I'm Taking My Airport Outfits Up a Notch—5 Looks I'm Saving for a Travel Day

At the start of 2024, I set a resolution to go on trips to places I've never been before. Paris, Mallorca, and Ibiza are all on my list of "must-go cities," and when the time comes for me to finally go on these adventures, I'll be making sure that my travel-day outfits are top-notch.

With summer's arrival to remind me to start jet-setting, I went down a rabbit hole of searching for the perfect casual but stylish airport outfits with a touch of sophistication that I can turn to when I have a trip on the calendar. I found five that checked all my boxes, and most importantly, look incredibly comfortable. Plus, several are comprised of classic basics I already have in my wardrobe.

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Keep scrolling to see the five airport outfits I'm saving for the next trip I take in 2024, then shop the pieces you'll need to re-create them too.

5 Easy, Elevated Airport Outfits

1. Over-the-Shoulder Sweater + Wide-Leg Denim + Headband

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(Image credit: @kitkeenan)

Style Notes: I'm saving this outfit for short flights when I'm planning to meet someone shortly after. It's the perfect elevated but casual travel look. The thick black headband adds the right amount of '90s/Y2K trendiness. The powder-blue sweater draped over the shoulders makes this look too good to pass up. It screams sophisticated and stylish, and I'd pair it with a pair of clogs or ballet flats. The watch gives this outfit a Princess Diana or Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy feel.

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2. Relaxed Shirt + Linen Trousers + Comfy Sandals

Easy elevated airport outfits UK: @amaka.hamelijnck

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: When I'm navigating a busy airport on a warm day, I'm reaching for this simple, comfortable outfit that will keep me cool. The loose-fitting shirt and drawstring trousers feel like pyjamas, but look a whole lot more put-together. The real star of the show here is the sandals. You want to pick a well-supported pair that you'll continue wearing once you've reached your destination. You can always add socks if you don't want your toes on show.

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3. White T-Shirt + Ballet Flats + Trench Coat

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(Image credit: @oliviafaeh)

Style Notes: Filing this under "outfits to wear when taking a train or a flight under two hours". This outfit is a capsule-wardrobe winner. Great denim, a classic white tee, a leather belt, ballet flats, and a good trench belong in all of our closets in my opinion. People talk about having airport meet-cutes, and I picture myself wearing this when the time comes. I love the sweater thrown over the trench, which is one less thing to pack.

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4. Activewear Set + Bolero 

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(Image credit: @emmaleger)

Style Notes: If you're like me, airport outfits usually consist of an athletic set. I am a fan of these when I'm taking a trip to a warm, sunny destination. Athleisure sets have been the lazy girl's saving grace for airport outfits since their conception, and I believe the best place to wear them besides the gym is the airport. Now, if you decide to work out while on vacation, you're covered.

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5. Blazer + Voluminous Skirt + Clogs

Easy elevated airport outfits UK: @taffymsipa

(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

Style Notes: I'm a big supporter of a skirt for a travel day. Longer versions look so elevated and feel just as comfortable as joggers or wide-leg trousers, but they pack some serious style points. If you want to optimise your airport outfit and get wear out of it on holiday, choose a versatile cover-up like a blazer. It's smart but easy to take off and on with sudden temperature changes. In terms of footwear, don't overthink it: Birkenstocks are a favourite travel shoe for a reason.

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This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.

Assistant Editor

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.