I'm Taking My Airport Outfits Up a Notch—5 Looks I'm Saving for a Travel Day

It's a new year, and you know what that means—resolutions, vision boards, new mantras, new affirmations, and a new commitment to getting everything you want out of the year ahead. One thing that comes to mind when I think about what I'm hoping for in 2024 is lots of trips to places I've never been before. Paris, Mallorca, and Ibiza are all on my list of must-go cities, and when the time comes for me to finally go on these adventures, I'll be making sure my travel-day outfits are top-notch. This led me down a rabbit hole of searching for the perfect casual but stylish airport outfits with a touch of sophistication that I can turn to when I have a trip on the calendar. I found five that checked all my boxes. Plus, several are comprised of classic basics I already have in my closet.

Keep scrolling to see the five airport outfits I'm saving for the first of hopefully many trips in 2024.

I'm saving this outfit for short flights when I'm planning to meet someone shortly after. It's the perfect elevated but casual travel look. The thick black headband adds the right amount of '90s/Y2K trendiness. The powder-blue sweater draped over the shoulders makes this look too good to pass up. It screams sophisticated and stylish, and I'd wear it with a pair of clogs or ballet flats. The watch gives this outfit a Princess Diana or Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy feel. 

When I am leaving the cold of NYC for another chilly destination, I'm reaching for this simple, comfortable outfit that I can wear on a long day and even a layover if I have to. The matching scarf and beanie make even the simplest winter outfit look cozier and a bit more put-together. Pick the baggiest denim that you have in your collection to maximize comfort. The real stars of the show here are the sneakers. You're going to want to pick a fun pair that complements your scarf and beanie. This outfit also works with leggings or a good pair of sweatpants if that's more your vibe. 

Filing this under "outfits to wear when taking a train or a flight under two hours." This outfit is a capsule-wardrobe winner. Great denim, a classic white tee, a leather belt, ballet flats, and a good trench belong in all of our closets in my opinion. People talk about having airport meet-cutes, and I picture myself wearing this when the time comes. I love the sweater thrown over the trench, which is one less thing to pack. 

If you're like me, airport outfits usually consist of an athletic set. I am a fan of these when I'm taking a trip to a warm, sunny destination. (I could use this type of trip right about now TBH.) Athleisure sets have been the lazy girl's saving grace for airport outfits since their conception, and I believe the best place to wear them besides the gym is the airport. Now, if you decide to work out while on vacation, you're covered. I usually wear this look with Uggs, but if you're headed somewhere warm, sneakers would work too. 

I'm a big supporter of a baseball or trucker hat for a travel day. It makes getting out the door that much faster since there is no need to do your hair, and most times when I travel without a baseball cap I find myself wishing I had brought one with me. Longer coats look so elevated, but packing them can be tricky, so wearing one while traveling is a great idea if you want to sport yours wherever you're traveling. This is the perfect opportunity to show off your new pair of barrel jeans as well, and when it comes to footwear, your options are endless. This outfit looks good with just about any pair in your collection. 

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.