I Didn't Think I Could Wear Jeans at the Airport, But These Outfits Have Proved Me Wrong
So, the countdown to your holiday is on and with each passing day, your suitcase is packing itself, filled to the brim with enough pretty broderie anglaise dresses and lightweight linen sets to last a month. The group chat has already started pinging with plans, from boat trips to vineyard tours, and you can almost smell the salty air of your chosen Euro summer escape.
If we're honest, it's a feeling we spend all year chasing. Before the beach clubs, long lunches and golden-hour strolls, though, comes the less glamorous part: the airport. Now normally, I am not one to overdress for a flight; I've boarded more planes than I'd care to admit in questionable outfits—think mismatched activewear or an (accidentally) coffee-stained T-shirt. But on the cusp of hitting my late 20s, I decided it was time for an upgrade. Inspired by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Amal Clooney—both of whom have mastered the art of airport dressing, often relying on a great pair of jeans—I took my cue from the ultimate capsule wardrobe staple.
After wearing a jeans-based airport outfit on my first trip of the summer, I'm now convinced they're the chicest—and most practical—thing you can fly in. Not only do they protect you from aeroplane seats that have seen more than their fair share of bare legs and bottoms, but they'll also keep you cosy when the cabin air conditioning is cranked up to Arctic-adjacent levels.
Perhaps most importantly, wearing your jeans on the plane frees up valuable suitcase space. A precious commodity when travelling, it helps you avoid those dreaded excess baggage charges while leaving more room for holiday shopping. And really, what's better than that?
In search of fresh inspiration for my next summer getaway, I headed straight to the Instagram feeds of the chicest dressers I know. Luckily, they're just as sold on wearing jeans to the airport. Whether styled with tank tops and flip flops or jumpers and clogs, each of these airport outfits proves that jeans are a travel staple worth relying on. Scroll on to see how they're styling them in 2026—and, of course, shop each look along the way.
5 Airport Outfits with Jeans Worth Saving:
1. Bolero + Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Using her blue tweed blazer to add warmth up top, Hannah (pictured above) wears white jeans to the airport. Keeping her look clean and classic, she inject colour through her dusty blue suede bag and matching ballet flats.
Shop the Look:
Whilst Hannah's blue bolero is sold out, Align still have stock in this mint green colour.
A classic.
Find me a chicer pair of jeans, I dare you.
Suede ballet flats have been all over my social media this summer.
Shop Hannah's excat bag.
2. Tank Top + Jeans + Mesh Flats
Style Notes: Take it from Margot Robbie: you can wear mesh ballet flats to the airport. But if you want them to look chicer, why not style them with jeans? Keeping her look neutral, Jamie Ridge (pictured above) matches her black Alaïa flats to her Kelly 28, instantly brightening her tan denim and a white tank top. Finished with '70s-inspired specs, it's a look that you can take from the plane to strolling the city.
Shop the look:
Shop Jamie's exact jeans.
A Who What Wear UK editors favourite.
Iconic.
With Ebay's rigorous authentication process, you can trust you're getting genuine piece at a fantastic price.
This piece will transition with you through the year.
3. Sweatshirt + Jeans + Clogs
Style Notes: As I said, planes get chilly, so styling your jeans with a sweatshirt as Olivia (pictured above) has is a smart idea. Finished with a Birkenstock Boston clog and a warm-weather-appropriate raffia bag, what I love most about this look is how it can be adapted. Pack your jumper away and hey presto, you have a casual day 1 look.
Shop the Look:
This also looks polished with leggings and trainers.
This pair comes in 27 colours.
Years after its release, Birkenstock Boston clogs is still a fashion persons favourite.
Find me a chicer summer bag.
Shop Olivia's exact sunnies.
4. Wind Breaker + Jeans + Ballet Flat
Style Notes: Start as you mean to go on and serve looks from the airport to the shore in Grece Ghanem (pictured above) fashion. From her statement-making Saint Laurent windbreaker to her sculptural square-toe slingback heels, I have this look pinned ahead of my next trip.
Shop the Look:
From Grace to the F1 Wags, this Saint Laurent jacket is a hot commodity this season.
Coming in waist 23 to 34 and lengths extra short to extra long, you're sure to find a pair of Abercrombie jeans to suit.
The bow detail elevates this pair of satin sling-backs.
Find me a chicer travel bag I dare you.
The best way to keep the suns rays at bay.
5. Tank Top + Jeans + Flip Flops
Style Notes: If you're looking to cheat the system, may I be the first to introduce you to the sweatpant jeans. Balancing a trackies comfort with the polished appearance of denim, this style has been all over social media this summer. For a casual look, pair with flip flops and a tank top.
Shop the Look:
These look almost identical to Sara Walker's (above).
The ribbing adds stretch.
The fashion set are still loving jelly sandals this summer.
Take Sara's lead and personalise your Longchamp Le Pliage so it doesn't get lost.
If you still need to invest in suitcase, Antler make some of the chicest cases around.
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