Do you have a summer break just around the corner? Once your packing’s done and you know everything’s in check, you only have one more thing to think about: the airport outfit.
There’s no denying that what you sport to the airport will have an impact on your entire travel experience. From feeling on-trend for drinks at the airport lounge to feeling comfy on a long flight, this SS19-inspired fashion guide will set you straight on how to dress in style and comfort when you check-in.
If you’re heading on a short flight
Chances are when you land at a close-by destination, you’ll be heading straight out. 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 need to look good from the moment you step out. 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 look that’s fresh for summer 2018. Polish off the outfit with a chrome watch that’s easy to take off at the security scanner, and end with a pair of suede loafers — the ideal men’s shoe for summer.
If you’re heading on a long-haul flight
As you’ll be hanging around the airports and aeroplanes longer, you need to dress appropriately. So, comfort merged with style is crucial to make your commute pass swiftly.
Go for a plain men’s t-shirt in a shade that matches the band on your side-stripe joggers — this clothing piece was on all the catwalks at the men’s SS19 international fashion shows. Match with neutral-colour, lace sneakers 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.
If you’re heading on a business trip
You still need to look formal when it comes to business trips. 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.
If you’re not rocking them already, patterns are in this summer. Whether you go for larger window pane checks or a smaller grid check, a square-pattern blazer over a plain, long-sleeve, buttoned-up Oxford 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.
If you’re heading on a quick city break
If you have a city break on the cards, then you need an outfit with an on-trend, urban look when you check-in for the flight. Opt for a casual, short-sleeve shirt in a block colour and pair it with cropped, mid-weight trousers. 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. You may need a jacket when you land if you’re heading somewhere with a cool climate, like a city in northern Europe, but make sure you opt for something flexible and light — a stripe or chevron, zip windbreaker is ideal.
What you need to consider
- 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 a small carry-on bag or wear clothes with plenty of pockets: to keep your passport, boarding pass and other airport essentials safe.