Lily James Told Us the Airplane Outfit That "Feels Like Sleeping on a Cloud"

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(Image credit: Universal)

We always want to strike the right balance between comfort and style at the airport, but when you have a long-haul flight to Greece, it's even more crucial to choose the right thing to wear. (No one wants to regret tight jeans at hour two.) But leave it to Lily James to find the perfect solution. James wore the ideal plane outfit while traveling to the Greek island of Skopelos to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the original Mamma Mia! film and the digital and Blu-ray release of the sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

"Madeline Thompson does an amazing cashmere tracksuit, and it is heaven," James told Who What Wear. "It feels like you're sleeping on a cloud and also looks cool. So I wear that to the airport." Once she landed in Greece, James was all about one wardrobe essential in particular. "Long, floaty dresses," she said. "What I love about being on a holiday is that you can eat as much as you want; the food is so good. The amazing thing about floaty dresses is you don't have to squeeze into jeans. I hate wearing trousers. Just wear dresses and caftans and let it all flow." In short, her style philosophy is not unlike her 1970s character in the film.

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(Image credit: Everett Collection)

As for the movie, she was fêting on her Greek getaway, James told us what it's really like to work with true icons on Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. "Not only do I admire and respect the older actors—some of the living legends, Cher and Meryl Streep—but it's so inspiring as a young actor to be learning from them and encouraged by them. To observe them really. With the younger cast, we're just mates. It's been a bit of a mad journey for all of us. We're like, what are we doing here? We're on the ride together, and I really respect them all as well."

James also revealed just how close-knit the cast became. "My favorite memories are the people I met," she told Who What Wear. "We honestly have become very close friends. I think this movie is about celebrating friendship and sisterhood. We developed bonds, and I do think we'll always be friends. That doesn't always happen—in fact, it very rarely happens. To all be back together on an island and all frolicking around has just been heavenly."

Scroll down for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the costumes from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and shop James's favorite airport outfit.

Shop Lily James's Go-To Airport Outfit

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Opening Image: Shutterstock

Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.