Sarah Walker is Who What Wear editor, content creator, stylist and fashion consultant los angeles.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned down to a science after traveling 20-plus times a year, it’s my airport attire. I’ve tried it all – overdressed, underdressed, cold, uncomfortable – and somewhere along the way, I found the formula that really works.
This is the dress I reach for every time without even thinking. Even though I’ve worn out my airport attire to the point where I don’t even think about it anymore, this really seems like the perfect excuse to break it out. I wander among vintage jeans, Leggings, and black pants, but the constants are always the same: a light trench, a white or black tee, and a V-neck sweater layer. My philosophy is simple. I want to be comfortable but still feel elevated. I try to avoid leggings whenever possible, although sometimes, they are unavoidable.
leggings
If I’m going this route, I go all in. pull them in knee high riding boots (which also saves you from packing them), add a thick sweater, and throw on a trench. It feels easy and polished, and you’ll never guess you’re essentially in loungewear.
vuori
OldFeels Leggings
beyond yoga
SpaceDie Ready Midi Leggings
athlete
Elation Ultra High Rise Leggings
black pants
This is my default. My favorite lace up pants are technically sweatpants, but read as tailored black trousers. I also like the wide-leg satin versions from The Row, La Ligne, Eterne, or Enza Costa. This is the easiest way to feel put together with zero effort.
leset
Lauren Wide Leg Pant
Donnie
Jersey Simple Crop Pant
la ligne
colby pants in black
leset
Kyoto Carpenter Pant
denim
I know jeans can be polarizing at the airport, but I think they’re totally possible – even for a long flight – if they’re the right fit. Think worn out, old, a little loose. Absolutely no tight, high-waisted pairs that dig in or ride up. It’s got to feel easy, like vintage Levi’s.
Levi’s
Cinch Baggy Lightweight Jeans
eggolde
low slung baggy jeans
Polo Ralph Lauren
High Rise Relaxed Straight Jean
simple tee + sweater + trench
In all of them, the top remains consistent: a simple tee (Laset, Eterne, or Sold Out NYC), plus layers—always. I need a sweater either for me or in my bag, and there can be no compromise on the trench. It’s the perfect light, flowy layer no matter where I’m going. Also, a new development in my airport wardrobe is a cashmere wrap. It’s perfect for serving as a trench, airplane blanket, or a charming throw-on on a pillow. Seriously, it’s the perfect addition.
everlane
Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton
totem
crisp summer ditch in the mud
la ligne
Mini Marina Fine Stripe Sweater
naked cashmere
carly rap
Shoes
saint laurent
Le Loafer Leather Penny Loafers in Black
bags
Arguably the most important part of my airport outfit is the tote. It checks every box – beautiful, functional and big enough to actually hold everything. I travel a lot. I need something that can fit my laptop, snacks, beauty items, a sweater, and essentially a lot more. My favorites are my The Row Margaux, my Longchamp (I love the zipper for travel), the L.L.Bean boat bag, and my Stod haul. They all maintain a balance of practicality but still feel attractive, which is important.
Longchamp
Le Pliage Original XL Travel Bag
cecilia
Leonora Weekend Canvas Carryall
stoud
Christos Large Tote
baseball hat
Sometimes, I throw on a baseball cap to end it. My favorites are from ’47.
At the end of the day, my airport outfit formula is really all about eliminating stress. I never want to be that person wondering what to wear while sitting for hours. I want to feel like me, just a little more intentional. If walking straight off the plane to lunch or a meeting feels good enough, I know I’ve done it right. Casual, layered, a little polished—that’s always the goal. I’m not really a person who has a strict, across-the-board uniform, but this is one place I repeat the outfit without hesitation, and for good reason.
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