I’ve done a number of posts on my travel style and packing lists for destinations around the world, but something that often gets overlooked is dressing for the airport. A huge amount of time traveling is spent in airports around the world, traveling to and from them, lounging around for long layovers and rushing through security to make connections. So what should you wear when dressing for the airport? Here are my suggestions!
Patterned skirts and dresses for travel to warm climates.
When I travel to Hawaii for work, I almost always wear a long cotton maxi dress or a long patterned maxi skirt. For one, the pattern will hide wrinkles or anything you might have spilled. For two, maxi dresses and skirts are super comfortable and because they are long, you don’t have to worry about being able to move around or sit in different positions. They are one of my favorite things to wear when traveling to warm climates.
Pack your jewelry instead of wearing it.
One of the most annoying things when traveling: having to take all your jewelry off when going through security. Long story short: pack your jewelry in your carry on instead of wearing it.
Wear an oversized blazer or light jacket.
I get really cold in airports and on airplanes, so even when traveling to warm climates, also wear an oversized blazer or a light jacket… you’ll use it for so many functions while traveling.
Master layering.
Layering is a huge point for dressing for the airport. I usually travel in 3-4 layers, no matter where I’m headed. My go-to layering strategy: a light t-shirt, a sweater, a jacket and a scarf. That way I’m covered no matter what temperature I might encounter.
Wear your big coat instead of packing it.
When traveling to cold climates, a great way to save space in your bags is to wear your biggest coat instead of packing it. It’s also a great big comfy “blanket” to keep you warm in chilly airport layovers or on a cold plane ride. Or if your flight gets canceled and you end up sleeping on the floor of the airport (what happened to us a few years ago when en route to Rome), you instantly can cover yourself up to sleep!
Wear an oversized scarf and bring an extra.
I travel with lots of scarves always, but I never head to the airport without one scarf around my neck and another folded easily in my carry on that’s easily accessible. I love having the extra one to lay out on seats on the airport if I want to sleep or to have as a blanket on the flight.
Wear comfortable knits.
If there is ever a time to bring out the cashmere, traveling is that time. I love wearing the softest knits I own when traveling as you’re for sure going to be comfortable and warm.
Stripes are always good.
I’m pretty sure stripes are always a good idea… like Paris. But I digress, stripes are great to travel in as they don’t show wear and tear as much as a solid color. Plus they always look pulled together.
Wear easy shoes.
Ever been behind someone in security lines that takes ten years to take off their shoes with five million buckles? Ok that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but seriously, wear your easiest shoes to travel in. My favorite: loafers or my Converse.
Wear jeans with stretch or leggings.
I like to look somewhat pulled together when I travel but for long hauls, I’ll always pair a long top and sweater with either leggings or a stretchy pair of jeans. With leggings, you’ll feel comfortable no matter how long you’re in airports or on a plane. So choose comfort and then pull it all together on top.
All black is always a go-to.
When I’m not sure what to wear to travel in, black is always my go-to combination. Sometimes I’ll throw on a gray sweater over a black outfit to mix it up a bit, but when in doubt, wear black.
Wear jeans with stretch or leggings.
I like to look somewhat pulled together when I travel but for long hauls, I’ll always pair a long top and sweater with either leggings or a stretchy pair of jeans. With leggings, you’ll feel comfortable no matter how long you’re in airports or on a plane. So choose comfort and then pull it all together on top.
