The Best Airplane Outfits for Women Who Travel in Style

What you wear on a plane matters - whether you’re flying out for a big client meeting or escaping to recharge. The right outfit sets the tone for the entire trip.

The best airplane outfits for women strike a thoughtful balance between comfort and confidence, style and practicality. Because even if you're feeling groggy after a long-haul flight, you don’t have to look it - and with a little planning, you won’t.

From comfortable co-ords to airport-ready tailoring, this guide breaks down exactly what to wear on a plane - with stylish, practical outfit ideas for every destination and season.


The Best Airplane Outfits for Women

Outfits that are smart, stylish, and designed to help you feel composed - from boarding to baggage reclaim.

1. Business Casual That Flies Well

Perfect for work trips, short-haul city flights, or heading straight from arrivals to meetings.

  • Oversized Shirt + Tailored Joggers — Crisp, breathable, and smart

  • Blazer Layer — Instantly elevates your outfit

  • Loafers or Sleek Trainers — Chic and practical for security

Where to shop: Reiss and ME+EM for structured blazers and polished staples, COS and Arket for elevated basics in premium fabrics, M&S for quality shirts and tailored joggers on a budget, and Russell & Bromley or Vagabond for timeless loafers and trainers.

2. Laid-Back Luxury for Long-Haul Comfort

Ideal for long-haul flights, airport lounges, or post-flight unwinding.

  • Knit or Jersey Lounge Set — One-step dressing that feels like pyjamas, looks like effort

  • Slip-On Trainers — Easy on, easy off

  • Cashmere Wrap or Blanket Scarf — Comfort and class in one

Where to shop: The White Company and Hush for soft loungewear and layering pieces, Veja and Allbirds for sustainable slip-on trainers, and Johnstons of Elgin or H&M for cashmere wraps and scarves.

3. Chic Athleisure That Goes Beyond the Gate

Great for wellness getaways, domestic flights, or minimalist packing.

  • Sleek Leggings + Ribbed Top or Half-Zip — Comfortable but put-together

  • Bomber Jacket or Coatigan — The layer that ties it all together

  • Minimalist Trainers — Clean, soft, and city-appropriate

Where to shop: Lululemon, Tala and Alo Yoga for athleisure, Arket or & Other Stories for minimalist outer layers, and Allbirds or New Balance for fashion-forward comfort.

4. Cold-Weather Travel

Best for winter city breaks or flights where layering matters.

  • Knit Dress or Wool Trousers — Stylish, warm, and easy to wear

  • Longline Coat or Wrap Coat — Looks good, works hard

  • Leather Boots or Chunky Trainers — Insulated and travel-tested

Where to shop: ME+EM and & Other Stories for winter knits and coats, Dune London or Whistles for insulated leather boots, and Uniqlo for heat-tech layers that travel well.

5. Warm-Weather Travel

Headed somewhere hot? These pieces will keep you cool and crease-free.

  • Linen Co-ord or Midi Dress — Light, breathable, and elegant

  • Light Cardigan or Blazer — Cabin chill = solved

  • Espadrilles or Breathable Trainers — Holiday style with airport practicality

Where to shop: Arket, Reformation and The White Company for linen co-ords and midi dresses, Castaner and Vivaia for breathable, comfortable footwear, and Baukjen or Ninety Percent for sustainable, summer-ready staples.

 

The Best Travel Accessories for Women

Little things that make a big difference — in comfort, style, and ease.

  • Slip-On Shoes — Smartest option for security and speed

  • Lightweight Scarf or Wrap — Adds warmth and versatility

  • Structured Tote or Crossbody — Fits everything you actually need

  • Compression Socks — A must for long-haul leg support

  • Hydrating Mist + Lip Balm — Travel glow starts here

  • Minimal Jewellery — Travel-friendly and TSA-proof

SHOP hfd's EDIT
 

What Not to Wear on a Plane

Some pieces just don’t pass the travel test. Here’s what to leave behind:

  • Jumpsuits or Bodysuits — Not ideal in tiny bathrooms

  • Tight Jeans — Restrictive, especially after takeoff

  • Flip-Flops — No support, no go

  • Heavy Layers — Avoid anything you can’t take off easily mid-flight

If you can’t nap in it, don’t wear it at 38,000 feet.
— Team High Flying Design
 

The Best Fabrics to Fly In

These travel-friendly materials are your wardrobe’s unsung heroes:

  • Wrinkle-Resistant: Jersey, ponte, crepe, modal

  • Breathable: Linen, bamboo, cotton blends

  • Structured + Stretchy: Ribbed knits, double-knit cotton

Pro packing tip: Roll your clothes to save space and reduce creases. Use packing cubes to stay organised and calm.

 

Final Boarding Call: Style That Moves With You

The best airplane outfits do more than look good - they help you feel composed, comfortable, and ready for whatever’s next. Whether you’re flying first class or seat 28B, dressing well to travel isn’t about trends - it’s about intention.

So next time you pack, choose clothes that move with you, support your energy, and help you land feeling like the most elevated version of yourself.

Bon voyage, high-flyer. 🛫

 

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High Flying Design

High Flying Design is an online magazine & community for women invoking change, launching something new or carving a unique path in life.

https://www.highflyingdesign.com
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