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Not Leggings and Trainers—This is the Chic Trouser and Flats Combination Gwyneth Wears to the Airport

By Swedan Margen

Not Leggings and Trainers—This is the Chic Trouser and Flats Combination Gwyneth Wears to the Airport

What do you wear if you’re an A-list celebrity landing in the world’s fashion capital and stepping straight into a day of events? When paparazzi are waiting at arrivals and your schedule leaves no time for a quick change, the usual airport uniform of leggings and slip-on trainers simply won’t cut it. Comfort is still essential, of course—no one wants to suffer through security in stilettos—but the challenge lies in creating a look that’s as practical as it is polished.

No need to wonder any more, Gwyneth Paltrow has just given me the template. Refreshing my entire in-flight mood board, the actor and Goop founder touched down in Milan this week in an outfit I'll be turning to for my flights going forward. Her swaps? Leggings for capri pants and trainers for loafers.

Cut just below the knee, Paltrow's cropped pants exude a retro energy that makes her outfit feel more directional. They’re as easy to wear as stretchy leggings, yet much more elevated.

Gwyneth Paltrow steps out at Milan airport wearing loafers with capri pants and a black blazer.

But let’s be honest, it’s the shoes that actually make or break an airport outfit. The criteria are demanding—slip-on styles for breezing through security, flat soles for clocking up those inevitable terminal steps, and a silhouette sharp enough to still look smart once you’re out of Arrivals. The solution? Leather loafer, of course.

Pairing hers with capri trousers, she layered on a high-neck blouse and a single-breasted black blazer, finishing with oversized sunglasses and a monogrammed Goyard tote.

As someone who’s always hunting for chic yet realistic travel looks, I’m filing this one under to be copied immediately. If you’re tempted too, scroll on to shop the best capri trousers and loafers to re-create Gwyneth’s airport-approved outfit.

Shop Loafers and Capri Pants:

Leather Loafers

Be quick! I can't see these staying in stock for long.

Slim Capri Trousers

Be quick! These are on their way to selling out.

Amina

Style with white socks to give your look a preppy feel.

Savannah Ponte Capri Pants

Aligne

Savannah Ponte Capri Pants

Style with leggings or pair with a kitten heel.

Leather Loafers

Marks & Spencer

Leather Loafers

These also come in half sizes so you can find your perfect fit.

Slim Capri Trousers

Pair this with the matching top or style with a simple tee.

Croc-Effect Leather Loafers

COS

Croc-Effect Leather Loafers

Add a subtle wash of colour to your autumn rotation.

Slim Fit Cropped Trousers

Marks & Spencer

Slim Fit Cropped Trousers

I can't see the capri pants trend slowing down any time soon.

Gathered Leather Moccasin - Women | Mango United Kingdom

Mango

Gathered Leather Moccasin

These also come in burgundy and brown.

Maeve Pull-On Capri Pants

Anthropologie

Maeve Pull-On Capri Pants

The elastane content ensures a comfortable fit.

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Not Leggings and Trainers—This is the Chic Trouser and Flats Combination Gwyneth Wears to the Airport - Vanity Fair Fashion