While you’ve probably had your vacation outfits and looks picked out for weeks now, there’s one travel fashion moment that often gets overlooked: cute and comfy airport outfit ideas that get your trip started off right.
Airplane travel used to be an occasion that called for some seriously fashionable attire — but these days most frequent flyers are content with a t-shirt and leggings. If you’re looking for something in between, we’re breaking down the best ideas for cute AND comfy airport outfits, from matching lounge sets to cozy outerwear.
So buckle your seatbelts, return your tray tables to their upright position, and let’s get into the best airport outfit ideas for your next travel getaway!
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Everything You Need To Know About Crafting a Cute Yet Comfy Airport Outfit – FAQs
The best airport outfit ideas and looks walk a fine line between comfy pieces and cute style. After all, this is the first outfit you’ll be wearing on your vacation — so now’s your chance to start the trip in style!
To help you choose the best look for your aisle style (or window seat style, if you’re lucky!), we’ve rounded up our best advice you should know about putting together cute and comfy outfit ideas for the airport. From the essentials we never leave home without to the best outfits for different climates, keep scrolling for our tips and tricks to prepare you for takeoff.
The Essential Elements Of A Comfy Travel Airport Outfit – How to Look Stylish When Flying
If you want to look cute AND comfy when you travel, here are the must-have essentials for your airport outfit ideas. We never travel without them!
- Stretchy pants: If you’ve ever sat through a long-haul flight (or any flight for that matter) in a pair of restrictive jeans, then you know what we’re talking about. Do yourself a favor and style your airport outfit with comfy pants instead — think: stretchy leggings, cozy sweatpants, or cute wide-leg trousers that complete the look while looking cute.
- Layers, layers, and more layers: From running to your gate to sitting in the air-conditioned cabin, airplane travel contains multitudes when it comes to temperature. To stay prepared for anything, we suggest layering your airport outfit ideas with a cute sweater, hoodie, or light jacket. If you get hot, you can always repurpose them as a comfy neck pillow (and they’ll be the perfect insurance policy for wild weather at your destination).
- Comfy shoes: The best shoes to wear with your airport outfits are 1) comfortable and 2) security line-approved. In other words, they should be easy to slip on and off, plus comfortable enough for a day of standing and walking. And unless you want to be barefoot in the security line, it’s also best to skip the sandals or flip-flops. If there was ever a time for sneakers, it’s at the airport!
- Versatile accessories: When it comes to accessorizing your airport outfits, one of our best ideas is to keep things multifunctional. For example, an embroidered baseball cap looks cute and hides your hair after a day of traveling. The same goes for a pair of sunglasses — they add a chic touch to your outfit, while also disguising your tired eyes from that red eye takeoff.
- A cute carry-on: Arguably THE most important accessory for your airport outfit ideas is a cute personal item to pull the look together. Our go-to? A simple tote bag. It goes with every outfit, it’s perfect for toting your carry-on essentials (including a light layer), and you can wear it throughout your entire trip to complement your fit.
Ideas to Make Your Airport Outfit Work When Traveling Between Different Climates
If your final destination has different weather than your starting point, it can be tricky to find cute airport outfit ideas that work for both climates. That’s where strategic layering comes in!
To make the most out of your carry-on, opt for versatile pieces and looks that can be pulled out when you need them, then easily stored away when you don’t. This jacket, for example, folds into a small compact pouch, perfect for throwing in your tote bag at the airport. We also love adding a comfy and oversized scarf to our airport outfits — it’ll keep you warm in colder climates, plus you can use it as a blanket on the plane.
As for footwear, cute sneakers or boots are some of the most fool-proof ideas to pair with your airport outfits, no matter the climate. We especially love wearing western boots when we travel…they’re comfy, they’re versatile, and they can be worn in the sun, the rain, or even the snow. Plus, this will save you SO much room in your suitcase!
GWS Travel Pro Tip: If you’re going somewhere tropical, you can also slip your best pair of sandals into your carry-on and do a quick outfit change when you arrive at the airport. Perfect if you’re heading straight to the beach when you land!
Headed on a trip this summer? Get more ideas for your airport style (and beyond!) with our round-up of cute summer outfits for every occasion!
How To Look Classy (Yet Comfy) In An Airport – Our Best Tips
Yes, the best airport outfit ideas are the comfy ones. But no, we don’t want to wear our baggiest t-shirt and PJ pants to the airport. So, how can you put together cute and classy airport outfit ideas that are still comfortable enough to travel in?
Whether you’re traveling for work or manifesting a meet-cute at the airport lounge, these tips will help you look classy and comfy as you head to your gate:
- Mix polished pieces with comfy essentials: While comfort is always king, that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some elevated ideas into your airport outfits. Swap a hoodie for an oversized button-down, or throw a cashmere sweater over your shoulders for a quiet luxury look. This will make even your most basic pair of leggings look chic!
- Don’t forget jewelry: Jewelry is one of the best ideas for elevating any outfit, and this also applies to your airport fits. For a classy finishing touch, style your travel outfits with simple gold hoops, a minimalist necklace, or a few stacked rings. Instant outfit boost!
- Stick to a neutral color palette: What is it about a monochrome outfit that’s just SO chic? Channel this idea into your airport outfits by mixing and matching timeless colors like black, beige, grey, and white. Our go-to look is a matching set in a neutral hue — it’s a fit that’s equal parts comfortable and classy!
- Channel clean girl beauty: Let’s face it, no one’s hair or makeup looks good after a day of traveling. To maintain a classy look at the airport (and beyond), our best advice is to pair your travel outfit ideas with a clean girl beauty look. Think: simple makeup that won’t smudge under your eye mask, and a slicked-back bun that will stay put after hours of traveling. It’s trendy AND practical!
Don’t miss our complete guide to the clean girl aesthetic, including impossibly chic beauty tips and cute outfit ideas for every occasion (including your next airport trip).
Fashion Pieces and Styles to Avoid When Traveling
While nothing is technically off-limits for your airport outfits, there are a few ideas and styles we tend to steer clear of when we travel. First and foremost: anything that’s not comfortable. This could be a stiff pair of jeans, an extra tight top, or your favorite high heels. As cute as they may be, if you wouldn’t want to wear them for more than a couple of hours at a time, then you probably shouldn’t wear them to the airport.
It’s also best to think about the construction of your outfit when choosing ideas for the airport. While a jumpsuit may seem like a comfortable choice, it can actually be a nightmare in cramped airplane bathrooms. Save this type of airport fit for short domestic flights. For longer hauls, stick to simple pieces that you can easily slip on and off — without having to fully undress to use the bathroom.
The Best Airport Outfit Ideas And Looks For Every Style of Traveler
The hotel’s booked and the bags are packed…now all that’s left to do is pick out your best travel outfit ideas for the airport! Whether you’re headed on a quick trip to the next state or settling in for a long-haul flight abroad, these airport outfits and inspo will have you looking cute and feeling comfy all the way to your final destination.
From airport approved lounge sets to cute ideas and looks for a business trip, these are the best travel outfits for every style (and getaway). Scroll on for our faves!
1. Cute Graphic Black and White Matching Set Airport Outfit Ideas
photo: @jeff_salamanca on IG
A comfy matching lounge set is one of the most fool-proof ideas for airport outfits — but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Upgrade your aisle style with a two-piece set in a bright color or a funky pattern, like this cute black + white one.
Complete with a pair of comfy sneakers, it’s one of the best outfit ideas when you need to be airport-ready in 5 minutes or less. Bring on those early morning flights!
2. Comfy Parachute Pants Travel Outfit
Parachute pants are having a serious moment right now, and they’re also one of the coolest ideas for your airport outfits. Lightweight, airy, and water-resistant, they’re practically MADE for traveling. Plus, this pair also comes in tons of stylish colors — perfect for any destination!
Finish this trendy airport outfit with some equally trendy accessory ideas, like these cute ballet flats or this layered gold necklace. Lounging at the airport has never looked so cool.
3. Cute Denim Jacket + Comfy Legging Look
photo: @b_arose on IG
Activate travel mode with this classic and comfy airport outfit look. An oversized denim jacket + black leggings combo will never fail you — it’s simple, it’s stylish, and it’s seriously comfortable. Plus, you can re-wear these pieces again and again during your vacation, making for the perfect capsule travel wardrobe.
Style these airport outfit ideas with a pair of comfy sneakers so you can hit the ground running once you reach your destination. No need to stop off at your hotel for an outfit change!
4. Comfy Neutral Two-Piece Set Airport Outfit Ideas
If you’re afraid of overheating in a classic lounge set, this cute two-piece travel outfit is one of the best ideas for your airport look. With a cozy sweatshirt and matching shorts, it’ll ensure you’re not too hot, not too cold, but juuuuuust right.
Upgrade this comfy airport outfit with a cute baseball cap — it’s one of the best ideas for hiding your hair after a red-eye flight!
5. Chic Striped Pants + Simple Black Top
photo: @orlaithmelia_ on IG
Get the vacay vibes started early with this cute and comfy airport outfit look. With trendy wide-leg pants, it’s just as comfortable as your favorite sweatpants, but WAY more stylish. Perfect if you want to go straight from the airport to your first sightseeing stop.
Travel Pro Tip: When choosing your airport outfit ideas, wrinkle-resistant fabric is a best practice. These striped pants are made with a lightweight woven material, so you’ll look just as fresh lounging at the airport as you will wandering the streets of Europe.
6. Comfy Dadcore Inspired Airport Outfit Idea
If you’ve been looking for a cute way to try out the boxer shorts trend, then add this airport fit to your outfit ideas board ASAP. Styled with a simple white baby tee and an oversized trench coat, it’s a socially acceptable way to wear pajamas in public. Say less!
Lean into the dadcore vibes with a pair of slip-on leather loafers and cozy white socks. Not only are they comfy, but they’ll also help you get through security in record time!
7. Business-Chic Airport Outfit Ideas
photo: @jennifer_rendie
If you’re headed on a business trip, you’re going to need travel outfit ideas that are comfortable AND professional. Enter: this comfy airport outfit inspo.
You’ll look business class appropriate with a chic blazer layered over a black athleisure set. You can even swap the leggings for a pair of wide-leg trousers if you don’t have time to change before your first meeting. With a relaxed tailored fit, these ones are deceptively comfortable!
Traveling for work? Don’t miss our guide to business casual attire — plus a few cute outfit ideas to help you nail the look!
8. Cute Midi Skirt + Black Bodysuit Look
photo: @ashajadejones_ on IG
This cute airport fit is proof that you don’t need to choose between comfort and style when it comes to travel outfit ideas!
While a midi skirt might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to airport outfit ideas, this loose and lightweight style is actually SUPER comfy. Style it with a black bodysuit and slip-on loafers for an outfit that oozes first class vibes (even if you’re sitting in coach).
9. Comfy Baggy Jeans Travel Outfit
photo: @minpoh on IG
Hear us out: baggy jeans are actually one of the most comfy (and cute) airport outfit ideas. While we used to be on the “strictly no denim” train when it came to travel outfits, the rise of comfortable wide-leg jeans has changed that.
And as a bonus, you can wear these jeans with all your other travel outfit ideas for your trip — which means more room in your suitcase for souvenirs!
10. Bright + Bold Airport Outfit Ideas
photo: @lauraa_lederer on IG
For a cute way to switch up your classic + comfy airport outfit ideas, why not experiment with a bold color?! The bright blue hue of this lounge set instantly gives it a fashion-forward edge, even styled with a simple white tank.
And don’t forget a few trendy accessory ideas for a chic finishing touch — the Yankees hat, platform Converse, and cute retro sunglasses really make this airport outfit pop!
11. Edgy-Meets-Athleisure Celebrity Inspired Airport Outfit Ideas
If you love scrolling through celebrity airport outfit ideas (because same), then this cute fit will be right up your alley. It’s giving us celeb off-duty vibes, with an edgy moto jacket styled with a cozy hoodie, black leggings, and an oversized tote bag.
Complete with oversized sunglasses — perfect for an incognito look — this outfit will have everyone at your gate doing a double-take.
12. Cute Layers-On-Layers Travel Outfit Inspo
One word: layers. If you’re traveling between two different climates (or if you always run cold at the airport), layers are going to be a game changer for your travel outfit ideas.
For an extra stylish fit, choose pieces that look just as good layered together as they do on their own. We love the look of this button-down shirt peaking out from under the sweatshirt — SO cute styled with simple bike shorts or leggings!
13. Classy Black Trousers + Comfy Long Cardigan Look
Another one of our favorite airport outfit ideas if you’re on a business trip? This wide-leg trousers + long cardigan combo. It’s comfy enough for a day of sitting in a cramped airplane seat, while also being elevated enough to impress your boss. Talk about the best of both worlds!
14. Chunky Knitted Comfy Sweater Airport Outfit Ideas
photo: @dressmelikethat on IG
When it comes to cute and comfy airport outfit ideas for the winter, keep it simple with a chunky knit sweater. It’s cuter than a classic hoodie or sweatshirt, and comfortable enough to curl up in during a long-haul flight. Plus, it goes with everything — from jeans to leggings!
Travel Pro Tip: One of our best travel ideas is to wear your bulkiest pair of shoes (like these boots) with your airport outfit. This will save you tons of room in your suitcase, and you can always change into slippers on the plane. Just be sure they’re easy to take on and off so you’re not holding up security!
15. Classic Black-On-Black Lounge Set Airport Outfit Ideas
photo: @liveloveblank on IG
Last, but certainly not least, we’re leaving you with one of the most fool-proof airport outfit ideas for a day of travel: this comfy lounge set look! With an ultra-soft material, this sweatshirt + matching pants feel like wearing PJs on the plane — while still looking chic and polished.
Finish this airport outfit with some cute slip-on sneakers (these checkered Vans are some of our favorite ideas!), and you’re pretty much golden.
More Fit Inspo To Keep You Looking Amazing Your Entire Trip
Now that you’ve picked out your cute and comfy airport outfit, let’s get into our favorite travel outfit ideas for the rest of your trip!
If you’re traveling during the summer months, we’ve rounded up the trendiest outfit ideas for soaking up the sun, whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach or exploring a European city.
Traveling for work instead? Then don’t miss our complete guide to business casual attire, plus some cute outfit ideas to pack in your carry-on.
And no matter where your travel takes you, no outfit ideas are complete without a cute pair of shoes to tie the look together — and we’ve rounded up the best comfy heels for the occasion!
Which of these cute airport outfit ideas are you wearing for your next travel getaway? Let us know in the comments below, and check out the rest of our outfit + fashion guides here!