Need an airport outfit that is both chic and cozy? Here's what the experts want us to wear through departures (2024)

Planning a trip but have no idea what to wear on your travels? These airport outfits will keep you comfy and stylish, so they definitely belong in your holiday capsule wardrobe…

While maxi denim skirts and a pair of ballet flats might have made their way into your suitcase—along with your go-to non-comedogenic foundation and sunscreens for the face, of course—most of us prefer to be as comfy as possible during those long airport wait times.

And though the best comfy loungewear is top of our list, a practical but stylish look is the best of both worlds for when you also want to look prepped and ready for touch-down at your vacay destination. So, we’ve asked the experts for all the essential airport styles…

What to wear to the airport and during your flight

The best airport outfits will feature a range of different features:

• Layers, layers, layers: Celebrity stylist, Ellis Ranson says layers are key for airport fits—always make sure you have a sweater or hoodie on hand!
• Elevated staples: opt for interesting basics, like racer necklines or an oversized T-shirt or stylish but soft trousers, like high-waisted suit pants or cargos.
• No creases: Avoid fabrics that crease, for an overall polished look.
• Jewelry: A simple pair of huggie hoops or gold necklaces can really elevate a basic fit. And make sure to avoid anything metallic for the security sensors!
• Athleisure: Bicycle shorts and seamless leggings are great fall-back pieces if you want to be comfy but still chic.
• Remember, comfort is everything: Regardless of what's stylish or trendy, as long as you're comfortable you can't really go wrong!

Airports often involve upright seating that is by no means comfortable, long wait times, sometimes queues and are either drafty or stuffy (there's no in-between), meaning you need to consider a whole lot of things—not to mention the flight itself!

A key tip is layering, such as wearing a t-shirt under your jumper or hoody for any changes in climate (in and out of the airport). Celebrity stylist, Ellis Ranson says: “I always wear a little crop top under my jumper and jacket if traveling anywhere warm, so you can pull it off as soon as you arrive.

Another tip,footwear-wise, for anyone jetting off on a summer getaway, Ranson adds: “Wear socks and sliders and remove your socks or pack a pair of flip-flops in your hand luggage.”

Staples are key for building a chic but comfy fit, Ranson advises to "elevate your basics, go for different shapes look at racer necklines or an oversized t-shirt. Tie a jumper around your shoulders or go for an oversized blazer."

A nice blazer atop your fit would definitely give you that 'Quiet Luxury' feel! We'd also recommend some soft, suit-style pants, as they're loose-fitting but smart—not to mention effortlessly chic.

Ellis also says to keep your fit 'tonal' adding: "Don't wear anything that will massively crease. I always think if you look polished and neat you look great. Don’t forget to add a few layered necklaces and bracelets and do a messy hair-up do, to go with the look.” Gold huggie earrings are also a must—but make sure you have a mini jewelry box or bag with you though, in case you need to take off your bracelets, rings and so on for security.

Penelope Armstrong, Design Manager & Jessica Howell, Athleisure Buyer for Boohoo have also weighed in on the best airport fashion. "The perfect short tracksuit set is a must for traveling in," the pair notes, adding: "We love oversized hoodies and sweatshirts or t-shirts teamed with matching cycling shorts." This is an ideal fit if your home destination is on the chillier side, but where you're heading to is hot, hot, hot—as you can just ditch the sweaters when needed!

If you have comfort in mind, Armstrong and Howell suggest a pair of seamless leggings, paired with 'an oversized hoodie/sweatshirt or an oversized shirt' for a chic and minimalist but also cozy fit.

Like Ranson, they also advise elevating your fave athleisure look, "with some sliders or comfy trainers, a cap and one of our giant tote bags to make the most of that carry-on allowance! Caps and tote bags also double up as beach day must-haves whilst you’re away."

MIL's picks of chic airport essentials

So, now we know that athleisure and minimalist staples are the way to go for your airport fit, where can we shop some versatile, airport-ready pieces?

• ASOS: Shop staples from bicycle shorts to blazers, from brands like & Other Stories
• COS: A great option for capsule basics, though there is a higher price point
• Lululemon: Your one-stop shop for athleisure, like Kendall Jenner-inspired yoga
• Mango: Find Scandi-style staples, like oversized shirts and wide-leg trousers
• Missoma: Find cute gold or silver earrings and necklaces for affordable prices
• Zara: Find elevated basics from Zara, from crop tops to oversized shirts and blazers

Now, to make your life even easier, here's our pick of cool-girl airport pieces—from loungewear to smart and very on-trend, wide-leg pants...

• View at COS

• View at Weekday

• View at ASOS

• View at COS

• View at ZARA

• View at ZARA

The best celeb airport-ready outfit inspo

If you're still in need of some visuals, we've found a few celebrity fits that deserve a spot on your airport fashion mood board...

1. Sydney Sweeney's Cannes outfit

While we're not necessarily on the side of wearing jeans to the airport, a pair of wide-leg jeans could be the way to go, especially for a short flight! Sydney Sweeney's Cannes look is giving elevated casual, which is the goal here!

2. Hailey Bieber's bicycle shorts

Here, we can see Hailey Bieber repping a pair of light pink bicycle shorts, paired with an oversized darker pink sweatshirt. She accessorized her sporty look with a small handbag and her signature sunnies (yes we know exactly what brand Hailey Bieber's sunglasses are).

This is a great fit if you're traveling to a warm and sunny destination and want to be comfortable in both the airport and from the moment you disembark.

3. Lori Harvey's leggings and cap

For a more sophisticated but still cozy fit, why not take some cues from the always-stylish, Lori Harvey? Here we see her sporting a pair of black leggings, with a grey zip-up sweater and a Prada bucket hat.

4. Kendall Jenner's layered-up legging look

If you're traveling to a chilly climate or starting your journey in one and want to be nice and wrapped up, this Kendall leather jacket and leggings combo is perfect.

She has elevated the look further with a black tote bag, sunnies and cap—all of which are vacation essentials!