10 Stylish Outfits Women Over 40 Can Wear To The Airport

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Stylish travel outfits are a must at any age, but over 40, the priorities shift towards more comfortable, practical outfits. Gone are the days of experimenting with sky-high heels while running to catch a plane, or chafing from an experimental pair of leather pants on a long-haul flight. We've all learned these lessons the hard way, which is why the comprehensive list of the absolute worst things you can wear to an airport is useful and helpful. Even small pieces can cause problems, so think twice before wearing these accessories to the airport. The naïveté of those years of being a 20-something traveler brought with them some valuable lessons, and the ins and outs of what to wear at the airport are high on the list. 

While being comfortable is key, travel is also a time of joy and adventure, and it feels nice to mark a special trip with a stylish flair. This is why we're after the best airport outfits that check off both of those important factors for women over 40. So whether your flight gets delayed or you lose your suitcase, it's wise to mindfully plan the travel outfit. 

An airport outfit requires room to move, which is why wide-leg denim can be a quality option for traveling women over 40. Style oversized denim with a loose top and, most importantly, don't forget a sweater. Airplanes can get chilly, and a lightweight cardigan offers the chance to bundle up while jet-setting. Finish off this effortless travel look with a comfy pair of sneakers. These allow you to slip on a pair of socks, so there isn't the icky discomfort of going through security barefoot if you're required to take your shoes off. 

For women over 40, it's no surprise that travel can take more of a toll. Reduced physical stamina and slower jet lag recovery can make travel a tad more arduous than it used to be. But this doesn't mean that we stop traveling. We simply get more strategic. A loose pair of drawstring linen trousers offer an inviting solution. Pair with a sizeable raffia bag to carry personal items, and finish off the look with a comfortable cotton t-shirt and sneakers. Add a jaunty scarf for a touch of personal style. 

The last thing we want to think about while navigating airports is swollen feet in impractical shoes or restrictive pants that make sitting on a long flight a drag. A chic, comfy jumpsuit is the unsung hero of travel days for women over 40 (or for any age, as a matter of fact). This one-piece jumpsuit from Amazon features a wide-leg structure that's a cinch to style. Wear comfortable, roomy footwear and throw a sweater over your shoulders for an extra layer. 

An easy compass to use when putting together a stylish travel outfit is to keep everything one color. After all, monochromatic looks create winning outfits even on the laziest day. And with all the added stresses that can pile up while traveling, you don't want your outfit draining mental energy that's better spent elsewhere. Elegant, wide-leg cream pants work beautifully even on long-haul flights. Pair these with a tonal tank top and don't forget that cardigan for layered warmth. 

It is completely acceptable to travel in a dress. Typically, it's advisable to steer clear of anything too short; this includes skirts, mini dresses, and shorts because bare skin can get chaffed on an emergency evacuation slide. While this is rare, of course, there's also the fact that it's inadvisable to have bare skin come in contact with high-use airplane seats. For hygienic reasons, a maxi dress offers more coverage and protection. A comfy stretch dress pairs beautifully with chunky sneakers for easy travel. 

A matching leisure suit can make outfit planning so easy when getting ready to travel. Choose a two-piece suit that's roomy and breathable. For added layers, style the suit over a simple cotton t-shirt and carry an extra cardigan or jacket depending on the weather. Style this with comfy, slide-in shoes that have room for a pair of socks underneath, or even compression socks, so that you're not barefoot in the airport. Neutral colors create a good travel base in case you spill your coffee while moving from one terminal to the next. 

While stretchy, comfy pants seem to get all the glory for travel outfits, a long skirt is still a very viable and stylish option at the airport. The trick is to choose a skirt with some stretch and give, making the outfit more comfortable. Best of all, a long skirt gives an air of sophistication that many travelers enjoy. Pair it with a tucked-in button-down for an added layer of warmth on the flight, and keep those trusty sneakers on. Finish off the look with a belt for that final touch of style. 

Sneakers get a lot of airtime as the ideal travel shoe; it makes sense, since they offer stretch, they're comfortable, and they layer over socks, which is great for shoe removal at airport security. However, not everyone loves sneakers. For older women who want a touch of glamour on their travel day, black loafers are a chic and comfortable option. Wear them with a pair of no-show, ankle-length liners like this pair on Amazon. Style the look with loose trousers and a sharp blazer with an extra cardigan. 

For some women, leggings are genuinely the most comfortable pants choice, and this is perfectly okay. Plus, leggings really do work well with sneakers. The challenge is how to add that touch of sophistication on an exciting travel day. Thankfully, leggings layer wonderfully with more sophisticated pieces, making them easy to dress up. A structured blazer lends a hand by adding sharp tailoring. A comfortable cotton base layer adds comfort, while a ball cap gives the look a final flourish of cool-girl energy. 

Black joggers, secured with an adjustable waistband, are a stylish and comfortable base layer for a day at the airport. Layer them with a breathable cotton t-shirt and add some style with an olive-green jacket for a jolt of personal touch. Sneakers, of course, work great with joggers, making the outfit charming and effortless. Plus, many joggers tend to be lightweight and quick-drying, so they're a great travel buddy, making for easy washes between wears. You can pack lighter and still look stylish.