For me, packing for a holiday is like an Olympic sport and I'm constantly trying to achieve gold. But, thinking back to trips over the years, the real challenge has been what to wear to the airport. You can master a capsule holiday wardrobe, but the airport outfit is a separate beast. Plus, the dress code can feel pretty lawless. The next time you're at the terminal, look around, you'll see a hodgepodge of airport looks ranging from the suited-up corporate work-tripper to the cute and cosy gal kitted out in head-to-toe Alo Yoga.
That's where we come in — here to find your perfect airport outfit formula, whether you're after comfortable airport outfits for a red-eye long-haul or summer airport outfits that work as hard on the beach as they do at the departure gate.
Airport outfits for long-haul flights
Long-haul flights are where the cosy airport outfit staples really come into play and dressing purely for comfort is key. Joggers and a slogan tee are a cool and failsafe combo, and a cosy, oversized hoodie is like a sartorial blanket.
Louis Vuitton Pre-Owned Keepall 50 Travel Bag
Puma Speedcat Ballet Metallic Shoes Women
For footwear, fashion trainers are the obvious choice. Slip-on shoes like Vans' checkerboard slip-ons or Birkenstock Boston suede clogs will serve you well at passport control.
Why this works as an airport outfit: Elasticated waistbands, breathable fabrics and slip-on shoes make security and a 10-hour flight infinitely more bearable. Layers are non-negotiable — plane AC is no joke.
Summer airport outfits
Short-haul and summer travel outfits have a different brief entirely — you want to look holiday-ready the moment you land.
Reformation Cashmere Crew Cardigan
Ganni Stripe Rib Tank Top
Nobody's Child Linen-Blend Trousers
The allure to wear a vest top and cargo pants or a cute co-ord is totally doable on a city break to a European getaway, but the plane's AC can expose you to arctic conditions, so layers are essential.
A light cashmere cardi will keep you warm in the air and during holiday sunset dinners when paired with a white cotton prairie dress and straw bag for a romantic cottagecore aesthetic.
Why this works as an airport outfit: Lightweight, packable layers that transition from plane to pool without missing a beat. A linen set or floaty midi dress ticks the comfort and style boxes simultaneously.
Comfortable airport outfits for early morning flights
The 5am departure is its own category. Comfy airport outfits for early morning travel are all about looking pulled-together with zero effort. A matching sweatshirt and jogger set does all the heavy lifting — throw on a structured tote, a good pair of sunglasses and a baseball cap and you're doing the most while doing the least.
Whistles Khaki Riley Trench Coat
Puma Speedcat OG sneakers
Abercrombie High Rise Barrel Olive Jean
Why this works as an airport outfit: Matching sets look intentional even when you've had three hours of sleep. They read as a considered travel outfit rather than rolling-out-of-bed attire.
Airport outfits for night flights
Have you ever seen anyone look as chic on a night flight? A cashmere twin set and a '60s-style thick headband is the answer. Silk trousers are soft on the skin and breathable, and an oversized shirt layers over the top as both a cover-up and an impromptu blanket. If it's a long-haul, though, be aware of potential creasing.
The White Company Cashmere Hoodie
Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34
Jimmy Fairly Paris The Emmy
Why this works as an airport outfit: Natural fibres – cashmere, silk, cotton – regulate temperature better than synthetics on overnight flights, so you'll land feeling fresher.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
Kara Kia is the Ecommerce Editor for Women's Lifestyle at Hearst UK, leading Cosmopolitan UK's digital shopping strategy across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. With over eight years of experience as a journalist and editor, Kara specialises in skincare, makeup, haircare and helping women find their personal style — trying and testing every product she recommends. A trusted voice in fashion and beauty ecommerce, Kara's most-read guides include the best wedding dresses under £1000, the best affordable jewellery brands, the best Korean skincare products, and the best products for curly hair. She also covers major shopping events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day for Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. Kara previously held the role of contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar UK; before joining Hearst, she was Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER's Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and wrote for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine. An experienced interviewer, she has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles and Tyla about life, work and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and formerly based in Toronto, Kara now lives in London. Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia
