I Figured Out How to Nail Airport Style Once and for All

I’ve recently taken a number of international flights. First to Italy, then to London and Paris, and later, back Paris again. On each of these flights, I was determined to streamline my outfits, so I put some research into what I needed, as well as the pieces that could stay behind. Studying some of the best celebrity airplane outfits, I developed an airport capsule wardrobe that has defined what I wear when I travel.

The capsule is built around pieces that are the perfect balance of functional and stylish—like matching luggage and comfortable shoes. Notably, it excludes items like metal jewelry as well as flip-flops, which TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein named the worst shoes to wear to the airport. Instead of wondering what to wear for your next flight, I’m breaking down nine stylish pieces that celebs (and I) can vouch for.

airport-outfit-capsule-wardrobe-264084-1532716530573-product

1. Sleek Luggage
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Nothing comes off as more polished than great luggage. Bonus points if you travel with a matching set.

airport-outfit-capsule-wardrobe-264084-1532716526906-product

2. A Timeless Carry-On Bag
(Image credit: Getty Images)

I took style notes from Ashley Olsen here. She convinced me to upgrade my nylon carry-on bag to a croc version.

airport-outfit-capsule-wardrobe-264084-1532716532108-product

3. Comfortable Sweats
(Image credit: Getty Images)

With the rise of athleisure, there's proof that dressing in relaxed pieces like sweatpants can actually look really cool. On a plane, I want to be comfortable but also stylish—and wearing a head-to-toe monochrome sweatsuit is the way to achieve both.

airport-outfit-capsule-wardrobe-264084-1532716540673-product

4. Loose-Fitting Jeans
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If I'm in the mood for jeans, though, I opt for a loose-fitting pair like Bella Hadid.

airport-outfit-capsule-wardrobe-264084-1532717560537-image

5. An Oversize T-Shirt
(Image credit: Getty Images)

airport-outfit-capsule-wardrobe-264084-1532717382312-image

6. A Trench for Layering
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Nothing pulls jeans and a T-shirt better than a trench coat. Plus, it's a great layering piece when traveling during the fall.

airport-outfit-capsule-wardrobe-264084-1532751747890-image

7. A Silk Duster
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If I want something more comfortable and relaxed than a trench coat, I'll wear a silk robe coat. It adds an extra layer to stay warm, plus pulls together any look.

airport-outfit-capsule-wardrobe-264084-1532717148466-image

8. Comfortable Sneakers
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Sneakers are my secret for getting through airport security in a breeze.

airport-outfit-capsule-wardrobe-264084-1532750928088-image

9. Ankle Boots, If I'm Not In the Mood For Sneakers
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If I'm not wearing sneakers, I'll throw on ankle boots instead. These are especially essential in the cold winter months.

Next: Shop everything I wore this month.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.