Spotted at Heathrow and LAX: 13 Iconic Airport Outfits to Inspire Your Summer Travel Looks
From coffee runs in Mayfair to private yachts in the Mediterranean, chic celebrity sights can take any form. However, I’d contend that the most stylish off-duty looks are the ones that occur in the arrival and departure halls. While most of us believe that showing up for our flight in a tracksuit and comfortable trainers would more than suffice, it’s clear that Hollywood’s elite don’t share this school of thought. Need proof? Just look at the countless iconic airport outfits that put our elasticated waistbands and neck pillows to shame.
Even before the days of express security lanes and first-class lounges, A-listers soared through the skies wearing something that epitomised sophistication. (Read: MarilynMonroe boarding a flight from New York City to Chicago wearing stilettos and a furry coat.) It’s true, celebrities have been showing up in iconic airport outfits for as long as commercial flights have been operating. Though you think this might’ve quelled given the increase in private jet usage, I’d argue that the opposite has actually occurred. From the Nice Côte d'Azur airport every Cannes Film Festival to the baggage carousels of Charles de Gaulle come Paris Fashion Week, you can always count on spotting someone of note wearing something you’d never consider wearing when in mid-air.
Sure, you could argue that looking good and being fashion’s barometer come with the territory of being famous. But, there’s something so riveting about seeing someone take airport style so seriously. As the season of Euro Summer begins–and we ourselves start to think about what outfits will help us look elegant while sitting in premium economy—it’s only fitting that we turn to the most iconic airport outfits to help inspire our own ensemble. From Daisy Edgar-Jones’ balmy Gucci bags to the halcyon heydays of 90s supermodels catching the Concorde, uncover the best sartorial moments to grace the tarmac below. Ready for takeoff?
The 15 Most Iconic Airport Looks to Inspire Your Summer Travel Wardrobe
1. Bella Hadid
Style Notes: There’s nothing overtly glamorous about Bella Hadid’s look from 2022. In fact, if you didn’t know that she was arriving on the French Riviera, you might just think she was heading out of a pilates class thanks to the slinky fabric, body-contouring fit and Apple AirPods Max. It’s these elements that make it so iconic. It's well known that wearing compression clothing is essential for any long-haul flight, and if you can make it look like you’ve just stepped off a Tom Ford for Gucci runway, why wouldn’t you?
Shop the Look:
No wardrobe is complete without a simple basic like this.
Layering is a masterful trick to bring more dimension to your look. Pairing two tops together can instantly make your look feel more considered.
LESET
Rio Stretch-Ponte Stirrup Leggings
2. Gwyneth Paltrow
Style Notes: Gwyneth Paltrow has always been a patron saint of minimalism. Long before the days of G.Label by Goop and her colourful Montecito wardrobe, the actress-turned-entrepreneur regularly sported timeless classics from the likes of Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. In this photo, which was taken at L.A.X in 1998, Paltrow is proving that investing in good quality fabrics and timeless shapes will always be a wise venture.
Shop the Look:
DÔEN
Cassidy Pointelle-Knit Alpaca-Blend Cardigan
MANGO
Sleeveless Turtleneck Top
3. Naomi Campbell
Style Notes: When you think of Naomi Campbell and airports, the first image that springs to mind is most likely the photo of her wearing a hazmat suit, N95 face mask, plastic gloves and shawl. (As it should, it is in the V&A after all!) However, if the category is iconic airport outfits, we can’t ignore this oh-so enviable look from 1998. If you don’t know the story, the tale is that Campbell was stranded in Milan and was about to miss walking in Marc Jacobs’s debut ready-to-wear collection. Next thing she knew, the designer sent her a private jet laden with custom designer bags to bring her to Paris. We might not have the luxury totes, but you can always replicate her ivory pedal pushers and navy fine-knit top.
Shop the Look:
Massimo Dutti
Long Voluminous Cotton Blend Trench Coat
From Saint Moritz to Saint-Tropez, this trench coat will serve you in countless climates.
ZARA
Knit Top With Piping
Style with a pair of gingham shorts and you'll have an outfit worthy to be worn in Marseille.
Nobodys Child
White Denim Capri Jeans
4. Victoria Beckham
Style Notes: Victoria Beckham and airports are a match made in heaven. The former pop star doesn’t abide by average style rules. Rather than sensible footwear and smart carry-on baggage, the fashion designer wears Hermés bags and peep-toe shoes. But that’s exactly what we love about Posh Spice. Because who else would confront a swarm of paparazzi wearing a graphic t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan “fashion stole my style”?
