Cashmere, shades, no heels: how to do A-list airport style like the jet set

“I think this is where you see the true style of the celebrity, right? I can’t imagine them calling up their stylists for airport arrival wear. I loved the vintage pictures of Audrey Hepburn with her big glasses, her hair in a scarf, tailored coat and her Vuitton bag – it was so chic,” she says.

Bessette-Kennedy’s approach is, of course, another long-time source of inspiration.

“I love CBK’s airport style, it’s practical – always trousers/top combo – there is a dash of slickness to it, like an Hermès belt or her Prada open-toe sandals. Her luggage was classic, nothing with logos. There was almost a sporty techy vibe to her carry-ons, which I love too,” she says.

Arrivals in Cannes for the film festival are often a good hunting ground. In May, French actress Virginie Ledoyen was the ideal “French girl” in crisp white trousers and navy double-breasted blazer, while model Didi-Stone’s bright red Miu Miu set offered a high octane take on comfort. The good thing is, there’s no one way to pull off airport style.

As for her own travel style, Kumar Nair prioritises versatility and practicality, while still looking pulled together.

“I love layering. I will start with a good Petit Bateau tank, then either a shirt or a long-sleeve T-shirt – it usually ends up being a Comme des Garçons Play collection – and a sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan, usually a Margaret Howell because she has amazing quality in wool and cashmere that won’t pull because of the cold air on planes,” she says. “I have a slew of pashmina shawls that I have collected over the years and will always take one with me. Trousers or slacks – never jeans – and most often my Gucci loafers or Charvet slippers, because, well, they are slippers and so comfortable.”

Sinead Cutts, style director of online retailer The Outnet, is another fan of dressing well in transit. “While I won’t be flying to my destination on a private jet, I still like to channel my inner Brigitte Bardot or Jackie O by keeping my look as chic as possible. I avoid wearing sweats and try to stay smart, you never know when an upgrade might be on the cards!” she says.

Comfort, however, is still a priority for Cutts, who says classic flared jeans, white T-shirts, chunky knits and cashmere socks are among her in-flight essentials.

The enduring obsession with vintage celebrity airport photos, says Cutts, is a throwback to a time when people lived, and travelled, differently. However, she believes they more than retain their allure now.

“Travel in the 50s, 60s and even the 70s was an exclusive affair, reserved for the rich and famous. It wasn’t until new affordable airlines launched in the noughties, when athleisure brands took over ‘airport style’, that it lost its allure,” she notes.

“The iconic, posed shots of the Hollywood elite stepping off their jets in smart skirt suits and court shoes were unique at the time, as fans were only used to seeing their favourite icons in red carpet attire. But even today we continue to obsess over what our celebrities wear when they’re in their off-duty attire for travel.”

Cutts’ list of her own air travel style icons includes classic film stars Elizabeth Taylor and Catherine Deneuve, but also notes how Kate Moss and Julia Roberts changed up air travel style in the 90s with denim and chic, relaxed blazers.

As for leads to follow in when looking to travel stylishly today, Cutts says you can’t go wrong with cashmere for comfort while still looking polished. Her one no-no? High heels.

“[B]rands like Arch4, Tove, Nili Lotan, Toteme are all great for capsule travel outfits. Slip-on ballet pumps would be my choice of footwear, heels at the airport still baffle me,” she adds. “In my opinion, there is never a place for a heel when waiting in line at passport control.”