Airport style that’s comfy, chic and functional is what I always strive for.
I’ve traveled between my homeland, Colombia, and New York for the past 13 years since I left. Nine of those years have been with kids, starting when my firstborn was only 1 month old. Sometimes with my husband and a lot of times by myself.
Overnight flights, connecting flights, very early flights. We’ve done them all.
5 Travel-Ready Airport Outfits: Comfy, Chic & Functional
I used to think about my airport outfits a lot, especially when you Google and see celebrities in heels or the cool fashion girls with all the designer suitcases, etc. But over the past decade, especially after I became a mom, I discovered my airport style and now stick to it, always making space for something new.
similar jacket | similar pants | similar top | similar sneakers
While I won’t tell you whatever tricks I’ve used to do this with my kids for the past nine years — it’s all a blur, especially the earlier years — I’ll share with you the outfit formulas that have stuck, and made me feel put-together while still being comfortable and ready to tackle anything my tired babies throw at me.
So, What Do I Wear To The Airport?
You’ll notice a few of my travel looks feature jeans if I’m hopping on a daytime or quick flight. These Levi’s ribcage jeans are my favorite travel jeans by far (these flare jeans from Joe’s are a close second). But I can’t resist great matching sweatpants for longer flights, either. You can find all five of my most-worn travel outfits, below.
Airport Look 1: Wide-Leg Track Pants + A Sexy Sweater
Type of flight: 12-plus-hour travel day with connecting flights
Weather: From moderate to cooler weather (NY in winter)
If you want to wear sweatpants while feeling like a million bucks, a wide-leg pair wins over and over. Mine are fleece because I was coming from Bogotá (cold-ish) back to NY in winter temperatures. But a lighter material would work when you travel to or from warmer destinations.
Shop More Wide-Leg Sweatpants
My all-time favorite sweats are these Nike wide-leg sweatpants, but I have these wide-leg SPANX pants on my list to try.
Shop More Sexy-ish Sweaters
Airport Look 2: A Matching Set + Moto Jacket (Or Trench)
similar jacket | similar pants | similar top | similar sneakers
Type of flight: Overnight flight
Weather: From moderate to spring in NY
This is my favorite formula, especially when spending the night in an airplane or on long travel days. I usually go for a moto jacket, which I always need during my trip, but I also love the idea of a light trench coat.
Shop More Comfy, Matching Sets
It can be a matching set, but it could also be a nice pair of sweater pants with a top in the same color, even a sweatsuit that looks more elevated. The key here is the same color and good drape for an effortless and super-comfy look. Not pictured, but this fleece set by Sweaty Betty has the best reviews. I’m wearing the sweater now and can’t wait for the pants to arrive.
Shop More Trench Coats
Go for a long coat for a more elevated look. I love how a long coat looks on my petite frame, but I make sure there is some waist definition. I only have one old but beloved trench coat from Mango – this would be the most similar. But I just fell in love with this one from Everlane.
Airport Look 3: Tapered Sweatpants + A Henley Top + Chelsea Boots
top l similar pants l similar boots | similar jacket
Type of flight: Daytime flight, getting to my destination around 6 p.m.
Weather: Fall/winter
Before I fell in love with wide-leg sweatpants, or sweater pants, I used to stick to a good pair of tapered joggers. You can dress them up or down according to your needs — and done. Sneakers are my No. 1 choice, but when I travel solo, which is not too often, I like a pair of Chelsea boots.
Shop More Tapered Joggers
The key here is choosing a pair of joggers with good twists, like a nice waistband and a tapered leg with a slit, cuff or a thick ribbed hem. Little details make joggers more put-together and easier to style.
Shop More Henley Tops
A henley top in a thermal fabric is a favorite when I’m coming back to NY in the winter. Make sure to choose the fabric accordingly with your itinerary.
Airport Look 4: Loose Jeans + A Tank + A Short Top Layer (Or Jacket)
jeans l bodysuit l similar jacket
Type of flight: Daytime flight, getting to my destination around 6 p.m.
Weather: Warm to moderate weather
Not a redeye flight? I like to go for jeans. I usually wear jeans if I know I’ll reach my destination during the day.
Shop More Loose + Comfy Jeans
This one’s all about fabric, fabric and fabric. While some stretch is important, I’ve found that jeans made with Lyocell/TENCEL tend to be lightweight, breathable and comfortable. My favorite travel jeans are the Levi’s Ribcage jeans (specific to the washes with Lyocell/TENCEL in the fabric) and Joe’s Mia flare jeans, which, even without TENCEL, are some of my softest jeans.
Shop More Short Top Layers & Jackets
As you can see I often prefer a biker jacket, but this is because I know I’ll wear the jacket in my destination. If I’m flying in the summertime to another warm place, I like to wear a short shirt like this one from Everlane.
Airport Look 5: Straight-leg Jeans + A Bodysuit + A Long Top Layer
jeans l top l cardigan l shoes
Type of flight: Short national flight
Weather: From moderate to tropical-beach weather
Are you wondering why the heck I’m wearing rigid jeans? It was a very short flight from Bogotá to Cartagena without kids, so I didn’t mind that. The fit of my trusty Levi’s Wedgie jeans is relaxed, and I love them with a tank I could wear by itself once at our destination, plus the sweater-blazer to wear while on the airport/airplane.
Shop More Sweater-Blazers/Shackets (AKA Longer Top Layers)
Any longer layer goes. Think: shacket, coatigan, cardigan or sweater-blazer (like this one from J.Crew).
My Other Travel Must-Haves:
A scarf/shawl in a color that makes you happy: While not pictured in all the looks, I always carry some of my favorite scarves to use on the plane or when leaving the airport. Yellow, orange, brown or multicolored are colors that ground me, so I try to avoid black for this one.
An inflatable neck pillow: After buying all the neck pillows and always forgetting them — or complaining about having to carry them — I decided to always keep an inflatable pillow in my kids’ and my personal bags. It’s a life-changer.
A belt bag or small crossbody: Regardless of the bag/backpack I use, I love having hand wipes, my passport, wallet, lip balm, phone and headphones within reach, so I always carry a small bag/mochila/fanny pack.
Jewelry: While belts are a big no, I’ll always make sure to have a dainty necklace and a small pair of earrings. It elevates the look.
Happy future traveling, friends!
Besos, Julieta
Do you want to discover your best colors from the comfort of your home and save time and money? Find more info here. You can also join me on IG (@julietatorresd) for casual chic outfits. I’d love to see you there.
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