AIRPLANE MODE: AIRPORT OUTFIT IDEAS FOR EVERY KIND OF FLIGHT

Naomi Campbell's 90s airport style was sleek and tailored.

When a weekend break in Europe is on the agenda, packing everything into your hand luggage may seem like the easiest option – but suitcase space is precious and it pays to have a strategy. Why not wear one of the outfits you packed for the weekend? It’s ideal if there are hours to spare before you can check in to your Airbnb, because you can go straight to the city or beach when you touch down instead. If you’re heading somewhere hot, wear a day dress to the departure lounge. The ultimate companion has to be Birkenstock sandals – they’re comfy and stylish, and mean one less item taking up space in your hand luggage.

GET THE LOOK:

01: Topshop denim short sleeve mini dress in mid blue, £50
02: ASOS DESIGN mid square sunglasses in tort, £10
03: ASOS DESIGN oversized bonded tote bag in blue, £28

04: Birkenstock Arizona birko-flor sandals in faded khaki, £85

When it comes to clothes for long-haul flight outfits, comfort’s non-negotiable. Even if you’re going somewhere tropical, the cabin’s climate has a mind of its own, so long layers will be your best friend. Enter the matching tracksuit and co-ords. You can’t get more classic than an adidas set – this one is comfy enough to sleep in, but you’ll still look put-together. An extra jumper, cardigan or oversized scarf will also keep you toasty on the plane and can be folded away with ease – Vero Moda's jumper is soft enough to be folded up and used as a pillow. If the air con is especially aggressive, keeping an extra pair of leggings on hand can be super helpful, too. Just add cosy slipper socks, a travel pillow and noise-cancelling headphones, and you’re all set for take-off.

GET THE LOOK:

01: Loungeable cosy cable knit slipper sock in beige, £10
02: My Accessories supersoft oversized blanket scarf in rust red, £20

03: adidas Originals knitted cardigan in grey, £60
04: adidas Originals knitted trousers in grey, £60

If recent celebrity paparazzi pics at the airport are any indication, the most-loved airport looks are all about classic elegance – think Margot Robbie’s 90s mid-wash jeans and white tee, or Daisy Edgar-Jones’ sundress with a grey jumper knotted over the shoulders. Keep the colour palette restrained and refined, and if in doubt, just pop an oversized trench coat over your ‘fit.

GET THE LOOK:
01: Levi's cinch baggy jeans in mid wash, from £70
02: adidas Originals Samba OG trainers in white, £95

03: Stradivarius Long basic trench coat in beige, £45.99

04: Cotton On 90s baby tee in white, £12

You might find yourself at the airport for business reasons instead of pleasure, which means getting to grips with the ultimate sartorial grudge match: feeling comfortable vs. looking smart. Ding ding ding! If you’re getting off the plane and heading straight to a meeting, you’ll need to look smart – but that doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing comfort. Enter the business-casual dress code. Go for pared-back flats, like soft loafers, and keep your tailoring oversized. A wrap-style scarf will look chic and keep you warm at 40,000 feet.

GET THE LOOK:
01: Cernucci barrel leg double pleat trousers co-ord in grey, £59.99

02: ASOS DESIGN Tailored oversized blazer in black, £45

03: ASOS DESIGN Marlowe real leather softie loafers in black, £45

04: ASOS DESIGN dogstooth triangle scarf with Blanket Stitch, £20

An OOO outfit isn’t complete without accessories, so why would your travel outfit be any different? Whether you’re hitting the pool or the slopes, sunglasses will be be a necessity – you’ll thank yourself for keeping your favourite pair to hand when you arrive. Sunglasses are also handy on the plane – high-altitudes and window seats = blinding sun. You can’t go wrong with shades from Ray-Ban, though it’s fun to experiment with different lenses and shapes too.

GET THE LOOK:
01: Gina Tricot oval metal frame sunglasses in gold with brown lens, £16
02: ASOS DESIGN wrap frame sunglasses in black with black lens, £14

03: ASOS DESIGN oval sunglasses in milky tort, £14
04: Ray-Ban Bill square sunglasses with yellow lens in black, £161

The right airport shoes should be like pancakes: flat, flat, flat (and pillowy soft). Unless you’ve got a fast-track pass to the first-class lounge, getting through security and to your gate will involve a fair bit of standing, queueing and walking. Comfort, in case you didn’t know already, is the most important thing to consider, so trainers are always welcome. Plus, there’s every chance you’ll have to remove your shoes to get through security, and who wants to deal with excess buckles and buttons? Loafers, slip-ons and ballet slippers will have you navigating the lines with ease.

GET THE LOOK:
01: ASOS DESIGN Leah mary jane ballets in sand suedette, £20

02: Nike Air Rift mesh trainers in black, £109.99

03: SEQWL cosy micro boots in mushroom, £18

Keeping some travel essentials in your hand luggage is a great way to refresh mid-flight. Flying can dry out your skin, so a face mask is a must. The viral collagen mask by Biodance is perfect for long-haul flights because it has to be kept on for at least three hours – the best nap time companion. And for short hauls, if your first stop from the airport is the nearest bar, it’s time to bring out your travel-size makeup. You can’t go wrong with classics like Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes and one of the brand’s light-reflecting highlighters. And don't forget to stay hydrated with a water bottle – just make sure to fill it after you've gone through security (thank you, 100ml liquid limit). 

GET THE LOOK:
01: TYPO On the move 350ml 2.0 in pink, £15

02: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara Travel, £16

03: Mario Badescu Hypochlorous Acid Repairing Facial Spray 118ml, £18

04: BIODANCE Collagen-Real Deep Mask Box - x 4, £15