With the winter months closing in, you might be considering heading to a warmer climate soon. Once your packing’s done and you know everything’s in check, you only have one more thing to think about: the airport outfit.
What you wear to the airport can affect how you feel on your travels. From feeling on-trend for drinks at the airport lounge to feeling comfy on a long flight, this AW18-inspired fashion guide will set you straight on how to dress in style and comfort when you check-in.
Flying long-haul
Unfortunately, with a long-haul flight, more time is spent both travelling and on the plane. So, comfort merged with style is crucial to make your commute pass swiftly. Choose an outfit that’s fashionable but comfortable. Go for a long-sleeved t-shirt in a shade that matches the band on your side-stripe joggers — this clothing piece was on all the catwalks at this year’s international fashion shows. Match with neutral-colour, classic trainers that are easy to slip on and off at security and throw over a light-weight bomber, or boxy denim jacket that’s easy to roll up and put under your seat during the flight.
Flying for business
If you’re heading to a business meeting when you land, you’ll have to consider formal dress. Take inspiration from your normal work wardrobe, but just tweak it slightly to make it airport-appropriate — this means not wearing anything tight and restrictive, or too many accessories that might cause a headache at security.
One print big this year has been check pattern. Whether you go for larger window pane checks or a smaller grid check, a square-pattern blazer over a plain, long-sleeve, buttoned-up men’s shirt delivers the perfect upper body style fit for a business-focused flight. Pair with stretch jeans to tone down the formality and offer you extra comfort for the journey, then finish off with tan brogues.
Flying to a city break
If you’re touching down in a city, you want to dress street-wise and on-trend. Pair a short-sleeve shirt with cropped trousers for an urban look. Tonal dressing is big in men’s fashion right now, so choose a colour you know looks good on you and get your top, pants and shoes in different shades of it. Remember, it’s cooler across Europe at this time of year so you’ll need a jacket too.
Flying for a short break
The positives about a short-haul flight is that they’re usually stress free. You’ll probably go out pretty soon after landing if you’re on a short-haul flight. So, put together a look that fits a bar or restaurant crowd to make sure you can head straight out after check-in.
This means you can make your style a priority. Pull on a pair of turn-up jeans, which was a massive trend in men’s fashion weeks, and combine with a contrast polo shirt for an on-point, smart-casual. Polish off the outfit with a chrome watch that’s easy to take off at the security scanner, and end with a pair of Chelsea boots — the ideal men’s shoe for AW18.
Flying to a beach holiday
If you’re catching some winter sun this season, bring holiday vibes with an airport outfit that’s suitable for a beach holiday. Don’t forget that tropical prints are in! Button-up a short-sleeve shirt featuring a palm tree pattern and pull on a pair of beige or blue stretch shorts for the ultimate beach-ready look that’ll be comfy enough for a flight. If you don’t fancy wearing shorts at the airport bar, go for light-coloured chinos with a vertical-stripe shirt — a pattern that will be everywhere in men’s fashion throughout summer this year. Boat shoes make perfect holiday footwear, or you can opt for slip-on canvas sneakers for the same laid-back effect.
Don’t forget…
Wherever you’re going this season, don’t forget the following tips:
* Avoid belts: you only have to take these off for the security check.
* Layer up: go for multiple layers to keep your body temperature at the perfect level.
* Keep it functional: don’t wear clothes that are restrictive or awkward.
* Wear socks: to keep your feet cool and dry during long commutes.
* Avoid lace shoes if possible: go for footwear that’s easy to remove.
* Take small carry-on bag or wear clothes with plenty of pockets: to keep your passport, boarding pass and other airport essentials safe.
Ensure you touch down in style with these top tips — straight from the catwalk.