
What to wear to the airport: Best airport outfits for travelling in 2025
That's where we come in, as we're here to find your perfect airport outfit formula. Firstly, the practical considerations. Is it a long-haul or short-haul flight? If you live in jeans, there's nothing wrong with denim on a short haul, but opt for on-trend (and much comfier!) wide-leg or baggy styles. The current 'jorts' trend is made for a relaxed travel look. Short haul also tends to mean you're a carry-on girlie who can get clever with outfit hacks. An oversized beach bag can double up as your under-the-seat hand luggage, and utilising a sundress and sandals combo as comfy plane attire means you're holiday-ready as soon as you land.
The allure to wear a vest top and cargo pants or a cute co-ord is totally doable on a fleeting flight 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.
Long-haul flights are where the cosy airport staples reallycome into play. In this situation, packing hacks be damned, dressing purely for comfort is key. Joggers and a slogan tee are a cool and failsafe combo, and a fleece-lined hoodie is like a sartorial blanket. Bury your head into the hood and block out the other passengers until landing. For footwear, fashion trainers are the obvious choice. Slip-on shoes like Vans' checkerboard slip-ons or Birkenstock's Boston suede sliders will serve you well during passport control.
Below, find some winning outfit formulas approved by the best of the best celeb jet setters, plus the products to shop so that you can borrow their effortless off-duty airport style for your next flight.
This is our walk-off-the-plane-ready-to-holiday look. Some feet-phobe folks may disagree, but toes out at an airport is fine by us, and we honestly wouldn't fly anywhere without a trusty pair of Havaianas flip flops by our side.
Cashmere socks are a simple luxury well worth investing in. That, plus a roomy printed tee and track pants, equals a match made in travel heaven.
Like a thin knit cardigan, an oversized shirt offers the same plane-to-holiday versatility. It's the coolest beach cover-up going. Taking notes from a chic and relaxed J Law, pair with some silk trousers that are soft on the skin and super breathable. If it's a long-haul flight, though, be aware of potential creasing.
Some of us factor in time to exercise during our hols (personally, never), so if you're planning a morning 5k run on your trip, then embody this sporty persona at the terminal. Wearing running trainers means you don't need to pack 'em.
A statement trainer can liven up your practical attire, especially in a bold hue like Puma's red Speedcats. Luxe accessories and layered necklaces will add an effortless elegance to trackies and a t-shirt.
Once you've landed, employ this low-key, stylish combo of a football shirt and denim cut-offs to stroll the local beach town, shopping for souvenirs and pondering over ice cream flavours. Pair with the newest trainer trend of a ballet or Mary Jane hybrid style for all-day exploring.
Have you ever seen anyone look as chic on a night flight? Cashmere and a '60s-style thick headband is the answer.
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.

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