Three ways to look as chic as an A-lister at the airport this summer
The red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival might be filled with museum-worthy fashion and diamonds that come with their own fleet of bodyguards, but I care just as much about the outfits promenading out of Nice Airport as those gracing La Croisette. Knowing there is a pack of photographers waiting, A-Listers are more likely to fly in a trouser suit and Chanel pumps than anything Lululemon.
However after the grey-marl tinged loungewear years of the pandemic, many economy-class travellers are now ditching the joggers and dressing up for takeoff.
“Being well dressed in-flight is now a trend in its own right,” says Charlotte Davey, Fashion and Lifestyle Editor at Conde Nast Traveller. “With the end of lockdown, not only did we see the much-anticipated return to travel, we also saw a return to dressing up, and these two social trends collided.” The boom in business travel is also having an impact, as people are flying meeting-ready. “Don’t forget how many business meetings take place in-flight,” adds Davey. “Business travel isn’t just for corporate industries, as a vast portion of the workforce are millennials with roles in the tech or creative sectors, so you’re more likely to find Adidas Sambas than pinstripes in the business lounge.”
A number of clever fashion brands are tapping into this new in-transit mood, with dedicated airport capsules that are comfortable and polished. In February Naomi Campbell, (who in 2020 flew in a hazmat suit and Burberry scarf and famously Dettols down her first class seat), launched a capsule with BOSS for “sophisticated, contemporary travellers,” which boasts crease-free fabrics with anti-bacterial properties. The pockets are also lined with a fabric that blocks electromagnetic frequencies to stop card scamming — ideal for anxious travellers.
The concept of ‘travel tailoring’ has proven to be big business for ME+EM. Founder Clare Hornby says that the response to its smart airport edit has been “exceptional,” with the travel tailoring trousers doubling in sales year-on-year. “Our travel tailoring capsule was designed for those who want to feel comfortable when travelling while still looking and feeling polished, particularly for those who travel a lot for work and don’t have time to change before their first meeting,” explains Hornby.
So what exactly is travel tailoring? ME+EM’s best-selling trousers, which you’ll spot in every office in Canary Wharf, and has been crafted from a soft ponte jersey. “It is an elevated casual fabric that has stretch, fluidity and is easy to care for, but because of the heavier weight, it has more structure and substance,” explains Hornby. “Hence the pieces being able to look like classic tailoring, while still offering the comfort of loungewear.” All of the signature cuts now come in this long-haul friendly fabric, including palazzo trousers, cargos, cropped kick-flares and slim-crop trousers.
Paul Smith has also launched a ‘Suit to Travel In’; which is a tailored men’s suit made from crease-resistant wool with a shirt-gripping waistband. Davey also recommends Hush and Pangaia for their “easy-to-wear fabrics” that don’t require ironing and are moisture-wicking.
Celebrity stylist and fashion editor at SheerLuxe Nana Acheampong has long made airport style her trademark – whatever the time of day, she starts every trip with an Instagram picture of her at the gate with a bag of snacks and towering high heels. “Airport style is so important to me because it’s about first impressions – I always want to look polished and put together,” she explains. “You never know who you will meet at the airport or who could be sitting next to you on the flight.”
In an age of Border Force strikes, increased fuel costs and paying for your cabin bag, it can be easy to focus on the stress of air travel. However, Acheampong sees the airport as an exciting part of her holiday. “That is when the trip starts for me,” she explains. “I want that holiday feeling, and for me it’s not about joggers or leggings. Whether I’m in economy or first class the rules stay the same, I’m usually in a pair of heels, a dress or a really smart co-ord.” And the old adage that you should dress for the upgrade you want apparently rings true, as Acheampong reveals, “I have been upgraded many times and I truly believe my outfits are the reason why.”
If you want to test out this upgrade theory, start off with separates that are comfortable, but can’t be mistaken for gymwear. Focus on fluid fabrics, such as breathable cotton, jersey and silk, rather than anything too stiff and structured. “I like to go like I’m dressed for the Oscars,” Acheampong adds, “but my tip would be to start by keeping it simple, and wear a co-ord, which is a really easy way to look put together and stylish.”
Davey explains that luxury brands with a travel heritage like Gucci and Louis Vuitton are also driving this anti-joggers aesthetic. In a recent campaign for Gucci’s Valigeria luggage range, Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny dash through departures in paparazzi-style shots. They clearly aren’t dealing with the Easyjet one-bag-under-your-seat rule, as they juggle towering stacks of hat boxes, wheelies, duffel bags and suit bags. The styling, however, is the epitome of this new travel tailoring mood, as Kendall wears a grey suit with a tank top and black wide-leg trousers with trainers.
So the next time you fly Ryanair, why not dress like you’re arriving at the Cannes Film Festival.
Three chic travel looks to try this summer:
Military jacket, £350, Me and Em; Linen shirt, £110, With Nothing Underneath; Palazzo trousers, £150, Me and Em; Tan ballet flats, £110, Essen; Duffle bag, £1250, Gucci
Navy cardigan, £140, Boden; Tank top, £55, Cos; Knitted trousers, £95, Cos; Braided ballerinas, £59.99, Mango; Cabin case, £175, Antler
Silk shirt, £329, Sandro; Midi skirt, £25, M&S; Loafers, £470, Dear Frances; Woven tote bag, £350, Dragon Diffusion at Selfridges
