achieving iconic airport looks

Celebrity-inspired travel style

Back in the day, air travel was romanticized as a dress-up culture, even when sitting on a plane for hours. It was treated like a special occasion. Think of the Golden Age of flying, when it was still new, luxurious, and exciting. Passengers dressed as if they were attending a cocktail party or formal event. Flight attendants wore stockings, heels, and tailored suits. Travel style was elegant, intentional, and expected.

Fast forward to today, and comfort has become the priority, often at the expense of polish. But what if travel dressing didn’t have to be a choice between the two?

Looking to celebrity style for inspiration, airport fashion has evolved into its own genre that blends practicality with effortless chic. It’s defined by oversized coats, soft tailoring, sneakers that can walk miles, and that signature model off duty mindset. Achieving the look isn’t about being camera-ready all the time. It’s about dressing with intention, showing up presentable, and using elevated basics so even a layover feels like a runway moment.

In the 90s, we saw the rise of this airport aesthetic. Gwyneth Paltrow and her then-boyfriend rushing through terminals, Kate Moss flying between fashion shows, the Beckhams coordinating in neutrals. Those moments became the blueprint. That era coined the concept of off duty or travel style, a legacy that still inspires today. Modern icons like Bella Hadid, Lily-Rose Depp, and Hailey Bieber have redefined it for a new generation. The beauty of it all is that these looks are built on simple, timeless formulas that anyone can achieve.

Comfort Meets Chic: The Key Pieces

The Oversized Coat
The staple of airport chic. An oversized wool or trench coat instantly elevates even the most casual outfit while serving a practical purpose. It offers warmth for unpredictable terminals and chilly flights. Think of it as wearable armor that feels structured, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool.
Style cue: Hailey Bieber’s neutral oversized coats or Kate Moss’s 90s trenches.

The Relaxed Trouser
Forget stiff denim or constricting fits. The modern traveler swears by relaxed, straight-leg trousers in gray or soft neutrals. They offer polish without trying too hard and move beautifully through the terminal. It’s quiet luxury at its best. For ultimate comfort, go with stretchy fabrics or one with an elastic waist band.
Style cue: Zendaya’s wide leg tailoring moments prove comfort and elegance can coexist.

The Knit Pullover
Your cozy layer that doubles as a style statement. A light sweater over a tee or casually draped over the shoulders adds texture and warmth without bulk. Bonus: it’s the perfect piece to pull on mid flight when the AC hits.
Style cue: Gigi Hadid’s effortless cashmere knits, understated yet intentional.

The Shoe Swap
Loafers, ballet flats, or sleek white sneakers are the icons of stylish comfort. Choose shoes that can handle security lines and airport sprints while keeping your outfit polished. A leather loafer or crisp sneaker grounds the look and keeps it modern.
Style cue: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s classic flats or Kendall Jenner’s minimalist sneakers.

The Elevated Basic
Start with something simple, like a white tee, ribbed tank, or crisp button-down. These are the foundation pieces that make layering look intentional, not accidental. Keep it neutral and structured, then build from there.
Style cue: Victoria Beckham’s perfectly pressed shirts or Rosie Huntington Whiteley’s luxe basics.

The Baggy Jean Formula
When styled right, denim can still feel refined. Pair a loose, high-rise jean with a button-down or lightweight knit. The relaxed shape balances the structure of outerwear and adds that effortless off duty energy.
Style cue: Zoë Kravitz’s airport denim looks, undone but always put together.

The Carryall Tote
No airport look is complete without the perfect carryall. Choose something structured yet soft, like a leather tote or canvas weekender that fits all your in-flight essentials while tying the outfit together. It’s both functional and fashion-forward.
Style cue: Mary-Kate Olsen’s oversized leather tote, quietly luxurious and endlessly practical.

Every piece has a purpose: comfort without compromise, elegance without effort. Because real style travels well.

Why We Should Romanticize Travel Style Again

Going to the airport doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It can be exciting, even cinematic. So many people, from different places and backgrounds, crossing paths in one space. Whether you’re traveling for business, vacation, or to see family, why not look your best?

I remember as a kid watching my mom dress up to fly. I’d ask why she would wear jeans and then change into heeled boots when we landed. It seemed like so much effort. She explained that she was excited to see her family after living in another country. And she was right. The moment we landed, we went straight to dinner, and everyone looked their best.

The paparazzi may have turned airports into runways, but you don’t need cameras to embrace that mindset. Don’t just dress for comfort. Dress for confidence. Use travel days as an opportunity to feel good. Layer smartly, choose flexible trousers, and treat the journey as part of the experience.

Some might say, “Who cares? I’m not going to meet anyone.” But you never know. You could meet a future client, a love interest, a friend, or even a celebrity. So why stop caring? Traveling is a chance to channel ease, confidence, and elegance, not sloppiness.

Because the journey is just as stylish as the destination.

-N