The 5-piece Recipe for the Perfect Airplane Outfit

You might already have some of these simple everyday staples in your closet.

As someone who has traveled to over 50 countries, I have airport comfort down to a science. The key to an airplane outfit you can easily wear for long-haul flights or multiple layovers lies in the perfect blend of fabrics, functionality, and layers.

Below, I’ve outlined the five core garments that I use as a recipe for all of my airport travel outfits. From smartly tailored pants to shoes you’ll love wearing on and off the plane, here is a peek at my airplane outfit formula.

Tapered Knit Pants

J. Crew

The perfect travel pant is widely contested, tested, and reviewed. But to me, the most important feature of an airplane pant is found at the ankle. I look for joggers or a tapered ankle fit because (fair warning, things are about to get personal), when you go to the bathroom, be it in the airport or the plane, you don’t want your drapey pants pooling at your ankles and consequently soaking up whatever may be on the ground. I try and travel in cropped pants, joggers, or tapered pants to avoid dealing with excess fabric that could drag on the ground or snag easily.

Banana Republic Skinny Everywhere Ponte Pant

Banana Republic

Slip-on Shoes

Rothys

I can’t be bothered with bending down to tie my shoelaces at the airport. And you couldn’t pay me to walk through TSA security barefoot. With those two qualifiers in mind, I always travel through the airport in closed-toed slip-on shoes that I wear with a pair of comfy socks. Think: loafers or flats. Once I’m sitting on the plane, sometimes I’ll slip out of my shoes just to stretch my feet. But because I always (and I can’t stress this enough) slip my shoes back on if I’m walking around the cabin or going to the bathroom, having a laceless style is essential. Have you ever tried bending down to tie your shoes in an economy seat? It’s nearly impossible, so you need something you can slide your foot into without looking.

Vivaia Square-toe Mary Jane

Vivaia

Cozy Crew Socks

Nordstrom

I never travel through the airport in sandals, or shoes without socks –– it’s a recipe for cold or sweaty, stinky feet. Instead, I wear thin crew socks that fit with my slip-on shoes. I like socks made with wool blends, cashmere blends, or 100-percent cotton for the most comfortable feel on my feet. Don’t be afraid to make these fun since the rest of your outfit will be fairly simple. I like wearing colorful, statement socks with loafers — it’s a great conversation starter.

Sézane Heart Socks

Sezane

Cotton T-shirt

Sezane

Travel days can have drastically fluctuating temperatures. Sometimes I’m flying from a humid Caribbean airport to the icy Northeast. The key to staying comfortable is layers. I always start with a breathable cotton layer, like a short-sleeved t-shirt. I opt for a dark color, in case we encounter turbulence and I accidentally spill a drink or snack on myself. T-shirts are also super simple to pack several of. Roll up a spare t-shirt in your carry-on in case you need to make an unexpected full change.

Nordstrom Everyday V-neck Pima Cotton Blend T-shirt

Madewell

Lightweight Button-up Layer

Mango

I usually wear my bulkiest jacket or coat on the plane to save space in my luggage. But I shed this layer right before I sit down and fold it atop my luggage in the overhead compartment. That leaves me with just a T-shirt and bare arms, so I always wear a lightweight layer, like a cardigan or a button-down shirt, in case the plane is really cold. It’s just enough to keep me warm, but not too hot, bulky, or constricting in my seat. 

J.Crew Garçon Classic Chambray Shirt

J. Crew