As a frequent flyer and fashion editor, I like to think I’ve perfected the art of the airport outfit—not only what to wear for function but also how to be comfortable and practical while still looking as chic and expensive as possible. I’ve spoken before about how I’m anti-leggings when I travel, but I’d like to take things one step further by discussing how exactly I put together my airport outfits to exude maximum wealth.
They say that looking put-together is one factor that can help you get upgraded, and I’ve certainly taken that advice to heart. After several international trips last year, I managed to rack up enough points to earn premier status and have already gotten upgraded to business class on several occasions. Each time, I’ve learned to dress the part, but even when I’m walking my suitcase all the way back to seat 34B, I still like to look as put-together as I can. It’s both personal preference and a little but of wishful thinking—I never know when I might get randomly upgraded!
Whether I’m boarding a red-eye to Europe or simply taking a quick connection two states over to visit family, I’ve taken to building a kind of rich-looking airport uniform that I swear by. From suede flats to silk pants, I’m sharing the seven items I wear to always look chic and elevated when I travel.
Maxi Coats
Step one: Put on your most dramatic coat, the more textured and floor-sweeping, the better. This is your outer layer and, when executed well, masks whatever else is going on underneath, making you look chic even if you’re actually wearing sweats. My favorite piece to wear in the dead of winter is this Nour Hammour reversible faux-fur jacket because it speaks for itself, but a great trench or wool coat can go a long way, too.
NOUR HAMMOUR
Joni Shearling Coat
Róhe
Oversized Double-Breasted Cotton Trench Coat
MANGO
Selection Virgin Wool Blend Trench Coat
ZARA
Long Wool Coat Zw Collection Limited Edition
Silk Pants
I rarely wear jeans and feel too casual wearing leggings when I travel, so instead I always go for a pair of elevated “soft” pants. My favorite are silk bias-cut pants that look so luxe but feel like pajama pants. A pull-on style is so easy but paired with a crewneck sweater or crisp button-down shirt looks incredibly chic.
Vince
Fluid High Waist Straight Leg Pants
Reformation
Gale High Waist Satin Pants
ZARA
Zw Collection 100% Silk Pajama Pants
Alexa Chung for Madewell
Mick Satin Track Pant
Suede Shoes
Chic flats are another nonnegotiable. Don’t get me wrong; there’s a time and a place for sneakers, but when I’m trying to maximize my “rich” vibe, I go for a pair of luxe flats, and lately that has been suede pairs like a suede loafer or suede ballet flat.
Le Monde Beryl
Après Ski Genuine Shearling Lined Ballet Flat
Steve Madden
Leni Ballet Flat
Jeffrey Campbell
Gunter Slipper
Cashmere Sweaters
If I don’t have a cashmere sweater on, in my bag, or draped over my shoulders when I’m strolling through the terminal, am I even at the airport? In all seriousness, a cashmere piece is the MVP of my travel wardrobe, serving as an in-flight layer that I think is better than any flimsy airline blanket.
COS
Chunky Pure Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater
Nordstrom
Crewneck Wool & Cashmere Sweater
J.Crew
Perfect Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Aritzia
Essential Cashmere Relaxed Crew Sweater
Reformation
Jadey Oversize Cashmere Sweater
Birkin-Like Bags
Just like a dramatic coat, the power of a great bag cannot be understated here. My personal item is usually my DeMellier New York Tote. A Birkin-like style with roomy structure and a chic gold closure exudes wealth no matter what you’re wearing.
FERRAGAMO
Large Hug Bicolor Tote
Verafied
Espresso Suede Book Tote Bag 33
COS
Small Studio Bowling Bag
DeMellier London
The Hudson Bag
Crisp Button-Downs
I usually like to wear a white tee underneath all my airport layers, but when I want to really dial up the elevated vibe, I’ll go with an oversize button-down shirt to wear untucked or else unbuttoned over a fitted tee.
The Frankie Shop
Peri Striped Shirt
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford
H&M
Oversized Cotton Poplin Shirt
Polo Ralph Lauren
Oxford Cotton Button-Up Shirt
Oversize Sunglasses
The quickest way to get A-list assumptions while queuing up to go through the TSA checkpoint is via a pair of oversize sunglasses—the more retro, the better. They say “I’m trying not to be recognized by the paparazzi.”
VOGUE
65mm Oversize Oval Sunglasses
Past Midnight
The Icon Sunglasses
Miu Miu
75mm Oversize Shield Sunglasses
Jimmy Fairly
Lars Sunglasses