There are plenty of tulle skirts and party dresses on Atlantic-Pacific, but I know many of you are also looking for some inspiration for your everyday outfits. In this realm, one of the most common requests I get is ideas for comfortable airport outfits. While I shared a variety of travel outfit ideas last year, it seems like everyone is on the hunt for outfits that specifically focus on comfort, but are still stylish.
I’ve traveled a lot over the past decade, both for work and pleasure, so I totally understand the desire to be relaxed on a long day of travel. Today I’m going to go over my favorite pieces to wear when I want to feel ultra-comfortable and warm. I’ll talk about some important things to keep in mind when dressing, as well as some comfortable airport outfits that can be easily recreated.
Why I love wearing comfortable clothes to the airport
It’s no secret that I love to go big and dress up whenever I can. However, there is a time and a place for a statement dress and a time and a place for a casual ensemble with sneakers. It is certainly possible to look chic and sophisticated at the airport, while still being comfortable. Traveling can be stressful, you carry a carry-on bag and there is the possibility of delays and changes of plans. Simply put, it’s just… a lotThat’s why choosing comfortable clothes for the airport makes perfect sense!
Things to consider for a comfortable outfit for the airport
Before I share my current favorite travel looks, I wanted to talk about a few things I always keep in mind when choosing these outfits. Like any part of a trip, planning ahead is key!
1. Avoid pieces that are too long or too short.
It’s inevitable that you’ll have to bend, stretch, and squeeze into tight spaces when you travel. You might even have to rush out of the door at top speed to make it to your connecting flight (guilty!). For these reasons, it’s important to pay attention to the length of the clothing you choose. I try to avoid tops that are too short and pants that are too long, as you don’t want them to drag on the floor. I’m also careful not to wear fabrics that are too restrictive, which could result in you having to constantly tug and pull at your clothes during an already hectic travel day.
2. Be prepared for a variety of temperatures.
We all know that flying means you’ll be hot one minute and shivering the next. I try to prepare for this by choosing comfortable airport clothes that are multi-layered and made of breathable fabrics. I also usually bring a nice cashmere shawl, which can double as a blanket.
3. Make the most of the pieces you pack.
Although it doesn’t always work, I try to make sure that some of the clothes I wear on a day trip I’ll also wear during the trip. I hate carrying too many clothes, but I’m also famous for that. That’s why I try to wear comfortable clothes for the airport that can also be paired with other clothes I brought for the destination.
Unfortunately, these days, airport travel is a matter of surprises. Even if you follow a packing list and plan every minute of your travel day, sometimes the airport gods have other plans. Walking long distances seems to be almost inevitable. For this reason, choosing comfortable footwear is one of the most important aspects of ensuring that you have a pleasant travel day.
Comfortable airport attire formula
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s break down the anatomy of a comfortable airport outfit. Starting at the bottom and working our way up, here are my favorite pieces to wear for a cozy look.
When I’m looking for a casual travel day, I almost always opt for sneakers. Occasionally, I’ll switch it up and wear ballet flats or loafers, but ultimately, sneakers are the way to go. Some of my favorites are the Adidas Gazelle and Samba (which I’m wearing above), a classic pair of Veja sneakers, or a great pair of New Balance. Many of the Adidas Gazelle outfit ideas I shared above would be great for travel days.
And even though I’m a millennial through and through, I’ve been embracing the taller sock trend with these striped socks. The TikTok girls have me hooked. Plus, these socks are honestly more comfortable and practical!
Travel pants
Next, let’s talk about pants for travel. As I mentioned above, I try to wear fabrics that are breathable, stretchy, and don’t constrict when I travel. For this reason, I tend to opt for pants with an elastic waistband (or any pair with a super comfortable waistband). I’m also careful to choose pants that aren’t too long. No one wants their pants dragging on the airport bathroom floor!
For a comfortable airport look in the summer, linen pants are a great option. I’m currently loving this pair, this pair, and this pair. A pair of joggers is another great option. If you prefer a sporty look, these and these are great. For a sportier look, these (the ones I wore above) or these two are good options.
Layers of blouses
When it comes to travel day outfits, layering is key. For a base layer, I usually wear one of my favorite tank tops or a great t-shirt. I love this turtleneck tank top and this slim fit tank top, both of which are super affordable at Target. As for t-shirts, I previously did a big roundup of all my favorites. I included a wide range of options, from loose to fitted, so there are plenty of styles to choose from!
And since we all know that a travel day can unexpectedly go from hot to cold, I always bring a top layer. A half-zip fleece pullover or a classic sweater are great for a comfy airport ensemble. I also love an oversized crewneck sweater like this one or this one. If you’re looking for something a little more fitted, but not tight, I love this striped long-sleeve tee (which I’m wearing above) and this classic cashmere sweater. And last but not least, if stripes are your thing, check out this top and this one. Each of these would look great over one of Target’s fitted tees.
Third piece
Depending on what time of year you’re traveling, you may need to bring a third layer. Since we’re entering fall, I wanted to share some of my recent favorite pieces. I always love long vests. I feel like a longer length can balance out a look, especially when worn with sweatpants. Plus, once you’re done wearing it, you can pack it away nice and tight, without taking up much space, even though it’s super warm! A puffer jacket is another awesome option. This one caught my eye recently. I love that it feels functional, but has a touch of fashion.
Extra touches
One of my all-time favorite travel items is a cashmere shawl. This one and this one are both great options. They keep you warm, don’t take up much space, and double as a blanket on the plane.
Another must-have for a comfortable airport outfit? A hands-free bag. I love my MZ Wallace quilted duffle bag, which fits over the handles of my carry-on suitcase. This giant, lightweight quilted bag is another favorite (pictured above). I appreciate that it can be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody bag. I also always opt for pieces that can be fully zipped up at the top.
PS: My water bottle can be found here!
Comfortable airport outfit ideas
If you have a vacation on the horizon, I hope these tips and ideas for comfortable airport outfits help you plan your trip a little easier. I also recommend checking out these airport outfit ideas for even more inspiration. And for other travel favorites, check out my beach trip packing list, après ski outfits, favorite travel beauty items, and things to do in Sarasota. Happy travels!
