Airport style can seem like something of an oxymoron, given how easy it is to feel exhausted and dishevelled after a long-haul flight. However, with the right preparation, travel outfits can actually make the journey more enjoyable.
Thinking ahead means you can cater for the micro-temperatures that exist in-flight as well as combat the great sweat while rushing for your connection. Meanwhile, accessories like a pair of slip-on sneakers and a generous tote bag help to maximise practicality and ensure that you arrive in style.
Let’s face it, we all want to feel like Jackie Kennedy when we breeze off the plane, but delayed flights, turbulence and the harsh conditions on an aircraft can all wreak havoc with your look. This sense of unpredictability means that working out what to wear to the airport is almost as important as packing for your destination. Unlike the relatively reliable climate conditions of a particular locale, there are plenty of factors that can affect your airport experience. If you come prepared, though, you’ll be sipping champagne in the Qantas First Class lounge in no time.
Layering for micro-temperatures
Perhaps one of the most disorienting things about airport style is the various different temperatures for which you have to dress. Hot one minute, then freezing in the pressurised aircraft cabin the next – it can be like experiencing four seasons in one day. Bearing this in mind, a stylish jet-setter has learnt to master the art of layering for these micro-temperatures. Teaming a tailored blazer over a T-shirt and black jeans, is one such way to look both polished and practical in transit.
Additional layering pieces like a large, colourful scarf can also have the added benefit of acting as a blanket in-flight, as well as brightening up your outfit when you disembark. Either way, it’s a good idea to incorporate a number of buildable layers into your travel outfits so you don't find yourself shivering in the sleeveless shift dress that seemed like a great idea when you boarded the plane in Sydney.
Breathability for near-missed flights
Speaking of shivering on the plane, the great sweat can be just as frustrating when you’re travelling – especially if you have to rush between connections or turned up a little too fashionably late for your flight. With that in mind, gravitating towards breathable natural fibres like cotton and linen can be a great idea when constructing your airport fashion ideas. Combining breathability with well-thought-out layers means that you’ll be setting yourself up for maximum comfort, no matter what the mercury reading.
A cotton T-shirt or linen button-down are both great solutions here because both can be easily layered over or under a number of pieces. That sense of versatility, combined with the breathability factor, lends the perfect antidote for when you’re racing between flights. It’s why models and seasoned travellers are rarely seen without their trusty tees on board.
Sure footing for terminal traipsing
Comfortable footwear is key for long-haul journeys in particular, which tend to require a fair amount of traipsing between terminals. Banish all thoughts of Ugg boots, though, and think more a streamlined pair of slip-on sneakers like those by Saint Laurent. If you want to arrive in sky-high style, you could always pack a change of shoes for the arrivals lounge. In general though, a pair of stilettos between terminals doesn’t exactly make a comfortable journey.
If sneakers aren’t your thing, then leather loafers or ballerina flats are just as effective in guaranteeing a smooth transition from terminal to baggage claim and beyond. To inject a sense of playfulness into your airport outfit, though, why not team some flat footwear with a pair of embellished jeans like those by Valentino? That way you will make an impact in the air, but still feel totally at ease.
The carry-on carry all
When boarding your flight, a well-organised carry-on situation can make all the difference. This is where a roomy but structured handbag like a leather tote can come in particularly handy. Not only will it house all of your in-flight essentials, but it will also keep your airport style on point. Think high-style but effortless rather than all-out excess.
If you want to balance out the clean lines of your carry-all tote, then you might also want to consider travelling clothes ideas that incorporate a balloon sleeve blouse, like those seen on the runway at Ellery for SS17. This will keep proportion at play; adding interest to your look but also ensuring that you’ve got everything you need for the mid-air jaunt ahead.