An airport outfit: Everybody wears one, but not everyone wears a successful and/or strategic one. Here is my recipe when it comes to planning the perfect airport outfit for a day of travel that is both cute and functional. Read below as I break each piece down and explain why each item of the “Perfect Airport Outfit” has a purpose to serve.
1. Comfort & functionality are key
Being at the airport means walking with a purpose, sitting for extended amounts of time, heavy lifting, and fast-paced situations. Make sure the articles of clothing you choose to wear are reliable (ie. not a fragile top that is hanging on by a thread that could break any moment or the flip flop that you’ve broken and had to repair 20 times.) Arguably most important, make sure your articles of clothing you choose are comfortable to wear as you sit for hours at a time on the plane. I recommend leggings, joggers, spandex, tshirts, tank tops, crewnecks, sweaters, rompers, etc.
2. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on & off
TSA can be fast-paced and stressful. You will more than likely be required to take your shoes off while you go through the TSA line (with exceptions of some airports and if you are TSA Pre-Check, which I highly recommend). I recommend wearing sneakers or a pair of reliable sandals. Avoid shoes that require an extensive amount of tying, lacing, etc. This will expedite your process of removing your shoes to walk through detectors and expedite your process of getting redressed and reorganized as you gather your belongings from the TSA conveyor belt. Remember, whatever shoes you choose to wear, you may potentially be walking a long distance to your gate or running quickly from one gate to another, so make sure they are functional.
3. Wear some kind of jacket or sweater
I personally never know if I’m going to be cold or hot at the airport or on the plane. Wearing a jacket right off the bat gives you the flexibility of keeping it on if you’re cold, or tying it around your waist if you’re hot, versus deciding later on that you’re chilly and having to open your bag in the middle of the airport or plane. Plus, wearing your jacket instead of packing it creates more room in your luggage. And if all else fails, you can ball it up and use the jacket as a pillow or a headrest as you wait at the airport or nap on the plane.
4. Be mindful of your hair
For those with longer hair, be mindful that your hair might get in the way of your bag(s), backpack(s), carry-on(s), etc. as you quickly and continually pick them up and set them down on any car ride, tram ride, TSA, boarding, and deplaning. While I’m personally a fan of the “hair down” look at the airport so my hair is “fresh” when I arrive at my destination, I always find it helpful to bring a hair tie and/or clip so that I have options if I decide that my hair is getting in the way and to call it quits on the long locks.
5. Accessorizing is your friend
Accessorizing or wearing light jewelry pieces is an easy way to make your outfit look from “I rolled out of bed” to “airport chic”. Dress it up without actually dressing up. You usually don’t have to take jewelry off through TSA. However larger accessories, such as belts, hats, and/or big chunky metal will most likely have to be removed during the TSA process.
Whether you’re taking a quick flight to a neighboring state / province / region or traveling international, following this airport outfit checklist should keep you comfortable, functional, and cute.
Did you find these tips helpful? If so, leave a comment!
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