The 5-piece Recipe for the Perfect Airport Outfit

Think of your airplane outfit like a perfectly balanced recipe: Each piece is an essential ingredient, and together they create the ultimate mix of comfort, style, and practicality. Start with your base: tapered comfy pants that keep you out of airport grime, paired with a cotton T-shirt that handles unpredictable cabin temperatures. Add slip-on shoes for effortless airport navigation, whether you’re racing to your gate or slipping off for a mid-flight bathroom break. Each piece has a job, and like any well-crafted dish, the result is greater than the sum of its parts.

Then, layer like a pro: a cozy cardigan for warmth without bulk, and a stylish jacket that doubles as a suitcase-saver and airport showstopper. Below, I’ve compiled the five core pieces every traveler needs—from versatile joggers and trench coats to stylish cardigans and comfy clogs. Even better, every item is on sale, with prices starting at just $8 and discounts up to 85 percent off. 

Best Overall Airport Outfit Finds

Tapered Comfy Pants

A tapered pant is the backbone of any solid airplane outfit. You want something you can actually move in, whether you’re power-walking to your gate or contorting yourself into a semi-sleepable position. Plus, the slim ankle keeps your hem off of grimy airport floors and even grimmer airplane bathrooms. For a sportier, lightweight pair, the Athleta Endless High-rise Pants hit that sweet spot of sleek and stretchy. If you prefer something cozier, the Banana Republic Factory Tapered High-rise Pull-on Pants are a warm, lounge-leaning pick—and they’re a wild 60 percent off (plus an extra 20 percent off at checkout!)

• 70 percent off: Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Barrel Pants, $27 (originally $90)
• Athleta Endless High-rise Pants, $76 (originally $109)
• J.Crew Factory Pintuck Sweatpants, $90 (originally $118)
• J.Crew Scuba-knit Jogger Pants, $59 (originally $118)
• Loft Haven Well Ribbed Knit Tapered Pants, $30 (originally $88)
• Banana Republic Factory Hayden Tapered Pants, $29 (originally $90)
• Ultra-comfy pair: Cozy Earth Bamboo Stretch-knit Tapered Pants, $45 (originally $74)
• Save 70 percent: Gap Factory Fleece Joggers, $15 (originally $50)
• Baleaf Tapered Cotton Joggers, $28 (originally $40)
• Trryln Joggers, $20 (originally $29)
• Banana Republic Factory Tapered High-rise Pull-on Pants, $30 (originally $100)
• J.Crew Factory Ponte Cropped Pull-on Pants, $69 (originally $138)

Banana Republic Factory Tapered High-rise Pull-on Pants

Slip-on Shoes

Slip-on shoes are my non-negotiable travel move, even though shoe removal at security is no longer required. Don’t judge, but I’m a socks-only flier, so I need something I can slide back on quickly for bathroom breaks or when my aisle seat neighbor suddenly remembers their gate pretzel craving. This lineup is full of stylish, commuter-friendly options, from the Rothy’s Braid Clog you’ll want to live in to the Steve Madden Vandy Faux Fur Slip-on Shoes, which feel like a slipper but wear like a sneaker and glide on and off with zero effort.

• Rothy’s The Braid Clog, $139 (originally $159)
• Kidmi Suede Clogs, $26 (originally $50)
• Goes with everything: Allbirds Lounger Lift Shoes, $73 (originally $110)
• Steve Madden Rafe Mule, $76 (originally $110)
• Cozy winter shoes: Dream Pairs Slip-on Shoes, $39 (originally $44)
• Perfect for airport security: Kizik Milan Sneakers, $90 (originally $119)
• Steve Madden Vandy Faux Fur Slip-on Shoes, $63 with code CYBER (originally $90)
• Dolce Vita Notice Mule Sneakers, $80 (originally $125)
• Polished look: Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers, $79 (originally $150)
• Steve Madden Nostalgic Slip-on Shoes, $70 with code CYBER (originally $100)
• Clarks Breeze Vibe Slip-on Sneakers, $28 with code BLACKFRIDAY (originally $65)

Kidmi Suede Clogs

Cotton T-shirt 

A cotton T-shirt isn’t just a staple; it’s the foundation of your entire travel wardrobe. I live in mine year-round because it goes with everything and keeps me comfy when airplane temperatures swing from tundra to toasty. It’s especially key if you’re bouncing between climates, such as heading from New York City’s chill to Bahamian humidity; a breathable base makes it easy to peel off layers the second you land. The Gap Vintage Soft T-shirt is a reliable $13 pick, while the Hanes Perfect Crewneck T-shirt rings in right at $10 and is about as classic as it gets.

Everlane Essential Cotton Slim Crewneck T-shirt

Cardigan

A cardigan is the ultimate travel layer because it works open, buttoned, draped, or even tossed over your shoulders—it’s basically a choose-your-own-adventure situation. I’ve been on flights so cold I swore frostbite was imminent, and I’ve baked under a sweater wishing I’d worn, well, anything else. The T-shirt-plus-cardigan combo solves all of that. These options bring both style and practicality: The Banana Republic Forever V-Neck Cardigan is currently 68 percent off and instantly polishes any look, while the Prettygarden Oversized Cardigan is that cozy, cloud-like layer you’ll be grateful for the entire flight.

• 68 percent off: Banana Republic Forever V-neck Cardigan, $24 (originally $75)
• Madewell Flared-sleeve Cardigan, $25 with code LETSGO (originally $58)
• Prettygarden Oversized Cardigan, $30 (originally $44)
• Trendy Queen Cropped Cardigan, $20 (originally $40)
• Comes in 17 colors: Prettygarden Open-front Cardigan, $33 (originally $40)
• Quiet luxury look: Lands’ End Fine Gauge Milano Blazer Sweater, $54 (originally $90)
• Madewell Button-front Cardigan, $170 (originally $198)
• J.Crew Supersoft Bubble-hem Cardigan, $49 (originally $98)
• Everlane Crew Cardigan in Everyday Cotton, $95 (originally $158)
• Athleta Pranayama Restore Wrap, $62 (originally $89)

Madewell Flared-sleeve Cardigan

Jacket

Your jacket is an easy way to save suitcase space and still ensure you’re warm during those aggressively air-conditioned airport moments—or while you’re waiting on the tarmac questioning life choices. A great jacket also elevates even the simplest airport outfit; A peacoat in the terminal always catches my eye because it looks so effortless and composed. Whether you’re leaning cool-girl with the J.Crew Factory Reversible Sherpa/Faux-suede Jacket for $78 off or classic with the Tankaneo Long Trench Coat, these options start at just $46.

• Tankaneo Long Trench Coat, $46 (originally $66)
• Multiple colors to match everything: Ladiyo Classic Long Jacket, $35 (originally $54)
• 85 percent off: AG Valleta Utility Shirt Jacket, $35 (originally $225)
• Madewell Cocoon-sleeve Denim Lady Jacket, $45 with code LETSGO (originally $128)
• Cicy Bell Faux Suede Jacket, $50 (originally $75)
• Kissonic Faux Suede Jacket, $36 (originally $45)
• J.Crew Factory Reversible Sherpa/Faux-suede Jacket, $220 (originally $298)
• Petal & Pup Meeka Faux Fur Jacket, $127 (originally $169)
• A cool winter white: Splendid Crop Icon Coat, $118 (originally $168)
• Lucky Brand Faux Cropped Bomber Jacket, $130 (originally $228)

J.Crew Factory Reversible Sherpa/Faux-suede Jacket

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