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

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.

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(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 traveling, we all have similar tactics for formulating airport outfits. Each editor sticks to neutral palettes to make layering even easier, and every single one travels in a pair of flat shoes—some even opt for the same trainer brand. Scroll below to see what six of our editors wear when traveling.

Hannah Almassi, Editor in Chief

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(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 prioritize 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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Maxine Eggenberger, Acting Assistant Editor

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(Image credit: @maxineeggenberger)

"Whether or not I'm traveling, 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, then drape a cardigan over my tote to 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 cozy). Superga trainers are 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 maximizing my pool time."

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Remy Farrell, Shopping Editor

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(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

"There is something supremely decadent about cloud-soft cashmere on a long-haul flight—even if it does make it clear that I haven't fully transitioned out of my lockdown loungewear phase. And as I end up building most of my holiday outfits around a basic tank top, I'll wear one to the airport layered under a jacket. As soon as I step off the plane and into the heat, I'll swap out the comfy trousers for a printed midi skirt to make the most of that bare-legged feeling."

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Emily Dawes, Affiliate Editor 

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

 "I like to be comfortable but feel put together when traveling. That's why these H&M satin wide-leg trousers are perfect. They feel like pajamas but look like tailoring! I also like to travel in layers as I'm only ever too warm or too cold. A hoodie is cozy, but I'll add a chic trench layered on top for when I leave the airport. (The one below rolls up neatly in the overhead and doesn't crease.) 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 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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Remi Afolabi, Video Content Creator

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(Image credit: @remiafolabi)

"I'm definitely the layering type when it comes to traveling. 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. I love how elevated this trench coat looks in this light sage color."

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Emma Spedding, Editor

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(Image credit: @speddingemma)

"I'm one of those rare breeds of people who like to travel in jeans. I'm not sure why, but I don'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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This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Next Up, In My Dreams, I'm Vacationing Like a French Girl: The Buys Defining the Look

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.