This Is What Airport Style Looked Like the Decade You Were Born

There’s no denying that airport style is a thing. In fact, we’ve been documenting what celebs wear at the airport on the regular since 2006. The reason for the fascination? Well, for starters, travel outfits have an accessible twist to them. Unlike many celeb looks, airport ensembles are simply easier to test out IRL thanks to their inherent practicality. But what’s interesting is that celebrity airport fashion truly has evolved significantly throughout the decades. 

Back in the '40s and '50s, traveling was much more luxurious nature. As a result, people dressed in their finest when they headed to the airport. When you look at stars like Marilyn Monroe, you'd see glamorous dresses, fur coats, and fine jewelry. These days, however, celebrities tend to dress on the other end of the spectrum—think jeans, cozy outerwear, and comfortable shoes. 

To dig a little deeper into the evolution of celebrity travel style over the years, we created a timeline of what airport fashion looked like at various points through each decade since the early '50s. (Please note that many of the early popular celeb airport snaps occurred during this time period or we would've gone back even further).

With that, go on to see what celebrities wore the decade (or specific year) you were born. And make sure to keep scrolling because we also rounded up the best clothing and accessories for travel as well—inspired by all of these jet-setting A-listers.

'50s

Audrey Hepburn arrived in London wearing a full skirt with a mock-neck blouse, gloves, a polished bag, and pumps.

Lounging at the gate, Judy Garland topped off her travel outfit with a silk trench, a statement hat, a structured pouch, and heels.

The epitome of Hollywood glamour, Marilyn boarded an American Airlines flight to Hollywood in a formfitting LBD, a dramatic fur coat, leather gloves, and pumps.

The '60s

The First Lady arrived from a flight in a gorgeous leopard coat, complete with her signature gloves and hat.

The famous girl group touched down at Heathrow Airport in coordinating tailored ensembles with floral appliqués.

Cher and Sonny embraced that late-’60s eclectic style with vibrant colors and print-on-print action.

'70s

Warwick struck a pose in a glam outfit with furry accents at Heathrow Airport.

The legendary actress wore short-shorts, a cowl-neck sweater, classic jacker, and Mary Janes on an Air France flight.

Liza Minelli truly leaned into everything the ’70s had to offer with denim flares, a coordinating top, a fedora, and an iconic Louis Vuitton bag.

'80s

The late Princess of Wales left Eastleigh Airport in Hampshire at the start of her honeymoon in a gorgeous floral wrap dress and a sharp white coat.

The actress posed with her daughter, Katie, before departing Heathrow Airport in a knit sweater, pinstripe pants, a wide-brim hat, and a beaded necklace.

Wearing a now-mainstay airport ’fit, Shields opted for a basic white T-shirt tucked into jeans with a Western belt and playful accessories.

'90s

Remember Shields’s tee-and-jeans ’fit? We started seeing it more and more through the ’80s and ’90s, like Roberts’s outfit here mixed with a blazer and white sneakers.

Princess Diana’s modern, polished suit worked flawlessly with a coordinating tank, headband, and a luxurious brown bag.

Now this is one of the most iconic celeb travel looks out there. Naomi Campbell served a forward white-and-black look with enviable Louis Vuitton luggage.

2000s

The supermodel touched down with other Victoria’s Secret models in a letterman jacket, a white tee (a travel staple!), jeans, and flats.

Back when Beckham was a blonde, she left Tokyo wearing a structured blazer, flares, open-toe sandals, a Birkin bag, and her iconic oversize sunglasses.

J.Lo arrived at Narita International Airport in harem pants, a slouch leather jacket, and knee-high boots.

Airport Style of Today

Leggings have basically become a staple among the traveling celeb set. Kaia Gerber showcased here with a hoodie, a beanie, and sneakers.

RiRi leaned into the forward-meets-comfort vibe in her Off-White sweatpants, Dior tote, and Fenty x Puma slides.

Jenner really went for it in a monochromatic, slightly sheer legging look and snakeskin boots.

Now, shop traveling essentials:

Next, check out the seven items fashion girls will never stop wearing at the airport.