I Travel at Least 20 Times a Year—These Are the Airport Outfits I Wear on Repeat
Sara Walker is a Who What Wear editor in residence, content creator, stylist, and fashion consultant based in Los Angeles.
If there's one thing I've gotten down to a science from traveling 20+ times a year, it's my airport outfit. I've tested it all—overdressed, underdressed, freezing, uncomfortable—and somewhere along the way, I figured out the formula that actually works.
It's the outfit I reach for without thinking every single time. While I've fully locked in my airport outfit to the point that I don't even think about it anymore, it feels like the perfect excuse to actually break it down. I rotate between vintage jeans, leggings, and black pants, but the constants are always the same: a lightweight trench, a white or black tee, and a V-neck sweater layer. My philosophy is simple. I want to be comfortable but still feel elevated. I try to avoid leggings when I can, though sometimes, they're unavoidable.
Leggings
If I'm going this route, I lean all the way in. Tuck them into knee-high riding boots (which also saves you from packing them), add a chunky sweater, and throw on a trench. It feels easy and polished, and you'd never guess you're essentially in loungewear.
Black Pants
This is my default. My favorite Leset pants are technically sweatpants but read as tailored black trousers. I also love a wide-leg satin version from The Row, La Ligne, Éterne, or Enza Costa. It's the easiest way to feel put-together with zero effort.
Denim
I know jeans at the airport can be polarizing, but I think they're completely doable—even for a long flight—if they're right. Think worn in, vintage, a little slouchy. Absolutely no tight, high-waisted pairs that dig in or ride up. It has to feel easy, like vintage Levi's.
Simple Tee + Sweater + Trench
Across all of these, the top stays consistent: a simple tee (Leset, Éterne, or Sold Out NYC), plus layers—always. I need a sweater either on me or in my bag, and the trench is nonnegotiable. It's the perfect lightweight, chic layer no matter where I'm headed. Also, a new development to my airport outfit is a cashmere wrap. This is perfect to double as a chic throw-on over the trench, airplane blanket, or pillow. Truly, it's the perfect addition.
Shoes
If I'm in leggings, it's riding boots, no question. With wide-leg trousers (especially the Leset ones), I'll usually do Salomons or Asics. They're comfortable and practical and double as my workout sneakers so I don't have to pack them. With jeans, I'll go for ballet flats, flat ankle boots, or loafers—something easy but still pulled-together.
Bags
Arguably the most important part of my airport outfit is the tote. It has to check every box—cute, functional, and big enough to actually hold everything. I travel with a lot. I need something that can fit my laptop, snacks, beauty items, a sweater, and inevitably more. My go-tos are my The Row Margaux, my Longchamp (I love the zipper for travel), the L.L.Bean Boat bag, and my Staud tote. They all strike that balance of practical but still feel chic, which is key.
Baseball Hat
Occasionally, I'll throw on a baseball hat to finish it off. My favorite ones are from '47.
At the end of the day, my airport outfit formula is really about removing the stress. I never want to be the person overthinking what to wear to sit for hours. I want to feel like myself, just slightly more intentional. If it looks good enough to walk straight off the plane into a lunch or meeting, then I know I've done it right. Comfortable, layered, a little polished—that's always the goal. I'm not really someone who has a strict, across-the-board uniform, but this is the one place I outfit repeat without hesitation, and for good reason.
