this light sage colour."

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Topshop

Longline Trench Coat in Sage

"With a trench, I always feel that I look a lot more put together—this one is lightweight enough to throw on and off when needed."

Reformation

Madalie Knit Two Piece

"You don't have to think too much about your look with a stylish matching set."

COS

Oversized Shopper Tote

"A serial over-packer needs hand luggage that leans on the bigger side."

Reebok

Classic Leather Legacy Shoes

"Comfort is essential when it comes to footwear. A pair of trainers is always my go-to."

Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden)

"I'm one of those rare breeds of people who like to travel in jeans. I'm not sure why, but Idon't like to feel too sloppy when I travel, so I never wear jogging bottoms or anything too slouchy. I typically wear jeans, a T-shirt and a smarter blazer, and I'll bring a big scarf for the plane."

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Arket

Oversized Linen Blazer

"This blazer feels summery thanks to the linen fabric."

Arket

Crew-Neck T-Shirt

"My all-time favourite tee."

& Other Stories

Fringed Wool Blanket Scarf

"I'm always so glad for a scarf when I'm on a long-haul flight."

Whistles

Stretch Barrel Leg Jean

"The looser silhouette ensures these jeans are comfortable to travel in."

M&S Collection

Leather Bow Ballet Pumps

"Any shoe other than flats is out of the question."

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

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Airport Style Tips from Who What Wear Editors

Airport style is a popular topic covered by Who What Wear, and their editors have shared their tips on staying comfortable and looking stylish while traveling. Each editor has their own unique style, but they all have similar tactics for formulating airport outfits. Let's take a look at what some of the editors wear when traveling.

Hannah Almassi, Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi prioritizes comfort and warmth when traveling. She likes to wear a long cardigan or a big shawl that she can wrap herself up in on the plane. She prefers something that is packable and resists creasing, so she can easily bundle it up into a big basket bag. Hannah usually pairs her cardigan or shawl with a comfy midi dress or slouchy trousers and a tee. She avoids wearing jeans as she finds them uncomfortable [[1]].

Maxine Eggenberger, Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger likes to layer her outfits year-round, even when traveling. For the plane, she wears a blazer over a shirt layered over a vest. She also drapes a cardigan over her tote bag so she can have it on hand when she gets cold. Maxine usually opts for jeans with stretch for flights to keep herself cozy. Her go-to shoes are Superga trainers, which allow her to move quickly from the plane to baggage collection to her hotel [[2]].

Remy Farrell, Video Content Creator

Remy Farrell prefers a layered approach to dressing when traveling. She likes to adapt to different weather conditions by layering her clothing. Remy has developed a love for matching sets and finds them to be a stylish alternative to regular tracksuits. She also finds trench coats to be easy to throw on and off without adding too much bulk to her outfit. Remy particularly likes a light sage-colored trench coat for its elevated look [[3]].

Emily Dawes, Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes prioritizes comfort while still looking put-together when she travels. She finds satin-look trousers from H&M to be perfect for achieving this balance. They feel like pajamas but look like tailoring. Emily also likes to layer her outfits as she tends to feel either too warm or too cold. She wears a hoodie for coziness and adds a chic trench coat on top when leaving the airport. Slip-on shoes, particularly Birkenstock Bostons, are her go-to footwear for flights [[4]].

Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor

Eleanor Vousden is one of those rare people who likes to travel in jeans. She prefers not to feel too sloppy when traveling, so she avoids wearing jogging bottoms or anything too slouchy. Eleanor typically wears jeans, a T-shirt, and a smarter blazer for her airport outfit. She also brings a big scarf for the plane to keep herself warm and comfortable [[5]].

These are just a few examples of the airport style tips shared by the editors at Who What Wear. Each editor has their own preferences and strategies for staying comfortable and stylish while traveling.