I'm Taking My Airport Outfits Up a Notch—5 Looks I'm Saving for a Travel Day

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(Image credit: @monikh)

One thing that comes to mind when I think about what I'm hoping for in 2024 is lots of trips to places I've never been before. Paris, Mallorca, and Ibiza are all on my list of must-go cities, and when the time comes for me to finally go on these adventures, I'll be making sure my travel-day outfits are top-notch. This led me down a rabbit hole of searching for the perfect casual but stylish airport outfits with a touch of sophistication that I can turn to when I have a trip on the calendar. I found five that checked all my boxes. Plus, a few are comprised of classic basics I already have in my closet.

Keep scrolling to see the five airport outfits I'm saving for the first of hopefully many trips in 2024.

Over-the-Shoulder Sweater + Wide-Leg Denim + Headband

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(Image credit: @kitkeenan)

I'm saving this outfit for short flights when I'm planning to meet someone shortly after. It's the perfect elevated but casual travel look. The thick black headband adds the right amount of '90s/Y2K trendiness. The powder-blue sweater draped over the shoulders makes this look too good to pass up. It screams sophisticated and stylish, and I'd wear it with a pair of clogs or ballet flats. The watch gives this outfit a Princess Diana or Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy feel. 

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Long Coat + Beanie + Scarf + Sneakers

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

When I am leaving the cold of NYC for another chilly destination, I'm reaching for this simple, comfortable outfit that I can wear on a long day and even a layover if I have to. The matching scarf and beanie make even the simplest winter outfit look cozier and a bit more put-together. Pick the baggiest denim that you have in your collection to maximize comfort. The real stars of the show here are the sneakers. You're going to want to pick a fun pair that complements your scarf and beanie. This outfit also works with leggings or a good pair of sweatpants if that's more your vibe. 

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White T-Shirt + Ballet Flats + Trench Coat

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(Image credit: @oliviafaeh)

Filing this under "outfits to wear when taking a train or a flight under two hours." This outfit is a capsule-wardrobe winner. Great denim, a classic white tee, a leather belt, ballet flats, and a good trench belong in all of our closets in my opinion. People talk about having airport meet-cutes, and I picture myself wearing this when the time comes. I love the sweater thrown over the trench, which is one less thing to pack. 

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Activewear Set + Bolero 

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(Image credit: @emmaleger)

If you're like me, airport outfits usually consist of an athletic set. I am a fan of these when I'm taking a trip to a warm, sunny destination. (I could use this type of trip right about now TBH.) Athleisure sets have been the lazy girl's saving grace for airport outfits since their conception, and I believe the best place to wear them besides the gym is the airport. Now, if you decide to work out while on vacation, you're covered. I usually wear this look with Uggs, but if you're headed somewhere warm, sneakers would work too. 

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Baseball Cap + Jeans + Coat + T-Shirt

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

I'm a big supporter of a baseball or trucker hat for a travel day. It makes getting out the door that much faster since there is no need to do your hair, and most times when I travel without a baseball cap I find myself wishing I had brought one with me. Longer coats look so elevated, but packing them can be tricky, so wearing one while traveling is a great idea if you want to sport yours wherever you're traveling. This is the perfect opportunity to show off your new pair of barrel jeans as well, and when it comes to footwear, your options are endless. This outfit looks good with just about any pair in your collection. 

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This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Assistant Editor

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.