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I Finally Cracked the Code On the Ultimate Elevated Airport Outfit

By Swedan Margen

I Finally Cracked the Code On the Ultimate Elevated Airport Outfit

I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time researching airplane travel outfits lately. With some long-haul flights under my belt recently, I’ve been interested in finding a go-to outfit formula that feels comfortable yet elevated. I’ve specifically been looking for an outfit to wear to the airport that feels equally primed for waiting in the airport lounge, sleeping on a red-eye, or going to meetings straight after arrival.

I’ve fallen short on an outfit that works for each of the occasions, though. I’ve combed through photos on my Pinterest boards, outfits on Instagram, and the many screenshots on my iPhone camera roll, but most of the ideas have left me uninspired. Either the outfits feel too casual and more appropriate for the gym, or they involve pieces like jeans that seem uncomfortable and impractical for an overnight flight.

It was at New York Fashion Week, however, where I found an outfit that cracked the code on the ultimate elevated airport style. At the Altuzarra spring/summer 2026 show, Look 23 featured a soft cashmere blazer paired with cigarette pants, almond-toe flats, a camel overcoat, a leather bag, and scarf. The layered look is at once comfortable and functional enough for an overnight international flight yet remains sophisticated and elevated. Ahead, more on the polished airport outfit, which I’ll be test-driving for my next flight.

Altuzarra spring/summer 2026 runway look
Quinn Blazer - Oatmeal Melange Cashmere Blend
Re/Done, Classic T-Shirt
Banana Republic, Skinny Everywhere Ponte Pants

Banana Republic

Skinny Everywhere Ponte Pants

Loro Piana, Rebecca Flats
Trullem Wool Coat

By Malene Birger

Trullem Wool Coat

Toteme, Scarf
The Row, Hook Tote

Shop more elevated airplane-outfit staples:

Cable Wool Cashmere Half Zip Sweater

Polo Ralph Lauren

Cable Wool Cashmere Half Zip Sweater

Crepe Cigarette Fit Trousers

Massimo Dutti

Crepe Cigarette Fit Trousers

j.crew, Cashmere-Blend Socks

j.crew

Cashmere-Blend Socks

Kat Soft Loafer

Reformation

Kat Soft Loafers

Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater

J.Crew

Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater

High Sport, Pants
Manolo Blahnik, Ballerimu Suede Bow Ballerina Flat Mules

Manolo Blahnik

Ballerimu Suede Bow Ballerina Flat Mules

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I Finally Cracked the Code On the Ultimate Elevated Airport Outfit - Vanity Fair Fashion