A vital part of packing for vacation is planning your en-route ensemble, especially if your mode of transportation from point A to point vacay is an airplane. Once upon a time, the standard travel uniform was sweats or yoga pants and anything else you deemed comfortable. Now, airport outfits give new meaning to the word "runway," and the act of boarding is akin to strutting on a catwalk.
But while airport outfits are certainly more elevated than they were years ago (they upgraded around the time in-flight skincare became a thing), personal style coach and founder at Hamilton Styling Yolandie Hamilton says freedom of movement is still a crucial component if you intend to have a comfortable flight.
RELATED: 67 Celebrity-Inspired Outfits to Wear on a Plane
"If you'll be on the plane or in the airport for a really long time, considering the flexibility and breathability of the fabrics [of your clothing] is key," Hamilton tells InStyle. "Consider opting for a jersey or other knit that will stretch and breathe, allowing you to be comfortable no matter the circumstances."
Another hack for airport dressing is to always, always, always layer up. "Not all airports are created equal in terms of climate control," Hamilton warns, and if you have multiple layovers, you're not guaranteed the same temperature settings from one locale to the next. Plus, planes are generally cooler, Hamilton notes, so it's always a good idea to pack a cardigan or hoodie (or both) in your carry-on to make sure you're covered.
And while accessories can make any outfit special, they can make traveling a nightmare, specifically when going through customs. Rather than layering on your favorite bangles or necklaces, Hamilton suggests swapping your jewelry for embellished or patterned tops or bottoms, details that make an item special as-is.
REALATED: Jennifer Lopez's Silky Set and Towering Heels Just Redefined Acceptable Airport Attire
Keeping these pillars in mind, we asked Hamilton and four other fashion experts to break down their go-to airport outfits below.
The Expert: Yolandie Hamilton, Personal Style Coach and Founder of Hamilton Styling
The Tip: Hamilton's go-to airport outfit is deeply rooted in practicality and consists of elastic-waisted, wide-leg, black jersey pants, a colorful top, and an easy-to-stow cardigan with slip-on shoes.
"I can kick off [my shoes] if needed on the plane. The rest of my outfit's components all allow me to control how warm or cool I feel in any situation, as well as limit any physical squeezing or restriction — like binding denim waistbands — when sitting for a long time."
The Expert: Ali Mejia, Eberjey Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer
The Tip: Mejia tells InStyle if she's jet-setting somewhere, it's likely her outfit will involve either a jogger from Eberjey or roomy vintage Levi's paired with a lightweight cotton top. Layers, she says, are also crucial, so she'll wrap a cozy sweater around her neck and toss a pair of socks in her bag, just in case the plane is chilly. But the key piece that really pulls the look together? An oversized boyfriend blazer. "The combination of slouchy and polished feels refined yet unfussy."
RELATED: 9 Different Types of Blazers Worth Adding to Your Wardrobe
The Expert: Ashley Pruitt, Stylist
The Tip: Less is more for this stylist when it comes to airport outfits. "I always go to my basics," says Pruitt, citing a great pair of denim that isn't too tight (her favorite is the AGOLDE relax crop bootcut), a vintage leather jacket, sneakers, and a classic T-shirt. As for accessories, she considers her travel bag to be the main attraction. "I have had a leather LANVIN tote that has been in my wardrobe for 7 years. I can beat it up, and never goes out of style when on the run."
The Expert: Gabbi Maragos, Wardrobe Stylist
The Tip: For Maragos, it's all about the comfy bottoms when piecing together an airport outfit. "You can easily dress [joggers] up or down and they are built for comfort," she tells InStyle. "I can pair a set with my Chanel espadrilles or sneakers, a tank, and a little bomber jacket or denim jacket." The possibilities are endless, and the result is always stylish.
RELATED: 10 Outfit Ideas That Will Change the Way You Look at Jean Jackets Forever
The Expert: Kate Bock, Model and Entrepreneur
The Tip: Got wrinkles? Sitting on a plane for hours is bound to cause some bend in the materials of your outfit — something Bock prefers to avoid. "My favorite pieces for summer travel are long pants that are lightweight and don't wrinkle, like the Anine Bing Billie Pants," she says. "They look put-together but are so comfortable."
The $1 billion is the first installment of $5 billion for airports, and is part of the infrastructure bill President Joe Biden signed last November.
The nine-year-old's inventive outfits at Paris Couture Fashion Week are the mid-summer salve we need.
While visiting her beau, Tom Holland.
Celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Julia Fox attended Paris Haute Couture fashion shows in head-turning outfits.
Super-Sale Alert: Select products featured in this story might be on sale for Prime Day! For more insider information on Amazon’s 48-hour event, consult our Shopping team’s curated guides to the deals that matter here. Attention all passengers, it’s time to whip open your wishlist as Amazon Prime Day is approaching. While we’re all aware of the extensive lists of sales to peruse, don’t overlook Amazon Prime Day’s luggage deals. The two-day sale (July 12 and 13) event is the crucial time to snag
And we need one ASAP.
The Air Jordan 1 is often regarded as the most iconic of all sneaker iterations, worn by Hall of Fame basketball player Michael Jordan during his last game as a Chicago Bull at Madison Square Garden in 1998. The shoe itself, introduced in 1984 when the athlete signed a deal with Nike, is now a street style symbol, which means building outfit ideas around it - whether with jeans, shorts, or dresses - is practically essential. After ESPN aired a 10-part docuseries "The Last Dance" about Jordan's famous career, his original red Jordans from 1985, aka the "Notorious," sold for $560,000 in a Sotheby's auction.
Airfare can be the most expensive part of trip-planning. Here are some ways to cut costs, like which days to book a flight and peak travel times.
From the office, to summer weddings, go for a summer suit with breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to beat the heat. Here are the best summer suits for men.
Lewis Hamilton removed his nose stud after a threat of a fine and eventual suspension
Download our informative member-exclusive guide and learn the best stretches for every ache (and for greater flexibility, too!)
The designer and mother recalls experiences with body shaming and fearing for her daughter growing up in the public eye.
At this price, and with 21 gorgeous colors to choose from, why not grab a couple?
The top-rated shoes have over 17,000 five-star reviews — and they're on sale in red, white, blue and beyond!
Chella Man and Aaron Rose Philip sit down with award-winning poet and disability activist, Kay Ulanday Barrett, to discuss intersectionality and overcoming challenges as part of their identities.
Design expert Sabrina Soto is sharing her secrets to summer entertainment – and it involves the latest smart home tech. Watch the video above for her tips and shop her picks below. Shop the video: Blink Video Doorbell eero Pro 6E Wifi System Echo Show 15 Portable Video Projector Fire TV Stick 4K Max Philips Hue Outdoor Spot Light
Our Host Will Taylor is apartment hunting with Mia, who wants to find a space in Upper Manhattan that both she and her daughters will love.
Amazon is dropping new early Prime Day sales daily! Enjoy heavy discounts on mattresses, vacuums and more.
Chrishell Stause from Selling Sunset on social media, how to build an online brand, and her partnership with Adobe Express More info on Adobe Express: https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/express-your-brand
Hilaria Baldwin is speaking out about online bullying. In an Instagram video posted Wednesday, the pregnant mom of six shared hateful comments she received on social media.