What to Wear to the Airport: Stylish, Comfortable Travel Outfits

Written By Hallie Abrams
What to Wear to the Airport

There’s a very specific kind of outfit pressure that comes with travel. You want to be comfortable for hours, prepared for mystery temperatures, and still look like someone who has their life together when you land. Tall order. Luckily, there is a formula.

Here’s what I always come back to when building an airport outfit that works hard without looking sloppy.

Cozy, Elevated Clothing Is the Foundation

If it’s not comfortable, it’s not making it through TSA. Period.

This is where pieces like Spanx AirEssentials and Rag & Bone Miramar really shine. They feel like loungewear but read as polished enough to grab a coffee without feeling like you rolled out of bed.

What makes these pieces so good for travel:

  • Soft, stretchy fabrics that don’t cling in weird places after sitting

  • Clean lines that look intentional, not “sweatpants energy”

  • Easy to layer without bulk

Think matching sets, relaxed pull-on pants, or soft wide-leg silhouettes paired with a simple tee or tank. You want ease without giving up structure.

The Unsung Hero: The Travel Wrap

A travel wrap deserves a standing ovation.

It’s a blanket.
It’s a scarf.
It’s a cardigan when the plane feels like a freezer.

A good wrap instantly upgrades even the simplest outfit and solves about 90% of in-flight temperature issues. Look for one that’s oversized, soft, and neutral enough to work with most of your wardrobe.

Bonus points if it looks good draped over your shoulders once you land, because that’s when it earns its keep.

Shop Travel Wraps:

Compression Socks Are Chic Now (Trust Me)

Compression socks have officially entered their glow-up era.

Long flights can leave your legs feeling heavy and swollen, and compression socks genuinely help with circulation. The key is choosing styles that don’t scream “medical supply aisle.”

Go for:

  • Neutral colors or subtle patterns

  • Knee-high lengths that work with sneakers or loafers

  • Soft fabrics that don’t itch or dig in

Your feet will thank you, and honestly, they can look pretty cool styled right.

Shoes That Pass the Walk-Test

You need shoes that can:

  • Slip on and off easily at security and for bathroom runs mid flight

  • Handle long walks through terminals

  • Still look good with the rest of your outfit

Think sleek sneakers, cushioned loafers, or slip-on clogs/mules. If you have to think about your shoes too much, they’re not the right ones for travel.

My Travel Essentials

These are other travel things that I swear by! The travel pillow makes your head stop flopping when you’re trying to sleep. The heat patches make my 50 year old back not seize up on short and long flights. I think the rest are pretty self-explanatory, but they’ve all been tried and tested by me and I love them!

The Goal: Effortless, Not Overdone

The best airport outfits feel intentional without trying too hard. Soft layers, elevated basics, and practical pieces that still reflect your personal style.

If you’re comfortable, confident, and not constantly adjusting your clothes, you nailed it. And if someone compliments your outfit while you’re half-awake with a coffee in hand? That’s a travel win.

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Hallie Abrams
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