6 Editor-Approved Airport Outfits That'll Double Your Chances of an Upgrade
One of the most popular things we cover here at Who What Wear is airport style. Pictures of what Gigi Hadid, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Rihanna, Kendall Jenner and more wear to terminals across the world are always just as loved as any fashion week street style pictures. It is, therefore, (unofficially) within our job descriptions to look at endless pictures of airport style, so you can bet we WWW editors have our own long-haul uniforms down.
Here, several of our editors have broken down what they always wear to travel and divulge their tips on staying comfortable and looking stylish at 39,000 feet. Our personal styles couldn't be more different on a day-to-day basis, but when it comes to travelling, we all have similar tactics for formulating airport outfits. Each editor sticks to neutral palettes to make layering even easier, and every single one of them travels in a pair of flat shoes—some even opt for the very same trainer brand. Scroll below to see what six of our editors wear when travelling.
Hannah Almassi, Editor in Chief
"When I travel I like to prioritise a long cardigan or big shawl—something I can wrap myself up in on the plane (I always feel the cold) that's also packable and resists creasing so I can bundle it up into a big basket bag. (Yes, I take my basket bag on the flight as I don't want it to get ruined in a suitcase). I'd most likely chuck this over a comfy midi dress or slouchy trousers with a tee—never jeans as they're so uncomfortable!"
Shop the Look:
"Something like this also doubles as a handy, chic cover-up on chilly nights."
Maxine Eggenberger, Deputy Editor
"Whether or not I'm travelling, I'm the sort of person who likes to layer year-round as I always feel the chill. For the plane, I'll wear a blazer over a shirt layered over a vest, and then I'll drape a cardigan overtop of my tote so I have it on hand when I inevitably get cold. Although my outfits usually revolve around dresses and skirts, jeans with stretch in them are my go-to for flights (again with the sole intention of keeping myself cosy). Superga trainers serve as my shoes of choice as they allow me to dash as quickly as possible from the plane to baggage collection to my hotel. I'm all about maximising my pool time."
Shop the Look:
"Hands down, the best and most versatile knit I own. And it comes in sizes XXS-XXXL"
"When I land, I'll style this over everything from bra tops to satin slip dresses.”
"Roomy enough for all of my in-flight essentials (read: skincare products and snacks)."
Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor
"There is something supremely decadent about cloud-soft cashmere on a long-haul flight, and as I end up building most of my holiday outfits around a basic tank top, I'll wear one to the airport layered under a jacket. As soon as I step off the plane and into the heat, I'll swap out the comfy trousers for a printed midi skirt to make the most of that bare-legged feeling."
Shop the Look:
"To swap out the vinyl trench coats I lived in all winter, this cropped jacket has me covered for the chilly welcome back to Britain."
"A versatile vest is the wardrobe staple you need for summer."
"An oversized tote is a must for me on a plane. After all, it has to hold all of my impulsive duty-free purchases."
"Classic white high tops are my go-to airport shoes."
Florrie Alexander, Acting Affiliates Editor
"When it comes to travelling, I'm all about comfort whether its a two or fifteen hour flight, and wide-leg trousers have become my go-to when heading on a plane. For the summer months, a pair of linen trousers is the first piece I reach for, as the light layer will also be fitting when we touch down in hotter climes (there's nothing worse than trying to change into shorts in a tiny airplane bathroom) and crinkling of the fabric won't look out of place. Layers are key to my airport outfits, as you never quite know how intense the A/C on the plane will be. A large scarf can always be found in my carry on, acting as a wrap when chilly, or bundled up for a make-shift pillow as needed. Comfort to me is also about having my necessities close to hand, so a large tote bag that can accompany water, snacks, a book, chargers, more snacks and a couple magazines is a must."
Shop the Look:
"This will also be useful for al fresco dinners when it can get a bit chilly in the evenings."
"This designer basket bag has been on my wish list for months."
Poppy Nash, Managing Editor
"I'm a dress girl through and through, so it will come as no surprise to hear that I always opt for a floaty, comfy midi for travelling. Normally I layer this with a cosy sweatshirt or quilted jacket, followed by Birkenstocks (even in the rain!) and a tote bag. If I'm travelling in the winter, I'd opt for leggings with the sweatshirt, and would just add some cashmere socks to go with the Birks!"
Shop the Look:
"I love this oversized shirt dress. Not only is it super comfy for travelling, but you can also throw it on over a bikini or dress it up for dinner."
"No matter where I'm heading, I always travel with a sweatshirt. This Navy Grey style is unbelievably soft"
"I like a big tote that can also double up as a beach bag, and this Dragon Diffusion style fits the bill perfectly."
"I will never not love a pair of classic white Birkenstocks."
Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor
"I'm one of those rare breeds of people who like to travel in jeans. I'm not sure why, but I don't like to feel too sloppy when I travel, so I never wear jogging bottoms or anything too slouchy. I typically wear jeans, a T-shirt and a smarter blazer, and I'll bring a big scarf for the plane."
Shop the Look:
"I'm always so glad for a scarf when I'm on a long-haul flight."
"The looser silhouette ensures these jeans are comfortable to travel in."
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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