What to Wear to the Airport: How a Fashion Editor Dresses for Travel

A lot of effort goes into my travel outfits. Deciding what to wear to the airport is more consuming than one might think. It takes creativity, innovation, and a lot of editing. You have to think about where you’re leaving from, your flight time (including connections), and your destination. Is it cold? Is it hot? The environmental factors matter. From there, I focus on the vibe, the message I’m trying to send with my clothes or how I want to be perceived.

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I start with my shoes. I stick to flats, rotating between sneakers, loafers, dad sandals, ballerina slippers , and occasionally, Uggs. There’s no reason to wear anything with a heel—especially when returning to JFK and walking what feels like six miles to baggage claim. To me, footwear is the most fun. When it comes to sneakers , I always reach for my Asics GEL-1130s, Nike Air Max 97s (a.k.a. The Silver Bullets), or the New Balance 530s. These silhouettes are versatile, comfortable, and timeless. If I’m feeling a bit more trendy, I’ll lean on the Adidas Samba, Converse’s Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared, or a pair of Salomon sneakers. If you’re in the mood to be really flexy, kicks like the Amiri Sunset Skate Low and the Nike Air Max DN in Sail Coconut Milk are great picks. The idea is to be subtle but noticeable, so don’t feel pressured to go with the loudest color or the most-coveted collaboration. You want it to be authentic to you, and your shoes are the base of the outfit, which you will build upon.

If the temperature is right, I can’t resist a dad sandal. Since Chanel debuted their iteration of the silhouette in 2018, the style has reigned supreme with fashion houses and mega-retailers churning out new and improved versions of the dad sandal every year. What’s the hype about, you ask? Dad sandals are ridiculously comfortable, gender-neutral, and universally cool. They add unexpected interest to an outfit.

As we approach fall, my travel fits will likely be limited to a closed-toe shoe, and after deciding on the right one (and a pair of tube socks if I’m doing sneakers), I focus on clothing. If the answer is pants on that particular day, I go for loose-fitting ones. Cargos, baggy draw-string denim (namely the painters I bought from Free People a couple of years ago), knit trousers, and classic sweats—but only if they’re wide-leg. I find that these roomy designs are comfortable and flatter my figure. I also just love the look of a shoe peeking out of the hem of wide-leg pants. Next, comes the top. With denim, I am a sucker for a crisp white T-shirt. There’s something so ‘90s about a white T-shirt, jeans, and either a sneaker or a ballet flat. In case it’s chilly on the plane or at my gate, I layer with a cardigan or throw a sweater over my shoulders. With sweats, I go with the coordinating hoodie or crew neck or a cropped windbreaker for contrast and dimension.

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Now, it’s time to accessorize. I have four bracelets and a few pendant necklaces that I wear every day. I then throw on a crossbody bag and head out the door after doing my skincare routine, which consists of a lot of hydrating products since airplane pressure dries out my skin. I’m not one of those girlies who performs her full routine in her seat because I’m very mindful, very considerate . While I consider these pairings my travel uniform, I do often switch things up, incorporating workout sets or onesies (think Princess Di’s iconic street style) and jersey dresses.

The key is feeling at ease and confident—even though you’re going to be sitting the entire time. Fashion is everywhere, and the world is a runway. Keep scrolling for more in-depth examples and outfit formulas that I hope will help you nail traveling in style.

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What to Wear to the Airport