Airport fashion has always mirrored the mood of its time. In the ’90s, it belonged to the age of the off-duty celebrity photograph, when arrivals halls gave us some of the decade’s best style references without trying to. Cindy Crawford landing in Los Angeles in straight-leg jeans and a simple knit, Kate Moss moving through LAX in silk trousers, boots and a slouchy tote, Winona Ryder in head-to-toe black, dark shades firmly on. Even when the looks were practical, they still carried the decade’s fashion codes—good denim, leather jackets and coats, oversized blazers, ankle boots and a proper handbag.
Now, the airport wardrobe has moved with the culture around it. In the age of Alo, Pilates, Matcha, this generation’s idea of looking put-together is tied just as much to ease as it is to aesthetic, think matching sets, soft layers, roomy totes, trainers that can survive a terminal sprint, clothes that make sense for the body travelling in them.
Celebrity airport style has not been exempt from that shift. For the Cannes Film Festival 2026, the arrivals at Nice Airport still carried the gloss expected of a major film festival, but the dressing memo felt noticeably more relaxed, from Alia Bhatt’s crisp black Carolina Herrera capri set to Simone Ashley and Barbara Palvin arriving in neutral trenches over pared-back travel staples. The airport is still a place to be seen, only now the best looks seem less concerned with dressing for the photograph than dressing intelligently for the journey that comes before it.
That balance feels especially relevant across the region right now, where Eid al-Adha travel plans are set to roll straight into the summer getaway season, as the search for cooler climates begins in earnest. Because however relaxed airport dressing may look, the best outfits are rarely accidental. They account for long queues, cold cabins, security checks and the need to still feel like yourself somewhere between check-in and arrivals. As suitcases come out and itineraries take shape, here are Soigné Middle East’s airport dressing dos and don’ts worth keeping in mind this travel season.
Do: Light Layers
Getting the right temperature from the airport to the flight is almost impossible. This is where light layers come in; they’re not too overstimulating, and when the environment feels too warm, the layers can easily come off. This looks like pairing pants with a T-shirt and a crewneck sweater. Or a lounge set with a lightweight abaya.
Don’t: Performance-oriented Activewear
Activewear that’s usually tight and form-fitting can feel comfortable in the moment, but after a while, the tight clothes might irritate the skin. After all, there’s a reason why they’re designed for working out and not for other contexts. Opt for lounge wear instead. The Straight Leg Jogger by The Giving Movement prioritises both comfort and style. Lightweight and with a second-skin feel, it leaves behind a relaxed fit that can ease in and out. What’s better is that they’re also comfortable during long-hour journeys and can help when you need to run from terminal to terminal.
Do: Sneakers
This might sound obvious, but the best shoe for the airport is undoubtedly a sneaker. With the amount of walking needed to do from check-in to boarding, a comfortable shoe can make or break the trip. If sneakers aren’t your go-to, then the Tasman II Slippers by UGG also make for a comfortable shoe. They’re easy to slip on and sturdy enough to handle a long walk.
Don’t: Any Sort of Uncomfortable Shoes
Alternatively, it’s important to skip the flip-flops, high heels, or any open-toe shoes when going through airports. For one, the temperature change can make the feet cold instantly, while the structure of flip flops and high heels can damage the feet when used excessively. Since airports are made for walking, it’s best to leave flip-flops, high heels, and open-toe shoes packed in the luggage.
Do: Accessorise
The small ways that can make you feel poised and put together are accessories, so don’t skip them when dressing for the airport. We’re talking scarves that can act as a layer when needed, sunnies that signal the move, and hats to take care of any wayward plane air that happens once you land.
Don’t: Go Overboard With Jewellery
Watches, earrings, bracelets, rings, and even a statement necklace are not too much for the airport. But if a curated stack is taking up too much real estate on the body, it’s time to reconsider jewellery options. This is because managing so much jewellery will get in the way of a seamless experience. Especially during airport security, where you have to take off and on all metals. Not to mention the logistics to go through in case a bracelet slips off. Here, it’s best to keep jewellery minimal but elevated with standout pieces instead of the whole stack. This can look like statement studs, a sentimental necklace, and a classic tennis bracelet.
Do: Keep Things Baggy
And finally, when in doubt, keep things baggy. Baggier silhouettes allow for more comfortable breathing room when it comes to sitting and sleeping in awkward positions. Another important reminder is to prioritise pockets so you can keep your passport and IDs close to you and not buried deep, hidden below a neck pillow.
