One of the most popular things we cover here at Who What Wear is airport style. Pictures of what Gigi Hadid, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 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 outfit ideas. 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 opting for the very same trainer brand. Scroll below to see what six of our editors wear to travel in.
“It’s been so long I almost can’t remember… But from what I recall, I like to prioritise a long cardigan or big shawl—something I can wrap up in on the plane, as I always feel the cold, but is packable enough 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 packed into a suitcase). I’d be most likely to chuck this over a comfy midi dress or slouchy trousers with a tee—never jeans, as they’re so uncomfortable!”
“Something like this also doubles as a handy/chic cover-up on chilly nights.”
“I like my T-shirts fitted not baggy.”
“I wish it were mine.”
“One word: comfort.”
“I have these in navy suede, and they’re so easy to throw on with all summer outfits.”
“Travelling or not, 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 to 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 me 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, ultimately, my hotel. I’m all about maximising my pool time.”
“Hands down, the best and most versatile knit I own.”
“When I land, I’ll style this over everything from bra tops to satin slip dresses.”
“Look for cotton layers for breathability.”
“These jeans are stretchier than they look.”
“Roomy enough for all of my in-flight essentials (read: skincare products and snacks).”
“Every outfit is improved with these classic trainers.”
“There is something supremely decadent about cloud-soft cashmere on a long-haul flight (even if it does make it clear that I haven’t fully transitioned out of my lockdown loungewear phase), 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, and 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.”
“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.”
“Ultra soft and impossibly chic.”
“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 trainers are my go-to shoes.”
“I like to be comfortable but still feel a little put-together when I travel. That’s why these H&M satin wide-leg trousers are perfect. They feel like pyjamas but look like tailoring! I also like to travel in layers, as I’m only ever too warm or too cold—a hoodie is cosy, but I’ll add a chic trench layered on top for when I leave the airport (the one below rolls up neatly in the overhead and doesn’t crease). If I’m flying somewhere warm, I’ll stow the jumper in my case as I go through passport control. Of course, a roomy tote that doubles as a work or beach bag at the other end is an essential, and for shoes? Slip-ons are my go-to, and since investing in a pair of Birkenstock Bostons recently, I can’t imagine better plane shoea. Compression socks optional.”
“I own this trench and think it’s well worth the investment.”
“Hoodies don’t come chicer than this beige iteration.”
“The tee our editors all love.”
“H&M always delivers on comfy trousers.”
“This designer canvas bag has been on my wish list for months.”
“I’m devoted to my Boston Birkenstocks.”
“I’m definitely the layering type when it comes to travelling—makes it easy for me to adapt to my environment weather-wise. I’ve developed a love for matching sets as of late and adore this Le Ore cardigan-and-trousers combination—a much more stylish alternative to the regular tracksuit. Trench coats are easy to throw on and don’t carry too much bulk, which I like. Love how elevated this trench coat looks in this light-sage colour.”
“With a trench, I always feel that I look a lot more put together—this one is lightweight enough to throw on and off where needed.”
“You don’t have to think too much about your look with a stylish matching set.”
“So chic.”
“A serial overpacker needs hand luggage that leans on the bigger side.”
“Comfort is essential when it comes to footwear. A pair of trainers is always my go-to.”
“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 then will bring a big scarf for the plane.”
“This blazer feels summery thanks to the linen fabric.”
“My all-time favourite tee.”
“I’m always so glad of a scarf when I’m on a long-haul flight.”
“The looser silhouette ensures these jeans are comfortable to travel in.”
“Any shoe other than flats is out of the question.”
