How to Look More 2026 at the Airport: Recreate These Iconic Celebrity Looks From 2 Decades Ago
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion is a well-documented phenomenon, but the current resurgence of early 2000s aesthetics feels particularly potent, perhaps a reaction to the minimalist, utilitarian dressing that dominated the late 2010s. Articles like “How to Look More 2026 at the Airport: Recreate These Iconic Celebrity Looks From 2 Decades Ago” tap directly into this nostalgia, recognizing the airport as a surprisingly influential runway for trends. It’s not just about replicating outfits; it’s about embodying an era’s spirit of unapologetic glamour, a stark contrast to the current trend of understated travel dressing. This revival isn’t entirely unexpected, given the broader Y2K resurgence across fashion and culture. We've seen this play out in footwear trends too, with celebrities moving away from flat ballet shoes and embracing a lifted, more playful iteration, as detailed in Forget Flat Ballet Shoes This Fall—Celebrities Are Giving the Trend a Lift for Fall. The airport, traditionally a space of practicality and efficiency, becomes a stage for performative style, a nod to the celebrity culture that defined the era.
The appeal of recreating these iconic looks isn’t solely about aesthetics; it’s also about accessing a particular feeling—a sense of carefree confidence and a willingness to embrace maximalism. The early 2000s airport looks, often featuring logo-heavy pieces, statement sunglasses, and a generally "more is more" approach, represent a departure from the current emphasis on quiet luxury. Even seemingly casual airport ensembles felt deliberately styled, a testament to the era’s dedication to maintaining a polished image, even mid-journey. Consider Zoë Kravitz’s recent choice to end summer in rubber slides and Adidas shorts, a comfortable yet undeniably stylish look completed with a coveted The Row bag – showcasing how even relaxed moments can be elevated with intentional styling, as explored in Forget Heeled Flip-Flops—Zoë Kravitz Is Ending Summer in Rubber Slides and Adidas Shorts. This demonstrates a shift towards prioritizing comfort while still maintaining a sense of style, a sentiment reflected in the broader return to Y2K influences.
Beyond the specific clothing items, the article highlights a shift in attitude towards public presentation. The 2000s celebrities understood the power of being seen, of cultivating a persona that extended beyond the red carpet. The airport became an extension of their brand, a chance to reinforce their image and connect with fans in a more informal setting. While today's celebrities often prioritize privacy and discretion, the re-emergence of this performative style suggests a desire for a return to a more expressive, less filtered form of self-presentation. It's a reminder that fashion can be a powerful tool for communicating not just personal style, but also a particular mindset and attitude. Even Kendall Jenner’s recent all-white outfit, cleverly repurposed as a dog carrier with a high-end bag, exemplifies the playful and inventive approach to styling that defined the era, as documented in Kendall Jenner Delivers a Masterclass in Styling an All-White Outfit Before Labor Day.
Ultimately, the fascination with recreating these early 2000s airport looks speaks to a broader cultural yearning for a time of bolder self-expression and a more playful approach to fashion. It’s a reminder that style can be both aspirational and accessible, and that even the most mundane moments – like navigating an airport terminal – can be opportunities for self-expression. As the Y2K revival continues to evolve, the question becomes: how will this generation interpret and update these iconic looks to reflect their own values and sensibilities, and will the airport remain a surprising, yet influential, stage for the evolution of style?
The airport serves a primary purpose: getting you from point A to point B. And, if we're being honest, there's rarely anything glamorous about the experience. Still, that didn't stop celebrities in the 2000s from treating terminals like their personal runways. Sure, '90s airport style gets plenty of praise—thanks in no small part to supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Kate Moss, who mastered the art of effortless, unfussy travel style—but the decade that followed delivered just as many memorable looks.
But why was airport fashion such a thing during this era? For one, paparazzi culture was at its peak in the 2000s, with photographers routinely camping out at major airports like LAX and JFK. These candid arrivals and departures offered a rare glimpse at celebrities off duty, rather than all dolled up for the red carpet. Perhaps that's why the era's airport style was so appealing: The outfits rarely looked overly styled. In fact, many seemed as though they'd been thrown together minutes before heading out the door—which, of course, was all part of the charm.
Have an upcoming trip on the calendar? Glean airport outfit inspiration from five iconic 2000s celebrity travel looks below.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton often favored a comfortable (and slightly chaotic) airport look in the 2000s. When she wasn't decked out in Juicy Couture velour tracksuits, the socialite opted for cozy basics, like this lime green tank and sage sweatpants combo. Take styling cues from Hilton and consider a feel-good tonal look for your next trip.
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The Olsen Twins
When it comes to the Olsen twins' go-to airport outfit formula, not much has changed. The fashion aficionados remain partial to oversized silhouettes—handbags included. Above, they both wore long coats and larger-than-life totes to catch a flight. In the summer, simply swap the outerwear for a slouchy tee and shorts.
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Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell's airport style in the '90s and early 2000s is a treasure trove of outfit inspiration. Case in point: The supermodel once boarded a flight in a cropped military-style jacket and khaki trousers. Her accessories—a lieutenant hat, lived-in boots, and a two-tone tote—took the look to a whole new level.
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Victoria Beckham
Traveling in heels may sound, well, painful. But according to Victoria Beckham, it can be done. The former Spice Girls member made the case for strappy pumps at the airport, pairing the shoes with a fitted red V-neck top and white bootcut jeans. And while a gold chain belt may be a TSA headache, the statement-making accessory is clearly worth the hassle.
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Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks proved airport looks don't need to be perfectly put-together. On the contrary, the model looked oh-so cool in a patterned headscarf, dark green leather jacket, slouchy jeans, and black sneakers. Better yet, the outfit formula feels just as relevant today.
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