About to head off on your holiday? Once your packing’s done and you know everything’s in check, you only have one more thing to think about: the airport outfit.
The outfit that you choose to wear on holiday can affect your commute. From feeling on-trend for drinks at the airport lounge to feeling comfy on a long flight, this SS18-inspired fashion guide will set you straight on how to dress in style and comfort when you check-in.
Flying long-haul
Going on a long-haul flight? Not only do you have more time to spend at the airport before your flight, but you also have longer to sit on the plane. So, comfort merged with style is crucial to make your commute pass swiftly.
Choose an outfit that’s fashionable but also makes you feel at ease. Go for a plain tee in a shade that matches the band on your side-stripe joggers — this clothing piece was on all the catwalks at the men’s SS18 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.
Flying short-haul
After a short-haul flight, it’s likely that you’ll head out shortly after landing. Put together a look that fits a bar or restaurant crowd to make sure you can head straight out after check-in.
Take this opportunity to prioritise your style on a short-haul flight. 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.
A city getaway
If you’re flying for a city break, you need an outfit with an on-trend, urban look when you check-in for the flight.
Look through your wardrobe and pull out 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.
Business only
Think comfortable and formal when you’re travelling for business. 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.
One pattern that’s big in SS18 is checks. Whether you go for larger window pane checks or a smaller grid check, a square-pattern men’s 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.
Heading for the sun
Channel beach vibes at the airport with the ideal outfit.
Prints are big this season! So, button-up a short-sleeve shirt featuring a palm tree pattern and pull on a pair of beige or blue stretch shorts for the ultimate beach-ready look that’ll be comfy enough for a flight. If you don’t fancy wearing shorts at the airport bar, go for light-coloured chinos with a vertical-stripe shirt — a pattern that will be everywhere in men’s fashion throughout summer this year. Boat shoes make perfect holiday footwear, or you can opt for slip-on canvas sneakers for the same laid-back effect.
Fashion tips to remember
Whichever type of holiday you’re heading on, there are a few key fashion rules you should follow if you want to make your journey as comfortable and hassle-free as possible.
- 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.
Touch down in style with our top tips!