6 Chic Travel Outfits That Still Embrace TikTok’s "Airport Rules" Trend

The golden age of travel was as much about the art of dressing as the thrill of flying. Men donned their finest suits, while women carefully curated their travel capsule wardrobes inspired by their next adventure. While some travelers may have been well-heeled, they weren’t A-listers jetting off on private planes. These were just everyday people who embraced the magic of air travel, relishing in the experience that was, back then, something truly special—and dressing the part made it all the more fun.

Today, the air travel dress code has evolved significantly. TikTok's "airport rules" mindset—in which routines and societal norms are temporarily thrown out the window— has declared that anything really goes when it comes to style and indulgences once you've passed security (within limits, of course). But even if flying today can provoke a fugue state, there's still a way to channel just a little bit of that ethos from the early days of aviation—when onboard martinis were shaken, shrimp cocktails were served, and luggage weight limits simply didn’t exist.

While you’re probably carrying your party attire onto the plane rather than wearing it nowadays, it’s still possible to balance comfort and style at 30,000 feet. Although there are no official airport or airplane attire rules, that doesn't mean that spandex leggings and haphazard layers have to be your only options for travel days. Even today, the journey can be as fun as the destination with the right attitude and outfit.

So before you get to the airport and lose perspective entirely, consider these foolproof outfit formulas that balance practicality and TikTok’s airport rules. And don't worry—no one saw you having Doritos for breakfast in Terminal B.

Wherever you call home, you can travel there without sacrificing comfort. Opt for a tailored wool coat that doubles as a statement piece while discreetly concealing your cozy travel layers underneath. Meanwhile, a great trendy sneaker elevates your airport look and makes dashing between terminals a breeze. And let’s not forget the ultimate carry-on: a spacious, structured bag with an adjustable crossbody strap that keeps your hands free for coffee, tickets, or a last-minute gift run (eek!). Sometimes, airport rules can come back to bite you!

A long-haul flight can be surprisingly productive—a quiet window seat to tackle last-minute projects and emails before wrapping up the year or a guilt-free opportunity to indulge in a nonstop marathon of holiday romance movies (in true #airportrules spirit). Whether you’re crossing states or continents, the secret to a painless travel day lies in comfortable travel separates. A pair of sleek, house-inspired slippers or ballet flats with sturdy soles ensures comfort without sacrificing style, while a roomy bucket bag with a drawstring makes grabbing your in-flight essentials no fuss. Don’t forget a great wool or cashmere scarf—it doubles as a stand-in for an airline blanket that never really gets the job done.

Even on a short flight, skip restrictive jeans and opt for soft bottoms that are still polished—like tailored knit trousers or joggers. Pair them with a lightweight cardigan for easy layering, and top it all off with a structured, Jackie O-inspired jacket to pull the look together. This combination lets you leave the plane feeling fresh and ready for the rest of your day. Use that oversized designer handbag as an overnight or weekender bag if you're a light packer, and a versatile pair of loafers are foolproof wherever you're headed after touching down.

Dressing for travel between a cold destination and a warm one can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re headed to a tropical getaway—first of all, lucky you!—master the transition with lightweight, buildable layers that can be shed as you step into warmer weather. Start with a breathable base like a onesie and t-shirt. A packable raincoat is a smart addition, especially for those unpredictable island showers. A spacious straw or raffia tote doubles as a stylish carry-on and a beach bag for your trip, saving valuable suitcase space. Wearing your bulkiest sandals with socks a la Daisey Edgar-Jones for the flight frees up room in your luggage (because, let’s face it, you were definitely flirting with the weight limit), and you can strip off socks to bare feet as soon as you land in paradise.

Meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time—straight off a flight—calls for something other than gym sweats. You don’t need to go overboard, but thoughtful choices can make a great first impression. Think of a pair of wide-leg pants in a soft, stretchy fabric paired with a great cardigan you see yourself wearing throughout the trip. Top it off with a tailored duster coat for a polished touch that masks the chaos you feel after nearly missing the flight.

Heading to the mountains or a colder destination is a day that calls for lots of breathable layers. A faux fur coat keeps you warm and sets the tone for an après-ski chic aesthetic (because the après is the main event of any ski vacation). Light-reflecting sunglasses save your eyes from the bright snow while doubling as a stylish, on-trend accessory. Underneath, layer up with a chunky fair isle knit sweater and cashmere joggers for insulation without bulk. A snowproof Ugg boot or clog is practical enough for icy terrain but chic enough to wear fireside with spiked cocoa.