Nowadays, airport style is all about comfort, and rightly so. As airlines squeeze passengers for every last cent they can get, seats have gotten smaller, legroom is scant, and you can absolutely forget about having an empty seat next to you. But there was once a day where flying was a chance to get dressed up.
The airport has always been an opportunity for celebrities to showcase their style, as it was a reliable press opportunity. Nothing epitomized glamour like descending the stairs of a plane in a fabulous outfit. But a lot has changed about air travel, be it security restrictions to the social shift against private jets. Now, flying is no longer a leisurely activity, but Herculean effort. It s a somewhat humbling experience for all who don t own the aforementioned private jets, as everybody is forced to contend with long wait times, lines, and obscene markups on subpar airport food.
Now, we ll take comfort wherever we can get it, and celebrities are no exception to that rule. But we didn’t just jump from mink coats and pillbox hats to tracksuits and Uggs overnight. Below, take a look at how we got from the dazzling travel looks of the past, to the present day airplane ‘fit, decade by decade.
1950s
Back in the days where air travel was still exclusive, boarding a jet was a fashion opportunity. Stars turned out in suits, heels, and fur coats.
1960s
While air travel was popularized through the 60s, it was still very much an occasion to dress up. This decade saw celebs embracing their personal style a bit more as regular people flocked to the skies.
1970s
Diverging from the traditional feminine airport style of the prior decades, the 1970s saw a more playful approach to flying fashion. Suiting, denim, and boots were all de rigueur.
1980s
By the end of the ‘80s, people regularly wore their run-of-the-mill outfits to fly. Still, that doesn’t stop eye-catching looks from actors, singers, and royalty, alike.
1990s
By now, the days of tea-length dresses and gloves are long gone. In an era marked by androgyny and neutrals, stars airport outfits are no exception.
2000s
Y2K is in full swing! These days, celebs are dressing for comfort while rocking some of the most iconic aughts trends, from oversized sunglasses to trucker hats.
2010s
Celebrities proved in this era that big glasses and comfy fits are key.
2020s
While going to the airport is still a total chore post-pandemic, they also now feel like a gateway to a world that was closed off for so long. Along with travelers, elevated airport style seems to be making a return to the skies.
