My Friends Always Say I Look Expensive When I Travel—11 Chic, Elevated Staples I Rely On

Travelling home for Christmas has become something I look forward to every year, not just because I finally get to hug my family after months, but also because of the fashion. There’s something about a chic airport outfit that genuinely brings me to life—creating the subtle illusion of timeless, French-leaning richness that feels comfortable, looks polished and somehow makes me feel expensive, even when I’m wearing an outfit entirely from the high street.

And the essentials for this? At this time of year, comfort and warmth are key, so I’m opting for soft cashmere jumpers, comfy satin trousers or leggings, capacious totes that fit absolutely everything and easy slip-on shoes that look chic for the airport but can come off the moment I take my seat. In terms of outerwear, I’m usually drawn to floor-skimming maxi coats—nothing pulls a look together quite as effortlessly as a long coat.

If there’s one thing my years as a shopping editor have taught me, it’s that I can channel effortless polish while wearing nothing more than Zara, H&M and my favourite high-street brands. Scroll on to shop the pieces I’m buying to look and feel quietly “rich” when I travel home this Christmas.

Shop These Rich-Looking Airport Staples

Reformation

Cove Cashmere Oversized Crew

If you buy one cashmere knit this winter, make it Reformation's Cove. Available in a range of chic shades, this is your ultimate travel knit.

Reformation

Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

A satin trouser is the travel hack to looking chic and staying comfy. These satin trousers deliver a silky silhouette that elevates even the simplest knit or shirt.

COS

Sculpted Tote Bag - Suede

Simple, structured, and effortlessly chic.

Rise & Fall

Women's Cashmere Merino Saddle Sleeve Crew Neck Jumper - Twine - Twine / Xs

This cashmere-merino jumper drapes beautifully with a subtle relaxed fit, offering more polish than a basic crew.

COS

Satin Wide-Leg Trousers

Another satin trouser I've been eyeing for months. Pair with oversized knitwear and Uggs for the perfect off-duty look.

This oversized coat from Zara combines a cocoon silhouette with a soft, brushed texture that looks far more expensive than it is.

COS

Chunky Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper

COS’s chunky cashmere knit is the very definition of quiet luxury

Flared Sports Leggings With Softmove™ - White

A flared legging will add instant polish while still maintaining peak comfort.

ZARA

Oversized Knit High Neck Jumper

A relaxed, high-neck jumper with generous proportions that strike the perfect balance between cosy and cool.

hm

Double-Breasted Coat - Mole

A timeless, go-with-everything coat that'll serve you well on those long travel days.

The Sofia is spacious enough for daily wear yet sleek enough for evening, it’s a modern quiet-luxury staple.

Rib-Knit Wool Jumper - Brown

A soft, slouchy high-neck knit that delivers effortless winter polish at a high-street price.

Scarf-Detail Coat - Dark Beige

My favourite coat at H&M right now, this would instantly elevate a leggings and jumper airport outfit.

COS

Minimal Leather Trainers

Sleek, understated, and beautifully crafted, these trainers embrace the return of low-profile silhouettes.

Rise & Fall

Women's Finest Cashmere Wide-Leg Trousers - Chocolate - Xs / Chocolate

These wide-leg trousers in rich chocolate cashmere bring a luxe, lounge-to-street feel to winter dressing.

DeMellier

The New York | Black Small Grain | Demellier

DeMellier's New York tote is my favourite airport accessory. It fits everything, is comfy on the shoulder and—crucially—extremely elegant.

Reformation

Jadey Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater

Reformation’s Jadey sweater delivers that effortless, draped softness only cashmere can achieve.

These slip-on mules add instant polish to straight trousers or satin skirts, perfect for transitional dressing.

Cashmere-Blend Polo-Neck Jumper - Black

Airplanes are notoriously chilly, and H&M's under-£55 cashmere layer is the perfect base to any airport look.

lululemon

Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pant - Black - 4

Another perfect pair of flared leggings I want to own in every colour.

This capacious tote looks 10x the price, and will fit all your travel essentials.

COS

Cashmere Funnel-Neck Jumper

Whether you pair it with cashmere trousers or leggings, this funnel-neck knit will instantly elevate your look.

ZARA

Leather Slingback Clogs

A dreamy loafer-clog hybrid you can slip in and out of when you're in transit.

Fine-Knit Trousers - Light Beige Marl

The softness of these knit trousers is unmatched.

The sculptural shape of this bags makes it feel so premium.

ZARA

Linda Evangelista Cashmere Bathrobe-Coat

Linda Evangelista-approved, it doesn't get better than this cashmere bathrobe coat.

ZARA

Soft Running Trainers

I love how lightweight, sleek and subtly sporty these are.

Strathberry

Kite Hobo Maxi - Chocolate Suede

I'm obsessed. This rich suede hobo with a sculptural shape will add textural depth to winter outfits.

ZARA

Soft Straight-Leg Trousers

If you want to wear a tracksuit but want to feel more polished, opt for these elongated straight-leg silhouette that work with everything.

ZARA

Oversize High-Neck Coat Zw Collection Limited Edition

A sculptural, voluminous coat with a high neckline that frames the face beautifully.

ZARA

Flare Fleece Trousers

Fleece trousers with a subtle flare—comfortable yet surprisingly refined.

A Zara best-seller right now, this is a soft-touch, gorgeous knit that looks surprisingly premium.