The 7 Summer Airport Outfits to Travel in Style

Publish date: 0001-01-01

My friends and I planned a week-long getaway to Costa Rica, and I've got a full packing list of trendy bikinis, airy linen pants, and breezy beach dresses, but one of the most important and often overlooked travel staples is a great summer airport outfit. Planning that outfit ahead can ensure the trip gets off to a smooth start as you get dressed in the dark for a 5 am flight. It's one less thing to think about—whether you're headed off on a fun girls' trip or headed into more serious business matters.

Heading to a vacation destination is usually a bit more forgiving than traveling for work, which can be one of the biggest wardrobe puzzles. Traveling for business often requires you to head straight off the plane into a busy day of meetings. But that doesn't mean you have to dress in stiff, uncomfortable business attire. With smart outfit formulas and a few wardrobe workhorses, you'll be equipped with several foolproof looks you can wear repeatedly— even if you're a frequent flyer.

If you're traveling through different climates, pack an extra layer—like a lightweight cardigan or a cashmere wrap—that you can easily throw over your shoulders when you arrive and will keep you from freezing on chilly planes. Going on a quick weekend trip that doesn’t require a huge checked bag? Bringing a large tote can be a great organizational hack for storing your smaller bags through crowded terminals and winding TSA lines.

From oversized blazers paired with T-shirts and sleek leggings to matching sweat sets styled with summer's trending chunky sneakers, Marie Claire's curated seven do-it-all airport outfits that have street-style and celebrity seals of approval.

How to Pick an Airport Outfit This Summer

Lightweight Layers

Although you're bound to experience balmy weather during a day of summer travel, you'll likely encounter chilly temperatures as soon as you step foot in the airport (and even more so while seated in the aircraft cabin). That's why it's essential to pack a lightweight layering piece like a knit cardigan, a fleece hoodie, or a soft crewneck sweatshirt.

Comfortable Fabrics

Between navigating airport security, speeding through terminals, and tracking down your luggage at baggage claim, a travel day usually means getting your steps in. That said, you'll want to wear comfortable fabrics (especially on the bottom) that will allow you to get around easily. Soft leggings, cotton sweatpants, and linen trousers are all great options to incorporate into your summer airport outfit formula.

Supportive Footwear

The airport is not the place to experiment with pointy stilettos or sky-high platforms (if you must wear heels, pack them in your carry-on bag and slip them on as soon as you land). Instead, choose cushioned sneakers, sandals with arch support, and supportive flats—ballet flats are a great option that checks all of the boxes.

The Best Summer Airport Outfit Formulas

For the Long-Haul Flight

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The most versatile summer airport outfit involves two simple essentials: a T-shirt and a pair of leggings. I've worn this look time and again to get through long travel days, and it never fails. Whether sprinting to catch my plane or moving around an aircraft during a long-haul flight, I can always rely on a fitted tee and a pair of forgiving pants to provide easy mobility— and to sleep in if I need to. Elevate this look by wrapping a cardigan across your shoulders, popping on a pair of chunky hoops, and grabbing a large carry-on that's roomy enough to store all the in-flight essentials.

SKIMS Cotton Rib T-Shirt

NIKE One Luxe Dri-Fit Stretch Leggings

Everlane The Cashmere Classic Crew Sweater

New Balance 9060 Nubuck-Trimmed Leather and Mesh Sneakers

Banana Republic Vegan Leather Slouchy Tote

Madewell Molten Statement Stud Earrings

When You're Short on Time

A comfortable sweatsuit can do no wrong, especially on days when you don't have much time to plan your airport look. A monochromatic approach keeps the look polished and won't require much extra styling. Anchor a light neutral matching set with contrasting black accessories, like a versatile crossbody bag and a pair of sleek sunglasses. Pro Tip: Wear a tank top beneath your hoodie in case you need to shed a layer.

alo Accolade Hoodie

alo Accolade Sweatpant

J. Crew Layering Cami

NIKE P-6000 Rubber-Trimmed Felt, Leather and Mesh Sneakers

Madewell The Sling Crossbody Bag in Leather

Saint Laurent Essential 53mm Square Sunglasses

Straight From the Plane to Meetings

Traveling for work instead of leisure? If so, your post-flight day will likely be packed with client coffees or business lunches; unfortunately, sweatpants and leggings won't cut it. You'll want more of the Nicole Kidman airport outfit approach. Count on a pair of tailored trousers, a fitted middle layer, and an outer sweater to look polished but not stuffy. Pair the look with pointed-toe flats and ladylike accessories— like pearl earrings.

Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pant Pleated Wide Leg Pants

DONNI. Camiseta Tirantes

Helsa Relaxed Knit Cardigan

Tony Bianco Martinez Flat

STAUD Allora Tote Bag

Monica Vinader Nura Freshwater Pearl Drop Frontal Hoop Earrings

For the Weekend Trip

A playful design, like a graphic tee, can add an element of fun to any pared-down airport outfit. Play with proportion with a loose-fitting T-shirt and a flowy pair of pants that feel relaxed but capture your personal style— you can also re-wear these pieces for a short weekend trip. Pack a sweater or light denim jacket in your carry-on or weekend bag to have you have an extra layer for the plane.

Daydreamer New York Tee

Beyond Yoga Well Traveled Wide Leg Pants

COS Contrast-Panel Crew-Neck Sweatshirt

Asics Gt-2160 Sneakers

BÉIS The Weekender Bag

Mejuri Sculptural Hoops

From Landing Straight to Lunch

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Who wears jeans on an airplane? Yes, you can easily incorporate denim into your summer airport outfit—just opt for an oversized or relaxed silhouette. Pair the look with an oversized sweatshirt and easy slip-on slide sandals. Head straight to lunch with your friends— no change necessary.

Free People Classic Crew Sweatshirt

Khy Baby Tee

Good American Good Ease High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

Women's Arizona High Shine Big Buckle Slide Sandals

Longchamp Medium Le Pliage Nylon Shoulder Tote

Completedworks Classicworks 14k-Yellow-Gold Vermeil Heart Pendant Necklace

A Fuss-Free Sightseeing Look

If you've got a bunch of sightseeing lined up on your itinerary as soon as you land, your outfit will have to master versatility–comfy enough to wear on the plane yet stylish enough for a day of strolling through museums, restaurants, and promenades. A black tank top, a pair of lightweight pants, and white sneakers will get the job done. Opt for a leather backpack to keep your hands free.

Rolla's Naomi Tank Top

Madewell The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in 100% Linen

J. Crew Emilie Sweater Lady Jacket in Stripe

ST. AGNI Mio Leather Sandals

Rebecca Minkoff Darren Signature Leather Backpack

Tory Burch Flower Stud Earrings

From Warm to Cold Climates (Or Vice Versa)

Not all summer vacations are tropical. In fact, some of us are opting for chilly destinations to escape grueling temperatures. For this type of trip, the right outerwear is absolutely key. A sturdy trench coat is a great choice to provide warmth without taking up space on the plane. If you're traveling from a warm to cold climate, style your trench with an all-white outfit and neutral accessories.