Shopping·10 min read

A Complete Breakdown of the Best Airport ‘Fits, From Economy to First Class

A Complete Breakdown of the Best Airport ‘Fits, From Economy to First Class
Design: theSkimm | Images: Gap, Athleta, Lively
September 9, 2024

Ah, the airport outfit. No matter how many trips we’ve taken in our lifetimes, we still have so many questions. How do we find a look that’s comfortable, versatile, durable, breathable, and feels put-together? How do celebrities look like that when they touch down? Presenting: five stylish, foolproof outfits you can wear from boarding to boardroom. 

Looking for more affordable, stylish clothes? Here’s what to wear when working, traveling, playing, and expecting.

A lounge set for the (airport) lounge

All-Day Joggers
Lively

A pair of nicer-than-usual joggers…

These Lively joggers are an HQ’r favorite. They’re roomy at the hip and legs, and have a soft, non-constricting elastic on both the waistband and above the ankle for a classic jogger silhouette. They come in four chic colors. Throw these on if you’ve got a long day of travel ahead. ($16.50, Lively

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All Day Long-Sleeve Crew Neck
Lively

A long-sleeve top to wear with your sweats…

Simple. Cozy. Effortless. This top is everything you want (need) for a long flight. The lightweight fabric and comfy crew neck keep the top breathable. For a more structured look, tuck it into the joggers above. Together, the set will feel like your favorite pair of pajamas, but look more put-together. ($16.50, Lively

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Clifton 9 Women's
Zappos

A pair of comfy walking shoes…

You can’t have a solid lounge set without solid walking shoes. These sneakers are the ninth iteration of Hoka’s award-winning (and majorly viral) Clifton shoes and they’re lighter, softer, and just…better. The color combos are reason enough to add a pair to your cart. But if you need another, check out their 3,800+ five-star ratings. ($145, Zappos

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For when the flight is too f***ing early

Balance Jumpsuit
Athleta

A one-and-done look you don’t even have to think about…

When in doubt, go with a jumpsuit. We love this Athleta one because you can adjust the waistband to create your preferred fit. The scoop neck is high enough to wear without anything underneath, but loose enough to show off a bralette or tank. You’ll still have to undress to use the restroom, but you won’t get tangled up when you do it. ($98, Athleta

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Girlfriend Collective

A comfy bra to pair it with…

This is the answer to your quest for a comfortable bra that doesn’t skimp on support. It offers full coverage and compression without poking or prodding you. The square neckline gives you a great layered look when you wear it with a scoop-neck jumpsuit — plus, there are so many different colors to choose from. ($52, Girlfriend Collective

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Tokio Birkenstocks
Free People

Shoes that feel like slippers…

Aka, the ultimate hack for long flights. We named the Tokio Birkenstocks the perfect travel shoe, and we stand by it. They’re easy to slip on and have a back strap to keep your feet supported while you’re walking around. We especially love that you can add charms and accessories to the top strap for a little extra flair. ($160, Free People

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An "airport crush"-worthy look

Oversized Poplin Button Up Shirt
Abercrombie & Fitch

A classic oversized button-down…

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s the importance of an oversized button-down while traveling. Hitting the beach? It’s the perfect cover-up. Heading to a meeting? It’s an office-ready top. Whatever you pair it with, you’ll look polished — even when you’re racing to catch your connecting flight. ($60, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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BDG Bryson Waffle Shacket
Urban Outfitters

A waffle shacket…

Part shirt, part jacket, 100% necessary for long, chilly flights. This one from Urban Outfitters is made of a soft waffle knit fabric, combined with large corduroy sleeves. The best part? The pockets got the oversized memo. ($69, Urban Outfitters

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FP Movement Leggings
Free People

Leggings that feel like a second skin…

If the first thing you do when you get home is rip your pants off, then you need to add these leggings to your cart ASAP. They’re soft, lightweight, and don’t dig in when you’re sitting for hours on end. Plus, they  come in over 15 colors. Not convinced? Read what one editor had to say about them. ($98, Free People

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Dr. Scholl's Time Off Platform Sneakers
DSW

A classic white sneaker with extra elevation…

We’ve always been fans of Dr. Scholl’s, but these platform sneakers are our latest obsession. They’ve got a cooler-than-usual design on the outside, while packing major comfort on the inside. Not to mention a cushioned insole that uses antimicrobial, anti-odor technology for those extra-long walking days. Oh, and did we mention the water-resistant canvas material, toe box, and lining are made from recycled bottles? Love. ($100, DSW)

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If you don't have time to change before dinner

Sojourn Ribbed Tank Dress
Outerknown

A maxi dress that hugs in all the right places…

We like to say the “maxi” stands for “maximum” results (it doesn’t) because it gives you an entire look with minimal effort on your part. This one from Outerknown is an HQ’r favorite thanks to its sleek, versatile design and soft ribbed fabric. Good news for petites: It’s not so long that you’ll have to get it hemmed. ($128, Outerknown)

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Wild Fable Ribbed Maxi Slip Dress
Target

A maxi slip dress for less…

If you’re looking for something a little more wallet-friendly, this one from Target is a great option. Its ribbed material is stretchy for added comfort and hits just below the knee. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from XXS-4X. ($22, Target

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Levi's 90s Trucker Jacket
Levi's

A denim jacket for when they blast the AC…

While some airlines do give you blankets, it’s still nice to have your own comfy layer on hand. This classic jacket from Levi’s is effortlessly cool, and with its looser fit, you can wear it over a sweater without added bulk. Wrap it around your waist while you walk around looking for your gate, and drape it over your shoulders after you land. See? Effortless. ($98, Levi’s

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Greta Ballet Flat Mule
Madewell

A flat with big heel energy…

These leather slip-on ballet flats are taking the traditional mule to a whole new level with a chic square toe, elastic straps, and unique colors (you’ll want to see the metallic leather, trust us). They’re the perfect shoe for when you want something nicer than a white sneaker but just as comfy and versatile. ($98, Madewell)

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Business attire for business class

Wide-Leg editor pants
Abercrombie & Fitch

Work pants that feel like lounge pants…

These pants aren’t just the perfect piece to build a work capsule wardrobe around. They also come in a huge variety of colors, sizes, and lengths, and look tailored and professional — all while feeling like sweatpants. Add a pair of sneakers for a more casual look, or loafers if you’re heading straight to the office from the airport. ($90, Abercrombie & Fitch

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Organic Cotton Vintage Shrunken T-Shirt
Gap

A boxy T-shirt you can wear with anything…

It’s simple, it’s shrunken, it comes in tons of colors, and it’s affordable — need we say more? Wear one under your sweater on the plane, then pack an extra for the trip. ($25, Gap

Quince Cashmere Sweater
Quince

A cashmere sweater that won’t break the bank…

While we think it’s a crime you can’t expense new outfits for a work trip (if you can, we have questions), this cashmere cardigan will help you nail the “quiet luxury” trend without costing a fortune. Wear it open with a tee or tank underneath, or tied over your shoulders for that classic “old money” look. ($80, Quince

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Steve Madden Loafers
Steve Madden

Loafers so cute, one shopping writer purchased them on the spot…

The five-star reviews and customer photos were more than enough to do her in. Basically, these shoes have everything hybrid employees are looking for this fall: a durable sole, shiny patent leather for just enough flair, and elevation without a stiletto-style heel. They’re comfy for all-day wear and pair just as well with socks as without. ($80, Steve Madden

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