Clothing·12 min read

A Complete Breakdown of the Best Airport Outfits

A Complete Breakdown of the Best Airport ‘Fits
Design: theSkimm | Images: Oner Active, Free People, Buck Mason
September 11, 2026

Whether you’re Team Dress Up or Team Sweatpants, a solid airport outfit can make a travel day that much smoother. So we put together six complete looks that prioritize both comfort and style for every type of trip. Now boarding…

For more affordable, stylish outfit ideas, click here.

For when the flight is at 6 am:

Oner Active Cotton Vintage Lounge Off-The-Shoulder Sweatshirt

Oner Active

Cotton Vintage Lounge Off-The-Shoulder Sweatshirt

A sweat set with a little edge…

We love Oner Active for their elevated loungewear. This cozy sweatshirt sits off the shoulder and has an oversized fit. Wear it with a cami or bralette and matching pants for a look that’s put-together but feels like pajamas. 

Walmart Ugg Classic Micro Ankle Boots

Ugg

Classic Micro Ankle Boots

Booties that are easy to slip on and off…

If we could live in these micro Ugg booties, we would. Their signature plush lining will keep your toes warm when you’re hustling through a frigid airport. The neutral color goes with literally everything. 

Free People FP Movement Quilted Carryall Bag

FP Movement

Quilted Carryall Bag

A carryall bag for throwing in last-minute essentials…

One of our editors uses the mini version of this carryall as her gym bag, so you can imagine how much more stuff you can fit into the regular version. The thick quilted strap makes it comfy to lug around, and the unstructured shape is flexible enough to shove under the seat in front of you. 

For when the flight is over five hours:

Free People FP Movement Hotshot Wide-Leg Onesie

FP Movement

Hot Shot Wide-Leg Onesie

A onesie we’re obsessed with…

This long-sleeve onesie from FP Movement is basically maxi dress with pant legs, which is perfect for long flights. It’s extremely stretchy and has zero hardware (except for the sneaky decorative zippered pocket on the back). Throw it over a bralette or tank and add flats or sneakers to complete the outfit.

DSW New Balance 408 Sneaker

New Balance

408 Sneaker

A pair of sneakers with tons of support…

We took a page from the Airport Dad Handbook and promptly added these New Balances to our carts. The chunky rubber sole will help you feel supported while you’re on your feet or waiting in long lines. We especially love how versatile they are. You can pair them with a dress or skirt and still look chic.  

Favorite Daughter The Classic Logo Baseball Hat

Favorite Daughter

The Classic Logo Baseball Hat

A cheeky baseball cap…

If you don’t have time to make your hair look presentable before heading to the airport, throw on a baseball cap. We love this one from Favorite Daughter for its cheeky slogan and chic colors. 

Quay Drive In Sunglasses

Quay

Drive In Sunglasses

Oversized sunglasses that mean business…

Top off your airport look with one of our favorite pairs of Quay sunglasses. These are not too round, not too square, and have a nice weight to them that feels more expensive than they are. 

For when you're heading straight to dinner after you land:

Evereve Z Supply Maren Linen Dress

Z Supply

Maren Linen Dress

A maxi dress that’s designed for layering…

This breathable dress from Z Supply is our hack for staying comfortable without sacrificing style. If you’re headed somewhere tropical, you’ll love its lightweight linen material. For cooler temps, add a long-sleeve tee underneath for extra warmth. 

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Denim Jacket

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Denim Jacket

A denim jacket that’s not too stiff…

If you’re going to fly in a jean jacket, we’d recommend this cotton-denim one from Quince. It’s lightweight and softer than traditional denim. Plus, it only gets softer over time.   

DSW Dr. Scholl's Wexley Jane Mary Jane Flat

Dr. Scholl's

Wexley Jane Mary Jane Flat

Mary Jane flats you can wear all day (and all night)…

If you won’t have time for a quick change before dinner, wear these polished Dr. Scholl’s flats. Their signature foam insole will keep your feet cushioned and comfortable throughout the day. Even better, the lining and upper are partially made with recycled plastic bottles. Love. 

Hobo Sheila Medium Satchel

Hobo

Sheila Medium Satchel

An elegant crossbody bag…

For buttery leather bags, we turn to Hobo. They’re soft, yet durable, which helps when you’re throwing it in security bins or in an overhead compartment. This satchel bag is great for when you’re running to catch a res, since you can convert it from a crossbody to a handbag in seconds.

For when you just want to look put-together:

J.Crew Esme Relaxed-Fit Button-Up Shirt

J.Crew

Esme Relaxed-Fit Button-Up Shirt

An oversized button-down you’ll wear multiple times…

A roomy button-down is a great hack for looking Parisian-level chic with virtually zero effort, and you’ll wear it constantly at your destination, too. We’ve been wearing ours with leggings and flats (very Kendall Jenner-coded), but there are no rules with this one. 

Anthropologie Embroidered Paisley Cotton Bandana

Anthropologie

Embroidered Paisley Cotton Bandana

A whimsical scarf…

A decorative scarf is an easy, effortless way to level up any airport look. If you look closely, you’ll see vibrant accents embroidered throughout this paisley bandana. Tie it around your neck or hair for a pop of color. 

Dream Pairs Foldable Ballet Flats

Dream Pairs

Foldable Ballet Flats

A foldable pair of flats that won’t cause blisters…

One editor praised these flats’ memory foam sole and elastic backing that kept her blister-free for hours on a hot day. She had zero break-in period and could pair them with just about everything in her closet. Plus, you can get them on Amazon for $35. 

For when you're traveling for business:

Athleta Pinnacle High Rise Trouser

Athleta

Pinnacle High Rise Trouser

Trousers that feel like sweatpants…

Officewear and travelwear don’t usually mix. These high-waisted trousers from Athleta are one of our favorite exceptions. They’re made of a unique fabric that has significant stretch and doesn’t hold wrinkles, so you’ll look polished upon arrival (and you won’t have to worry about packing an iron).  

Buck Mason Pima Boxy Crew

Buck Mason

Pima Boxy Crew

A boxy tee we’re always reaching for…

Buck Mason knows how to make a tee look sophisticated. This one is garment-washed for a lived-in feel, but it holds its shape, so it doesn’t look sloppy. They’re on the pricier side, but our editors swear they’re worth the investment — the quality is truly unmatched. 

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Knit Blazer

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Knit Blazer

A knit blazer that doesn’t feel restricting…

For a business trip, you’ll want a blazer that has major give. This 100% organic cotton blazer wears more like a heavy cardigan, so you’ll be able to fold your arms or curl up in your airplane seat comfortably. 

Clarks Westlynn Bella

Clarks

Westlynn Bella

A pair of chunky loafers…

Leave the heeled booties at home and throw on these loafers, instead. They’re way more comfortable than heels but will still give you some height. For fall, we’re loving the burgundy suede and black patent leather options. 

For when you can't check into your hotel just yet:

Evereve LNA Calvin Maxi Skirt

LNA

Calvin Maxi Skirt

A high-waisted maxi skirt…

Jeans on a flight? Couldn’t be us. You’ll find us seated comfortably in this elastic maxi skirt. It’s a great piece to pair with a cropped tee, a cardigan set, or a button-down. Dress is up with sandals or heels, or down with sneakers. Either way, you’ll be good to go to dinner right when you land. 

Madewell Sleeveless Boatneck Vest Top

Madewell

Sleeveless Boatneck Vest Top

A vest top you’ll get tons of compliments on…

This top looks like a vest but feels like a sleeveless tee. It’s form-fitting enough to wear on its own, but will also complement a long-sleeve undershirt if needed. Just be sure to size up if you’re layering. 

DSW Adidas Samba Indoor Sneaker

Adidas

Samba Indoor Sneaker

Our go-to casual sneakers for travel…

We love Sambas for the airport, touring around a new city, or heading out for the night. In other words, they’re extremely versatile. If you’re unsure of your plans after you land, know that you can count on these. 

Walmart Montana West Crossbody Bum Bag

Montana West

Crossbody Bum Bag

A crossbody with a unique shape…

If you’ve got a couple of hours to kill before checking into your stay, you’ll want a spacious crossbody for your impromptu plans. This Bum Bag is under $30 and comes in tons of colors. The adjustable strap is flat and thick so it won’t dig into your shoulder, no matter how much you add to it. It also has a hidden pocket to keep your passport or valuables safe. 

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