These Stylish Airport Outfit Formulas Are Celebrity-Approved
Our take
The perennial question of airport style – a sartorial puzzle balancing comfort, practicality, and a touch of elevated chic – has long been a point of observation, particularly amongst those who follow the movements of fashion’s most influential figures. The recent Bustle article highlighting celebrity-approved airport outfit formulas is a reflection of this ongoing fascination, demonstrating a shift away from the historically accepted uniform of sweatpants and oversized hoodies. It’s not merely about looking good while traveling; it’s about maintaining a sense of self and personal style, even in transit. This echoes a broader trend we’ve seen in recent months, illustrated by the effortless cool championed by UConn Huskies basketball star Kamorea "KK" Arnold in KK Arnold's Everyday Outfit Formula Is As Easy As It Is Cool, proving that accessible style can be incredibly impactful. The move towards more intentional airport dressing also aligns with the increasing emphasis on ‘quiet luxury’ – a rejection of ostentatious displays in favor of understated elegance, a sensibility we explored in Instead of Track Shorts and Flip-Flops, the Most Stylish Londoners Are Wearing This Trouser With These Closed-Toe Shoes, where even seemingly casual choices emanate a curated sense of sophistication.
The rise of the celebrity airport look as a source of style inspiration isn’t entirely new, but the recent iterations, particularly those from Rihanna and Zendaya, represent a noticeable evolution. Previously, airport style was often viewed as a necessary evil – a compromise between practicality and presentability. Now, it’s increasingly treated as another opportunity to showcase personal style, albeit within the constraints of travel. This reflects a larger cultural shift where self-expression is prioritized across all facets of life, even those traditionally considered mundane. The reliance on “formulas” – the pairing of a tailored blazer with wide-leg trousers, or a slip dress with sneakers – suggests a desire for streamlined style that doesn’t require excessive effort, aligning perfectly with the modern ethos of effortless chic. This isn't about chasing fleeting trends, but rather cultivating a timeless, adaptable wardrobe that can serve multiple purposes. It’s a pragmatic approach to fashion, one that prioritizes versatility and longevity.
Beyond the immediate trend of elevated airport style, this phenomenon speaks to the blurring lines between personal and public image. In the age of social media, every moment is potentially content, and travel is no exception. Celebrities, in particular, are acutely aware of this and use their airport appearances as an opportunity to subtly reinforce their brand and aesthetic. It's an exercise in controlled visibility – a way to maintain relevance and engagement without the full commitment of a formal photoshoot or red carpet event. Furthermore, the focus on foundational pieces underscores a broader consumer shift towards investing in quality staples rather than chasing fast fashion trends. As we discussed in The Fall Wardrobe Refresh You Can Start Wearing in August, the emphasis is on building a capsule wardrobe of timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. The airport, then, becomes a showcase for this curated collection.
Looking ahead, it’s intriguing to consider how this trend might evolve. Will airport style become even more integrated into the broader fashion cycle, influencing seasonal collections and runway trends? Or will it remain a distinct category, driven by the unique constraints and opportunities of travel? Perhaps the most significant question is whether this elevated approach to airport dressing will trickle down to the average traveler, inspiring a wider embrace of style and intentionality, even in the most functional of settings. The challenge lies in translating the effortless cool of a celebrity’s airport ensemble into a practical and accessible reality for those of us navigating crowded terminals and long layovers.
There’s no conundrum quite like planning what to wear when traveling. Your flights can be booked, your suitcase is fully packed, and your itinerary is planned to a “T” — but putting together an outfit you can wear between an airport, flight, and your final destination can feel like a gargantuan task. Luckily for you, there’s plenty of inspiration to find in outfits worn by some of the world’s most stylish stars before you head to the terminal — and they’re all formulas that will feel comfortable without looking underdressed.
Though these looks couldn’t be more different, they all have one thing in common: ease. Whether it’s a pair of cargo pants with a slick leather jacket, a feminine midi dress, or a classic tank top and jeans, every outfit is just as relaxed as it is chic. Best of all, they’re composed of pieces you can still shop for today when ideating your own travel ensembles, no matter how specific — including graphic T-shirts and soft knits that are ideal for layering.
One of the best elements of celebrities’ travel outfits, whether they’re arriving at an international destination or jumping into a black car, is that they value versatility just as much as we do. Much of the best travel attire includes closet staples that can be worn on a range of occasions, while also being essential for any jetsetter’s wardrobe. There’s nothing like a roomy leather tote or polished crossbody bag to carry your essentials on and off the tarmac, or practical sneakers and ballet flats you can wear from the lounge to a sightseeing tour. Plus, there’s no shortage of sharp sunglasses that will give any ensemble a glamorous feeling — whether you’re genuinely just trying to block out the sun or desperately evading paparazzi.
Below, prepare for your next fashion-forward flight with six easy-to-recreate outfits à la Rihanna, Zendaya, Dua Lipa, and more.
Mixed-And-Matched Leather
In 2015, Rihanna left LAX in a graphic T-shirt and cargo pants, clutching a roomy leather tote — an easy, casual outfit that anyone can throw together. What made her off-duty look appear put-together, however, was its color palette — a mix of black and brown hues that played off the pattern of her camouflage-printed bottoms. A biker jacket, aviator sunglasses, and matching low-top sneakers added a cool-girl edge.
Dress Down Your Dresses
Daisy Edgar-Jones made headlines this summer while leaving the Cannes airport in a white midi dress. The actor’s look appeared prim, but its lightweight fabric and longer silhouette actually make it perfect for traveling. A sweater nonchalantly knotted over her shoulders added a coastal feel, but could just as easily have been worn overtop against chilly indoor temperatures. Plus, Edgar-Jones' chic accessories — a black East-West bag, ballet flats, and oval sunglasses — are easy everyday styles that provided a sophisticated finishing touch to her in-flight ensemble.
Buttoned-Up
Jennie showed a polished take on airport dressing in 2024, waiting with her luggage in a tan cardigan, simple black trousers, and sneakers — plus a chic Chanel flap bag. The Blackpink star’s outfit formula has a preppy appearance, but it’s deceptively great for traveling. A cozy cardigan can be buttoned up or left open with any tank top, tee, or crop top, while wide-leg pants are roomy and can be perfectly streamlined with a matching shoe.
Monochromatic Matching
Before heading to Cannes in 2022, Bella Hadid paired a matching black tank top-and-pants set with penny loafers and rectangular sunglasses for a minimalist touch. The simple outfit made excellent use of basic pieces, elevated by a sleek shoe. With a recreation of the look, you could easily transition from in-flight comfort to a dressier cocktail hour.
Roomy Denim
While wrapping a day of press for The Odyssey, Zendaya wore a plain white tank top and wide-leg jeans (so baggy, one could fool themselves into thinking they’re glorified sweatpants), creating a look that's perfect for travel in the process. With her large beige tote bag and ballet flats, the actor’s outfit had the ease and composition of an outfit that could be dressed up or down with just one outer layer.
Cozy Colormaxxing
Dua Lipa has always kept her passport at the ready — even as far back as 2019, when the holiday-loving singer left the airport in various cozy loungewear pieces. Her hoodie and sweatpants coordinated from their distinct green hues, framed by fluffy pink slippers and a red cap, bringing the soft set a burst of personality. Combining separates in different shades of the same color is a clever move that makes even the most oversized, pajama-adjacent pieces look like they were meant to go together.
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