Airport chic: Fashion that lets you have both comfort and style

As summer reaches its peak, the high travel season is here. Whether you’re counting down the days to a long-anticipated vacation or preparing for a few quick business trips, one thing is clear: a trip to the airport is likely on your agenda. While packing stylish vacation outfits is essential, curating the perfect travel look for the airport is just as important.

Once upon a time, boarding a plane was as glamorous as attending a black-tie gala. In the golden age of air travel, circa the 1950s and 60s, a traveller wouldn’t be caught dead in anything less than their Sunday best. Women glided through terminals in tailored dresses, pearls, and heels, while men sported sharp suits and ties. The idea was simple: if you’re defying gravity, you might as well do it in style.

Fast forward to today, and things have relaxed—a lot. Now, you’re more likely to see passengers in athleisure wear and oversized sunglasses, schlepping their carry-ons like they’re heading to the gym rather than 30,000 feet above the ground. Leggings have replaced pencil skirts, sneakers have stepped in for stilettos, and the only pearls you’ll find are likely attached to a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. But while comfort has taken centre stage, the debate rages on: to dress up or to dress down?

To dress up or down

This is where the great divide comes in. On one hand, you have the “comfort is king” crowd, whose travel uniform consists of anything with an elastic waistband. Then there are those who swear by the old-school adage that dressing up can score you a seat upgrade—or at the very least, a smidge more respect from the flight attendants.

Let’s start with Team Dress Up. This group includes the likes of your mother, who firmly believes that a smart ensemble is your ticket to better treatment at the airport. And honestly, there’s some logic to this. Imagine it: you’re at the gate, the announcement for a delay comes over the speakers, and you’re dressed like you’re about to chair a board meeting. You stand out, in a good way. Maybe the gate agent glances your way and thinks, “That person looks like they belong in business class.” Next thing you know, you’re cutting through a medium-rare steak with extra legroom, while the rest of the plane is crammed into economy.

So, what does dressing up for the airport look like in 2024? It’s not quite the Mad Men aesthetic of yesteryear, but it’s a step above pyjama chic. Think tailored blazers paired with dark jeans, or a crisp button-down with chinos. For the ladies, a chic cable knit sweater with linen trousers can be both comfortable and classy. Footwear? Keep it sleek but sensible. Loafers, ankle boots, or ballet flats can be lifesavers during that sprint between gates.

On the flip side, Team Dress Down argues that unless you’re on a transatlantic flight seated next to Anna Wintour, nobody’s judging what you wear. This camp prioritises comfort over everything, opting for cosy sweatpants, hoodies, and sneakers. They’d rather be caught dead than stuck in tight clothes on a 10-hour flight, even if it means sacrificing the slim chance of an upgrade. Plus, with the rise of luxe athleisure brands, you can still look put together while feeling like you’re in loungewear.

Best of both worlds

There’s no denying that the right outfit can make or break your travel experience. But comfort doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. The trick to merging the two is all about finding pieces that are both functional and fashionable. And who better to look to for some inspiration than the celebs who find themselves at the airport more than their film sets?

Mehwish Hayat absolutely nailed casual airport chic. In one of her many travel looks, she rocked a bold red and black cropped sweatshirt that screamed sporty vibes, paired with sleek black jeans that kept things stylishly streamlined. Her multi-coloured sneakers were a fun pop of colour, adding a playful touch to the ensemble, while that cap (a celebrity staple while travelling) created an aura of mystery around her.

Asim Azhar served up the ultimate laid-back traveller vibe with his trusty guitar slung over his shoulder. The musician was ready to serenade the skies. Dressed in a sleek black Adidas track jacket and rocking a backward white cap, Asim was all smiles, clutching his iced coffee, which is basically the ultimate airport accessory for anyone who knows the true meaning of jet lag.