Imagine getting out of a plane after a long flight. You’ve dealt with cramped leg space, battled time zones, survived the wait at the conveyor belt and stood in line endlessly for your turn at the restroom. You cannot be blamed for walking out of the airport dishevelled and ready to crash into your bed. This however, doesn’t necessarily hold true if you’re a known face. If ‘celebrity spotting’ is anything to go by, the airport seems to be the new runway.
British Airways recently released a list of the best-dressed celebrity travellers—the stylish women who sashay in and out of flights without a hair out of place. Featuring in the list are style icons such as Victoria Beckham, Heidi Klum, Angelina Jolie and Amal Clooney. Turns out, celebrities closer home are indulging the trend as well. With the paparazzi clicking away at the arrival lounge, it’s not uncommon for tinsel townies to rush to the ladies room to powder their nose or as the case may be, to slather on a fresh layer of blush.
Says a Bollywood manager, “It is very common for actresses to travel light when they fly out of an international destination. Very often they dress simple at the US, Europe airports but they will utilise the time at a stopover in Dubai to dress up so they’re camera-ready during the Mumbai touchdown. Whether they like it or not, the photographers are at the gates and they are going to click, so one might as well pose pretty.”
Says singer/model Sophie Choudry, “Earlier you’d have your pictures published — no questions asked, but now you are being judged for your fashion quotient. There are times when you have had an exhausting travel schedule and the last thing on your mind is how your hair is behaving! I style myself most times even for the red carpet events but I do get contacted by designers for ‘airport outfits’.”
She adds, “While I don’t change my outfits, I always make it a point to do a little touch up no matter where I am. Lipstick, perfume and hair check is a must. I like to be comfortable while travelling so you will always find me in jeans, leggings or pants. I don’t think I could ever travel in a dress because I freeze on flights. And just for the sake of a photo, I don’t want to be uncomfortable during my journey.”
“For the longest time, I wasn’t even aware that there was a trend called the ‘airport look’,” reveals actress Swara Bhaskar, on the other hand. “For me comfort comes first — I would just end up going to the airport wearing pajamas and shoes. Add to that the fact that I absolutely hate wearing heels! Sonam (Kapoor) ends up giving me a lot of styling tips, actually. She had even sent her stylist to me while I was heading to China for an award ceremony there!”
How to nail the look
Want to crack the perfect airport look? Read on...
Comfort comes first, no matter what. You can’t go wrong with an easy, chic dress and a crossbody bag
Try boyfriend jackets and shirts teamed with jeans
Layer yourself well. Temperatures inside flights and outside could vary.
Wear comfortable flat shoes, high sneakers or boots. Avoid heels as much as you can.
