Aren’t sure what to wear to the airport this winter? Check out this post for all my Airport Outfit Ideas for Winter.
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There are a variety of things to consider when deciding what to wear to the airport in the winter. In this post, I share my top airport outfit ideas for winter for every destination.
Airport Outfit Ideas Winter:
Things to Consider:
1. Time to Change Before Exploring
Will you have time to change before exploring your destination, or do you need to wear something you will be comfortable in right away (whether out on the town or at the beach)?
2. The Weather of Both Locations
Are you traveling from a cold climate to a warm climate, or vice versa? Dressing appropriately for both locations will help you stay comfortable throughout your journey. This can be done by layering and being intentional with your fabric selections.
3. Bulky Items and Luggage Weight
Are you bringing bulky boots that will put your checked bag overweight or a winter coat that simply won’t fit? Consider wearing these items on the plane to save space in your suitcase and avoid extra fees. Even if you take your coat off immediately, wearing it (or carrying it) may be the most convenient option to ensure it makes it to your destination without taking up valuable luggage space.
4. Convenient Shoes
Two key factors to consider when picking which shoes to wear to the airport:
- Security Check: You’ll need to remove your shoes when going through security, so opt for something easy to slip on and off, and you will likely want to be wearing socks.
- Weather Conditions: Check the forecast for both your departure and arrival locations. If it’s raining, you may want to avoid shoes like Uggs that don’t hold up well in wet conditions.
5. Layering
When choosing your airport outfit, consider the weather outside—but don’t forget that the temperature inside the airport and on the plane can be just as important, if not more! I’ve dressed for freezing temps only to end up sweating while rushing through the airport to catch my flight. Layering is the perfect solution—you can bundle up for the cold, then shed layers as needed once inside.
6. What Your Personal Item Will Be
Don’t waste your personal item on a small crossbody bag! Instead, check your airline’s size guidelines and choose the largest bag allowed. You can always place your crossbody inside to maximize packing space.
I use my L.L. Bean Boat Tote as my personal item—it’s the perfect size for American Airlines. I opted for the zip-top and long handles, making it both secure and comfortable to carry through the airport.
1. A Matching Sweatsuit
A matching sweat set is a great option for traveling because it’s an easy way to be comfortable while still looking put together (in the most casual way possible). Plus, it’s easy to layer with a sweatsuit. I ended up styling this set with sneakers instead of Uggs, and I’m also layering it with a white tee underneath.
If you are bringing a coat, it is my opinion that wearing it is the best option to save luggage space. The coat I’m bringing is a vintage wool coat that I thrifted a while ago. The first few years I had it I wasn’t wearing it much, but it has become my most worn coat this winter!
Pro Tip: A fun way to accessorize in the winter is to add a brooch to your jacket!
New Items:
Secondhand Items:
2. A Matching Knit Set
A knit set is a perfect casual airport outfit—comfortable, coordinated, and effortlessly put together. I added a vest because I love the look of it, but it may honestly be too warm for a day at the airport.
New Items:
Secondhand Items:
When Going Straight to the Festivities
3. Your Most Comfortable Pair of Jeans
If you’re heading straight to the fun without changing—just dropping your bags and diving right in—I’d go with my most comfortable pair of jeans. For me, that’s these Old Navy jeans I snagged on clearance for $6, and honestly, they’ve been my most-worn pair this year.
Pair them with a comfortable pair of shoes (especially if you’ll be walking a lot upon arrival) and a top or sweater that’s cozy enough for the flight but polished enough for whatever plans you have next.
New Items:
Secondhand Items:
For your Destination Vacation:
4. Leggings and A Sweater
When we traveled to Mexico last winter, I wore an Everlane onesie with a cozy sweater on top. Then when we arrived at our warm destination, I draped the sweater over my shoulders and eventually threw it in my personal item.
New Items:
Secondhand Items:
Striped Sweater Secondhand:
5. Flowy Pants and a Cardigan with a Tank Underneath
If you’re traveling from a cold climate to a tropical one, a pair of flowy pants can be a great option. These are super comfortable and perfect for a long day at the airport. Pair them with a warm cardigan and a tank top or tube top underneath so you can remove unnecessary layers to transform your look upon arrival.
For the following tropical outfits, I have paired the looks with my Clare V basket bag in the second image to give a better idea of how I would style the outfits after landing.
New Items:
Secondhand Items:
6. Flowy Pants and a Button Down
Another great option to pair with flowy pants is a chambray button-down. Once you arrive, simply remove your jacket for a breezier, 80°-ready look. If you prefer not to wear sneakers the whole time, you can easily swap them out for a different pair of shoes to complete the look.
New Items:
Secondhand Items:
For Your Mountain Trip:
7. Cream Pants, a Cardigan and a Button Down
I love a good theme, and this outfit would be perfect for a mountain getaway. In this scenario, if the weather isn’t too slushy, Uggs would be perfect.
New Items:
Secondhand Items:
8. A Monochromatic Look:
A monochromatic outfit can be a chic travel look for any destination. I have shown two options for the jacket: a brushed plaid shacket, which I snagged on Poshmark, and a shearling moto jacket from Anthropologie that I bought two years ago (which is crazy because it feels like I just got it).
New Items:
Secondhand Items:
9. A Chunky Sweater
Same concept but with a different idea—an oversized sweater. I’ve had this sweater since Christmas 2017, and it’s an old Free People piece, but it’s still a great one!
Secondhand Items:
Flying During the Holidays:
10. A Fair Isle Sweater and Satin Pants
Lastly, if I were traveling around the holidays, I’d probably go for something a little festive, like a Fair Isle sweater. Here, I’m pairing it with satin pants.
New Items:
Secondhand Items:
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