14 Winter Airport Outfit Ideas From Fashionable Frequent Flyers

Let's set the record straight: We love traveling. But during the wintertime? It can be stressful, plain and simple. There's always the possibility of flight delays due to freezing weather, which can mean you might need to spend the night at a hotel without your luggage. If that weren't stressful enough, there's the harsh reality that airports get incredibly busy around the holiday season—that means much longer wait times. Basically, traveling during this time of the year isn't for the weak. It can be taxing to figure out all the details (e.g., where to go, what luggage to bring, what to pack) that the last thing you want to worry about is what to wear for a flight. Of course, we're not judging if you're anxious about choosing an outfit for the airport!

Even expert travelers can tell you that it's not always easy to curate a practical and polished ensemble (much less one that's also TSA-friendly). Sure, you can always turn to some of those tried-and-true travel staples: tracksuits, cozy sweaters, and baggy jeans. But for those hoping to wear something a bit more sophisticated? Well, that's when it's time to turn to social media. Nowadays, there's no shortage of inspiration that can teach you how to dress for a flight without sacrificing function or fashion. However, if you don't have time to scroll the internet in search of the best winter travel outfits, we've got you covered.

Ahead, you'll find a curation of 14 airport-friendly outfit ideas, styling tips, and shopping suggestions. Trust us, these easy-to-follow formulas will make dealing with the frigid airport (and plane) temperatures a breeze.

WEAR: Leather Trench Coat + T-Shirt + V-Neck Sweater + Wide-Leg Jeans + Ankle Boots + Oversize Handbag

Styling Notes: Who doesn't want to channel their inner Victoria Beckham when heading to the airport? You may not have a private plane, but you can look super posh by pairing your winter staples with snazzier items—e.g., a leather trench coat, oversize handbag, and heeled ankle boots.

WEAR: Maxi-Length Coat + Chunky Necklace + T-Shirt + Jeans + Ballet Flats + Sunglasses + Duffle Bag

Styling Notes: When your destination doesn't require you to pack too much, but you still want to bring a warmer coat, consider wearing it during the flight. You can always dress down a double-breasted jacket by styling it with a white tee, straight-leg jeans, ballet flats, and a chunky necklace.

WEAR: Statement Jacket + Skinny Scarf + Crewneck Sweater + Dark-Wash Jeans + Ballet Flats + Crossbody Handbag

Styling Notes: One surefire way to prevent you from becoming Kevin McCallister reincarnated? Opt for a statement jacket in a vibrant print (or color) during peak travel season to ensure your loved ones can spot you quickly across the terminal. You can always make the outerwear feel more minimal by keeping the rest of the outfit monochrome.

WEAR: Headband + Sunglasses + Cardigan + Boatneck Top + Belt + White Jeans + Loafers + Crossbody Bag

Styling Notes: If you want to keep your airport ensemble minimal, consider opting for a black-and-white color palette (as shown above). Even if you're flying economy, opting for neutrals will ensure you look elegant. Additionally, it will make adding or removing layers throughout your trip easier since everything will match.

WEAR: Denim Shirt + Crewneck Sweater + Belt + Relaxed Jeans + Ballet Flats + Hobo Bag

Styling Notes: What's another way to look elegant without putting too much effort into your airport ensemble? Go for a double-denim moment for your next trip. By throwing a denim button-down over a crewneck sweater, you'll not only add another base layer, but you'll make your jeans feel a bit more formal, too.

WEAR: Sunglasses + Scarf Coat + Cashmere Sweater + Thermal Leggings + Riding Boots + Crossbody Bag

Styling Notes: Don't want to wear denim for a long flight? Well, you don't need to wear jeans in order to look good while traveling. In fact, you can dress up your coziest leggings by styling them with a chic scarf coat, cashmere sweater, riding boots, and a crossbody handbag.

WEAR: Knitted Polo Shirt + Relaxed Trousers + Loafers + Tote Bag + Colorful Luggage

Styling Notes: If leggings are a little too casual for your liking, the next comfiest thing you can wear on a flight is a pair of relaxed trousers. Just pair them with other functional items that will make moving through TSA a breeze—e.g., an oversize knit polo, easy-to-slide-off loafers, a carryall tote bag, and matching luggage.

WEAR: Cashmere Wrap Scarf + V-Neck Sweater + Relaxed Trousers + Loafers + Matching Luggage

Styling Notes: No matter where you're flying, chances are you'll be dealing with cold weather at some point mid-travel. Rather than get caught off guard, follow the three-layer rule when picking your outfit. For example, consider adding base layers by layering thermal underpinnings under a pair of relaxed trousers. Alternatively, you can add top layers by wearing a cashmere wrap in-flight.

WEAR: Sunglasses + Turtleneck Sweater + Matching Knit Maxi Skirt + Compression Socks + Ballet Flats + Hobo Bag

Styling Notes: If you hate the idea of sitting for hours on end with pants digging into your stomach, consider opting for a matching knit set. You can always make a turtleneck and knit skirt more airport-appropriate by styling them with compression socks, comfortable ballet flats, and an oversize hobo bag.

WEAR: Reading Glasses + Headphones + Matching Tracksuit + Suede Sneakers + Matching Luggage

Styling Notes: Nothing beats the ease of wearing a matching tracksuit set while traveling, if we're being honest. However, if you're worried this outfit formula isn't fashionable enough for your flight, add fun accessories into the mix—e.g., quirky reading glasses, retro kicks, matching luggage, or cool tech.

WEAR: Headband + Clip-On Earrings + Sunglasses + Long Coat + T-Shirt + Zip-Up Hoodie + Joggers + Ballet Flats + Bowler Bag

Styling Notes: When you want to wear a comfortable pair of joggers for your trip but don't think it will look chic, try re-creating the outfit above. You can dress up a black sweatsuit by styling it with a long tailored coat, ballet flats, a bowler bag, clip-on earrings, and a stretchy headband.

WEAR: Matching Sweatsuit + Baseball Cap + Suede Sneakers + Stacked Jewelry + Designer Carry-On Luggage

Styling Notes: When you can't be bothered to dress up for your flight, try to accessorize your comfiest sweatsuit. You can make a cozy pair of gray sweats stylish—consider the outfit above as proof! All you have to do is stack on some extra jewelry, add a cool hat, and throw on a trendy pair of sneakers.

WEAR: Leopard-Print Faux-Fur Coat + Oversize T-Shirt + Sweatpants + Pumps + Frame Handbag

Styling Notes: When you want to look fabulous upon arrival but can't possibly bear wearing anything but sweatpants for the flight's duration, use the above as your blueprint. Dress up an oversize white tee and gray sweatpants by pairing them with a leopard-print coat, frame bag, and pointed pumps. (PS: You can always keep the heels in your carry-on to change into after your flight.)

WEAR: Full-Length Faux-Fur Coat + Sweater + Jeans + Sneakers + Oversize Handbag + Carry-On Suitcase

Styling Notes: For those shorter holiday trips when you can't possibly swing checking luggage, consider wearing your heaviest coat onto the plane. You can dress down a faux-fur coat for the flight by styling it with a sweater, jeans, and sneakers. It's a foolproof way to travel in fashion for the rest of the holiday season.