There are lots of tulle skirts and ball gowns over here on Atlantic-Pacific. But, I know many of you are also looking for some everyday outfit inspiration sprinkled in. In this realm, one of the most frequent requests I receive is for comfortable airport outfit ideas. While I shared a variety of travel outfit inspiration last year, it seems like everyone is on the hunt for looks that are specifically comfort-focused, yet still put together.
I’ve traveled a lot over the past decade, both for work and for pleasure, so I definitely understand the desire to stay relaxed on a long travel day. Today I’m going to walk through my favorite pieces to wear when I want to feel ultra comfy cozy. I’ll cover some important things to consider when dressing as well as some comfy airport outfits that can easily be recreated!
Why I Love a Comfortable Airport Outfit
It’s no secret I love going all out and dressing up whenever possible. However, there’s a time and a place for a statement dress and a time and a place for a casual sneaker outfit. It’s certainly possible to look elevated and chic at the airport, while also staying comfy. Traveling can be stressful, you’re hauling around a carry-on bag, and there’s a possibility of delays and changed plans. In a nutshell, it’s just a lot. Therefore, opting for comfy airport clothes simply makes sense!
Things to Consider for a Comfortable Airport Outfit
Before sharing my current favorite travel looks, I wanted to chat about a few things that I always consider when choosing these outfits. As with any part of traveling, planning ahead is key!
1. Avoid pieces that are too long or too short.
It’s inevitable that you will be bending over, reaching up, and squeezing into small spaces when traveling. You might even have to break into a full sprint to make your connecting flight (guilty!) For these reasons, it’s important to pay attention to the length of the clothing items you select. I try to avoid tops that are too cropped and pants that are too long, as you don’t want them dragging on the floor. I’m also careful not to wear super restrictive fabrics, which could cause the need to constantly tug and pull on clothing during an already hectic travel day.
2. Be prepared for a variety of temperatures.
We all know that air travel means you will find yourself overheating at one point and shivering at another. I try to prepare for this by choosing a comfortable airport outfit that has layers and breathable fabrics. I also typically bring a great cashmere wrap, which can double as a blanket.
3. Make the most of the pieces you pack.
While it doesn’t always work out, I try to ensure that a few of the items I am wearing on a travel day will also be worn during my trip. I hate overpacking, but I’m also famous for it. So I try to wear comfy airport clothes that can also be paired with other pieces that I’ve packed for the destination.
Unfortunately, nowadays airport travel is all about the unexpected. Even when you follow a packing list and plan every minute of your travel day, sometimes the airport gods have other plans. Walking long distances seems to be almost inevitable. For this reason, selecting comfortable footwear is one of the most important aspects to ensuring you have a pleasant travel day.
Comfortable Airport Outfit Formula
Now that we’ve chatted about the basics, let’s jump in and discuss the anatomy of a comfortable airport outfit. Starting at the bottom and working the way up, these are my go-to pieces for a cozy look.
When I’m aiming for a casual travel day, I almost always opt for sneakers. Every now and then I’ll switch it up and wear a great ballet flat or loafer, but ultimately, sneakers are the best choice. Some of my favorites include Adidas Gazelles and Sambas (wearing these above), a classic pair of Veja sneakers, or a great pair of New Balance. Many of the Adidas Gazelle outfit ideas that I previously shared would be great for travel days.
And while I am a Millennial through and through, I have been embracing the higher sock trend with this striped crew sock. The TikTok girlies have won me over. Plus, these socks are honestly more comfortable and practical!
Travel Pants
Next up, let’s talk travel bottoms. As I previously mentioned, I try to wear fabrics that are breathable, stretchy, and not restrictive when traveling. For this reason, I tend to lean into elastic waist pants (or any pair with a super comfortable waist). I am also careful to choose bottoms that aren’t too long. Nobody wants their pants dragging on the airport bathroom floors!
For comfy airport outfits in the summertime, linen pants are a great option. I am currently loving this pair, this pair, and this pair. A jogger pant is another excellent choice. If you prefer a sweatpant style, these and these are great. For a more athletic vibe, these (wearing these above) or these are both good options.
Layering Tops
When it comes to travel day tops, layering is key. As a base layer, I typically wear one of my favorite tanks or a great t-shirt. I love this high neck tank and this slim fit tank, which are both very affordable from Target. As for tees, I previously did a huge round up of all my favorites. I included a wide range of options, from slouchy to fitted, so there are plenty of styles to choose from!
And because we all know how unexpectedly a travel day can shift from hot to cold, I always bring a top layer. A half-zip fleece pullover or a classic sweater are both great for comfy airport outfits. I also love an oversized crewneck like this one or this one. If you’re looking for something a bit more fitted, but not tight, I love this stripe long sleeve tee (wearing above) and this classic cashmere sweater. And last, but not least, if stripes are your thing, check out this top and this top. Each of these would layer nicely over one of the Target fitted tanks.
Third Piece
Depending on the time of the year you’re traveling, you might need to bring a third piece. Since we are entering fall, I wanted to share some of my recent favorites. I always love a long vest. I feel like the longer length can balance a look, especially when wearing joggers. Plus, once you’re done with it, you can pack it up tightly, without taking up much room, despite being super warm! A quilted jacket is another awesome option. This one recently caught my eye. I love that it feels functional, yet has a touch of fashion.
Additional Touches
One of my all-time favorite travel items is a cashmere wrap. This one and this one are both great options. They keep you warm, don’t take up a lot of space, and double as a blanket on the plane!
Another must-have for a comfortable airport outfit? A hands-free bag. I love my MZ Wallace quilted duffle bag, which fits over the handles of my carry-on suitcase. This giant, lightweight quilted bag is another favorite (wearing this above). I appreciate that it can be worn over my shoulder or as a crossbody bag. I also always opt for pieces that can be completely zipped on top.
PS. my water bottle can be found here!
Comfortable Airport Outfit Ideas
If you have a vacation on the horizon, I hope these tips and ideas on comfy airport outfits help make your planning a bit easier. I also recommend checking out these airport outfit ideas for even more inspiration! And for additional travel favorites, head on over to my beach travel packing list, aprés ski clothing, travel beauty favorites, and things to do in Sarasota. Safe travels!
