Travel Essentials and Questionable Footwear Trend: Introducing the Informal Travel Wardrobe Staples, including Aluminum Luggage, Pedal Pushers, and that Disputed Flat-Shoe Style
Airport style has undergone a significant transformation over the decades, mirroring broader fashion trends and cultural shifts. In the swinging sixties, airport fashion embraced the space-age look, with boxy shapes, bold accessories, and futuristic materials like vinyl and patent leather, as exemplified by designers such as André Courrèges who popularized go-go boots and helmet-like hats[1].
Through the 1970s, practical travel accessories like large weekend bags and briefcases became fashionable, with a move towards neutral shades and iconic handbags like the Hermès Kelly[2]. The 1980s and 1990s returned to more structured, professional styles, influenced by mod fashion and minimalism — including tailored blazers and casual preppy looks with brands like Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch dominating airport style[4][5].
The golden era of 1990s airport style is remembered for blending casual ease with celebrity glamour, showcasing effortless yet chic outfits of stars like George Clooney and Matthew McConaughey — a time when airport attire became aspirational and widely emulated[3].
The recent shift towards prioritizing comfort combined with fashion in airport style is led by personalities like Charli XCX, who embody this new balance. Charli XCX champions an "airport style" that focuses on versatile, comfortable clothing that remains stylish — reflecting modern travelers’ needs to move easily through airports while still expressing individual aesthetic tastes. Influenced by current culture valuing athleisure, relaxed fits, and fashion-forward yet practical choices, she exemplifies the ongoing trend of blending streetwear with luxury, making travel wear both functional and fashionable.
Modern Essentials
The Bigger Carry-On Suitcase from Away is made of aluminum, making it a popular choice among fashionable individuals with expensive taste[6]. For those seeking leather ballet flats, H&M offers a stylish option[7]. When it comes to pants, the Reformation Petra Linen Low Rise Pedal Pusher Pant is longer in style, providing a contemporary look[8]. COSCotton-Blend Capri Pants are also available, offering a more traditional fit[9].
Celebrity Endorsements
Maison Margiela's Tabi flats, with their split-toe design, are popular among celebrities such as Zendaya, Emma Chamberlain, and Kylie Jenner[10]. Charli XCX has been spotted wearing these flats, pairing them with an all-black outfit at Heathrow Airport in London[11]. Repetto Cendrillon Ballerina Flats are a favorite of Kaia Gerber[12].
Comfort Meets Style
Despite the split-toe design, the Maison Margiela Tabi flats are reportedly quite comfortable[13]. The Row Stella Slippers have supple leather for a comfortable fit[14]. The Free People Bette Super Slim Capri have a trouser-style waistband, offering a stylish and comfortable fit[15]. The SNDYS X Revolve Capri Pants are a stylish and affordable option for pants to pair with the Maison Margiela Tabi flats[16].
Beauty Trends
Jennifer Aniston has tried and loved two face creams from IG beauty recs[17]. Nikki Chwatt, an associate fashion editor based in New York City, joining the platform in 2024, is on a mission to help others understand that there is no "good" or "bad" style[18].
The Future of Airport Style
With the TSA recently ending the "shoes off" policy, it's easier than ever to pass through security with the Maison Margiela Tabi flats[19]. As we move forward, it's clear that airport style will continue to evolve, reflecting the ever-changing fashion landscape and the needs of modern travelers.
[1] https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2022-ready-to-wear/andre-courreges [2] https://www.hermes.com/uk/handbags/kelly-bag/product-167748 [3] https://www.thecut.com/2019/04/the-golden-age-of-airport-style.html [4] https://www.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=1090146 [5] https://www.abercrombie.com/ [6] https://www.awaytravel.com/us/en/luggage/bigger-carry-on [7] https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0610894003.html [8] https://www.reformation.com/products/petra-linen-low-rise-pedal-pusher-pant [9] https://www.cos.com/us/en/product/10273556-cos-cotton-blend-capri-pants [10] https://www.maisonmargiela.com/en/women/shoes/tabi-flats/ [11] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10936427/Charli-XCX-spotted-Heathrow-Airport-London-all-black-outfit.html [12] https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2022-ready-to-wear/repetto [13] https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2022-ready-to-wear/maison-margiela [14] https://www.therow.com/products/stella-slipper [15] https://freepeople.com/products/bette-super-slim-capri/10054626.html [16] https://www.revolve.com/products/sndys-x-revolve-capri-pants [17] https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skincare/g39868074/jennifer-aniston-beauty-routine/ [18] https://www.instagram.com/nikkichwatt/ [19] https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/shoes-removal
- Charli XCX's airport style promotes versatile travel outfits that combine comfort with fashion, emulating the current trend of merging streetwear with luxury and providing an aesthetic expression for modern travelers.
- Influential celebrities like Zendaya, Emma Chamberlain, Kylie Jenner, Kaia Gerber, and Charli XCX have been seen endorsing Maison Margiela's Tabi flats, a fashionable footwear choice that balances comfort and style in airport style.
- As airport style continues to evolve, it reflects the ever-changing fashion landscape, blending comfort and practicality with fashion-forward choices in clothing, accessories, and beauty products, while celebrity glamour continues to influence and inspire travel outfits, aligning with the broader lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty trends.
