Here’s How to Look Stylish at the Airport

While each product featured is independently selected, the shoes in this article were chosen by Cut editors from a list of products provided by Nordstrom.

For celebrities, the airport has always been another art form. Their personal Met Gala, if you will. With scheduled paparazzi, fans, and onlookers constantly circulating, it’s no surprise the rich and famous began to glamorize their travels. But for the average person lugging six suitcases, it can easily become an excuse to stay comfy in loungewear or pajamas. I’m a fan of landing in a more presentable outfit. It alleviates the need to rush to prepare for plans after the airport and makes me feel more awake if it’s early.

Whether your flight is an hour or six, a comfortable but elegant pair of trousers is always a good place to start. Choose pants with some details, like Reiss’s pleated pin-striped number, and team them with your favorite lived-in white T-shirt. It easily surpasses a sweatshirt. Is it me or is the airport always cold? Instead of shivering at your gate, wrap a sweater around your neck for added warmth. Then, amplify the look with a whimsical earring. Alexis Bittar’s Mosaic earrings look stunning with a pulled-back low bun.

The look

3.1 Phillip Lim Mesh Mary Jane Flats

And there’s no debate about it — mesh ballet flats are still the hottest shoes. Why? They tick many boxes: comfortable, breathable mesh, and easy to style. While the most-sought-after mesh flats cost about a month’s rent, other options won’t be as scary when hitting the “check out now” button. 3.1 Phillip Lim’s flats have a mesh upper with adjustable mary jane-style straps and an angular square toe for a modern twist.

$395 at Nordstrom

To carry all your belongings (i.e., ID, plane snacks, and eye patches), try out Toteme’s T-Lock shoulder bag, which is just big enough — yet sleek enough — to elevate your airport style. If that’s too much of an investment, Free People’s quilted cross-body is affordable and large enough to fit all of that and more.

You have options