THE ART OF THE AIRPORT OUTFIT

How to look put-together whatever your flight time

Somewhere along the way, airport style lost its plot. What was once a delicious blend of elegance and ease (think Jackie O in an A-line coat and sunglasses the size of dinner plates) has been replaced with duvet coats and sad leggings, as if boarding a plane required emotional support wear. I get it: flying is stressful, and the gate is always inexplicably a 17-minute power walk away. But here's the thing, you can be comfortable and chic. With a few considered choices, the airport can become your runway, or at the very least, your soft launch pad.

Let’s rewind for a second to a time when people dressed to fly. In the 1970s, Bianca Jagger floated through terminals in white flared suits and silk scarves knotted just so. In the ‘90s, it was all about the supermodel off-duty look: Naomi Campbell in dark denim and a trench; Kate Moss in ankle boots and a cigarette (don’t copy that bit). These women weren’t just heading for a gate, they were serving looks en route.

What made these outfits so chic wasn’t just the clothes, it was the intention. They understood that a polished airport look isn’t about being dressy, but about being deliberate. Every item earned its keep: easy, flattering silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and layers that looked just as good draped over an arm as they did on.

Flash forward to now, and we’re in the era of the 'comfort at all costs' airport outfit — a sea of grey marl joggers and slogan sweatshirts that say things like Vacay Mode (help). And while I’m never one to judge a woman for choosing comfort, I can’t help but argue that true comfort comes from feeling put-together. The airport isn’t just a transit hub, it’s the prologue to your holiday. So why not start stylishly?