The Art of Airport Style: One Seasoned Editor on Why She Dresses Up for the Airport, and How to Do It
There might not be paparazzi waiting for me at the end of the jet bridge, but I still walk off the plane looking like there is.
Chrissy Rutherford is a Who What Wear UK editor-in-residence and fashion editor, writer, podcaster, content creator and mental health advocate committed to fostering honest conversations about wellbeing in the digital age. After 15 years in fashion media, she now uses her platform and FWD, a personal development newsletter, to destigmatise mental health struggles, share personal stories and champion vulnerability as a powerful tool for connection.
This might be a little controversial, but I am a staunch supporter of dressing up for air travel. The whole experience already tests our dignity, so the one thing that helps me feel even slightly civilised is looking good—without completely sacrificing my comfort. I can’t say I came to believe this on my own, though; it’s largely been shaped by my dad. He’s influenced my style in many ways, but one of my core childhood memories is noticing that he always dressed better when he travelled back home to Jamaica than on a typical workday.
He’d put on tailored trousers, a crisp shirt and polished shoes. My dad takes a lot of pride in his appearance, and that has rubbed off on me. So even as air travel has become more casual, he’s served as a constant reminder that I don’t have to abandon my personal style just because others have. And I also like to remind myself: you never know who you might meet on a plane.
Aside from my dad, '90s supermodels have always been some of my greatest style inspirations. Yes, I love their glam moments, but what I’m most inspired by is their off-duty looks, including old paparazzi airport photos. They always looked so effortless and put-together, whether it was Tyra Banks in leggings, a cropped Calvin Klein T-shirt and a boxy denim jacket, Kate Moss in head-to-toe black or Linda Evangelista in a simple black slip dress layered over a T-shirt (I need to try that one). None of them ever looked like they had just rolled out of bed and gone straight to the airport.
Airport arrival photos remain a major photo op for models and celebrities alike—as well as for brands seeking visibility. Margot Robbie recently went viral for wearing slouchy, basketball-style shorts and a coordinated long-sleeved tee with mesh Alaïa flats, and it's a look that's sure to be replicated many a time on future summer getaways. Cannes Film Festival is also quickly approaching, and one could argue that the arrivals at Nice Airport are just as inspiring as the red-carpet walks.
My Go-To Outfit Formula for Travel Days
- A loose pair of trousers is more comfortable than jeans, but looks way more mature than showing up in sweats or pyjamas.
- Stick to a neutral colour palette, like black, navy, grey or brown. Monochrome looks also appear more polished. I’m not above wearing white on a plane, though, if I’m going on holiday.
- The shoes you wear should be whichever pair would otherwise take up the most space in your luggage. In the summer, I might bare my toes, but flip-flops are best saved for the beach (they’re far too noisy for a long trek to the gate).
- I always bring a cashmere scarf or extra sweater that can be tied around my neck in case I get cold.
- It’s all about the outerwear, since it’s usually the first thing people see. A chic trench or leather jacket can pull everything together.
There might not be a paparazzi photo op waiting for me at the end of the jet bridge, but I still like walking off the plane looking like there could be.
My Travel Style Rules
1. Start With Easy-Breezy Trousers
Style Notes: Opt for a pair of trousers with a relaxed fit that don’t wrinkle easily. I think putting on a pair of black trousers is the easiest way to look like you have your life together without trying too hard. Right now, I love Me + Em’s Tapered Pant, but you also can’t go wrong with an elasticated waist, like Aligne’s barrel-leg trousers.
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2. Smart Layering Is Key
Style Notes: I often pair my trousers with Intimissimi’s modal-cashmere tops because I am obsessed with how thin and soft they are. They’re easy to layer with, but even worn alone, the boat neck makes it very elegant. For my next layer, I usually reach for a cashmere or wool knit from Guest in Residence, &Daughter or Marks and Spencer. I hate being cold, so having good layers is non-negotiable.
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3. Make Your "Shoe-Drobe" Work Harder
Style Notes: For footwear, it really depends on where I’m headed and what I’m packing. I usually try to wear my heaviest pair (or whatever takes up the most space), like lug-sole loafers or ankle boots, but ballet flats are undeniably easy. Oh, and I always pack cashmere socks just in case my feet get cold on the plane.
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4. Dress for the Holiday You Want
Style Notes: When I’m travelling somewhere warm, I love wearing a matching set—it’s equal parts comfortable and gives first-class energy. Or, if the weather is colder, these cashmere track pants are perfect for racking up some mileage, and I pair them with a blazer or a leather jacket to keep everything elevated.
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5. Make Your Baggage Chic
Style Notes: I love the efficiency of packing carry-on only, and I used to force myself to do it as much as possible, but I often ended up frustrated by my lack of options. Now, I remind myself that getting dressed is technically part of my job, so it’s okay to give myself as many choices as I need. I’ve only used Antler luggage for the past three years, and I think it’s the best. I’m also fully committed to my Liffner suede tote for any trip—it fits everything I need and more.
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6. Don't Forget In-Flight Beauty
Beauty Notes: I don’t have an extensive in-flight beauty routine; I just make sure to do my typical skincare routine before heading to the airport. Of course, I keep a toiletry bag with me that has essentials like Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Cream, Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, Supergoop SPF and Saie tinted moisturiser. I’m more concerned about my post-flight routine because I'm acne-prone, so I usually do a benzol peroxide mask as soon as I can when I reach my destination.
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