Chrissie Rutherford is UK Editor in Residence Who Wears What And fashion editor, writer, podcaster, content creator and mental health advocate committed to fostering honest conversations about well-being in the digital age. After 15 years in fashion media, she now uses her own platform forwardedA personal growth newsletter to de-stigmatize mental health struggles, share personal stories, and champion vulnerability as a powerful tool for connection.
This may be a little controversial, but I’m a staunch proponent of dressing up for air travel. The whole experience already tests our dignity, so the one thing that helps me feel even a little bit decent is looking good – without completely sacrificing my comfort.
However, I can’t say that I came to this belief on my own. It has been shaped to a large extent by my father. He has influenced my style in many ways, but one of my key childhood memories is that when he would go back home to Jamaica he would always dress better than he did on a normal weekday. He wore tailored trousers, crisp shirts and polished shoes. My father takes great pride in his looks and this has rubbed off on me. So even as air travel has become more casual, he has been a constant reminder that I don’t have to give up my personal style just because others have done so. And I also want to remind myself: you never know who you might meet on the plane.
Besides my father, ’90s supermodels have always been some of my biggest style inspirations. Yes, I love her glamorous moments, but what I’m most inspired by is her model-off-duty looks and that includes old paparazzi airport photos. They always looked so effortless and put together, whether it was Tyra Banks in leggings, a cropped Calvin Klein T-shirt with a boxy denim jacket, Kate Moss in head-to-toe black, or Linda Evangelista in a simple black slip dress over a T-shirt (I need to try this). None of them looked like they had just rolled out of bed and gone straight to the airport.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Airport arrival photos remain a prime photo opportunity for models and celebrities as well as brands seeking visibility. Margot Robbie recently went viral for a coordinated long-sleeve tee with slouchy basketball-style shorts and mesh Alaïa flats, which is sure to be replicated around the world for future summer vacations. The Cannes Film Festival is also fast approaching, and one could argue that the arrival at Nice Airport is just as inspiring as the red-carpet walk.
My go-to formula for travel days
1. Loose pants are more comfortable than jeans, but look more mature than looking in sweats or pajamas.
2. Stick to a neutral color palette, like black, navy, gray or brown. The monochrome look also appears more sophisticated. However, if I’m going on vacation I don’t mind wearing white on the plane.
3. Your shoes should be the ones that take up the most space in your luggage. In the summer, I can keep my toes open – but flip-flops are best kept for the beach (they’re too noisy for the long trip to the gate).
4. I always bring a cashmere scarf or extra sweater to tie around my neck in case it gets cold.
5. It’s all about outerwear because that’s usually the first thing people see. An attractive trench or leather jacket can pull everything together.
There may not be a paparazzi photo op waiting for me at the end of the jet bridge – but I still love getting off the plane like there might be.
1. An easy-breezy trouser
Style Notes: Choose a pair of trousers with a comfortable fit that will not wrinkle easily. I think wearing a pair of black trousers is the easiest way to show that you’re living a happy life without putting in too much effort. Right now, I love ME + EM’s tapered pants — but you also can’t go wrong with an elastic waist like Align’s barrel leg trousers.
Buy easy, breezy trousers:
align
marcus ponte trousers
2. Smart layering is important
Style Notes: I often wear it with Intimissimi’s Modal X cashmere shirts because I’m obsessed with how thin and soft they are. They’re easy to layer, but even alone, a boat neck neckline is beautiful. It’s easy to layer under thick knits or cardigans. For my next layer, I usually buy cashmere or wool knitwear from Guest in Residence, & Daughter, or M&S. I hate being cold, so having good layers is not a compromise.
Shop smart-layering pieces:
pure woolen cloth
pure cashmere jumper
guest in residence
Lia Midi Skirt
&Daughter
bat wool sweater
3. Make your “shoe-drobe” more hard-working
Style Notes: As for footwear, it really depends on where I’m going and what I’m packing. I usually try to wear my heaviest pair — or whatever takes up the most space — like lug-sole loafers or ankle boots. boots. But ballet flats are undeniably handy (and I always pack cashmere socks, in case my feet get cold on the plane).
le monde beryl
ballet marie-janes
4. Dress for your favorite holiday
Style Notes: When I’m traveling somewhere hot, I love wearing matching sets – it’s equal parts comfort and first-class energy. Or, if I want to look a little sporty, these cashmere track pants are perfect for racking up some mileage, and I pair them with a blazer or leather jacket to keep everything elevated.
Shop elevated holiday items:
disease
sable oversized shirt
guest in residence
track pants
5. Stuff, but make it cute
Style Notes: I just love the efficiency of carry-on packing, and I used to force myself to do it as much as possible, but I often got frustrated by the lack of options. So, I remind myself that getting dressed is technically part of my job, so it’s okay to give myself as many options as I want. I’ve only used Enter Luggage for the last three years, and I think it’s the best. I’m also fully committed to my Liffner suede tote for any trip — it fits everything I need and more.
Buy attractive items:
6. Jet-set beauty
Beauty Notes: I don’t have any extensive in-flight beauty routine. I make sure to do my usual skin care routine before I go to the airport. Of course, I carry a toiletry bag with me with essentials like Medic8 Total Moisture Daily Cream, Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, Rhode Lip Peptide Treatment, Supergoop SPF, Psi Tinted. Moisturizer. I’m more concerned about my post-flight routine because I’m prone to acne so I usually apply a benzoyl peroxide mask as soon as I reach my destination.
Shop the best travel beauty items:
medic8
Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream™
road
Peptide Lip Treatment in Vanilla
vintner’s daughter
Active Botanical Serum
