'This is my chic yet comfortable airport outfit formula as a frequent flyer.'

Day to day, I put little thought into what I wear. But on my travel days, I dress for the runway.

Unlike a traditional fashion runway, in an airport, there are obstacles you must navigate, such as security sensors, fluctuating temperatures and air pressure, all while looking cute enough to snap a picture in front of the departure sign.

So, what is the ultimate airport outfit? As a frequent flyer who travels a lot for work and leisure, I have figured it out.

It's comfortable, stylish and most importantly, practical. Let me break it down…

Watch: Must-Pack Travel Essentials. Post continues after video.

My exact airport outfit formula.

Rule 1. Comfort is key.

If you've ever flown for 24 hours straight, you will understand the importance of this.

I once took off my pants on a long haul flight because the waistband was unbearably tight. They weren't tight when I got to the airport, but many factors like the change in air pressure in the cabin, travel stress and salty plane food caused me bloat so bad I had to fashion a temporary skirt out of my blanket.

Don't worry, I changed back before the cabin lights came on but it wasn't a pleasant experience! 

Now, I opt for wide leg pants with stretch over jeans. When I'm travelling domestically, it looks like this:

Image: Supplied.

Other non-negotiables for me are comfortable trainers with socks. 

Chunky sandals look cool until you have to remove them because they've set the security sensors off.

The next thing you know, your dogs are coming into direct contact with the cold, grubby airport floor as you tip toe through the scanner and for some reason there's always a guy in a suit who tries to catch a glimpse at your bare feet as you both wait in front of the conveyor belt.

It's not for me, not for free! That's why I always wear my trainers and socks. 

Shop the look:

• Feather & Noise Noah Wide Pant - Chocolate Pink Stripe, $89.95

• Feather & Noise Noah Wide Pant - Camel Stripe, $89.95

• The Iconic Rio Branco II Alveomesh, $230.00

• Prene Air Luggage (SILVER) Original 24" Aluminium Suitcase, $499.00

• Nimble On The Move Shirt, $179

Rule 2. Style is important.

Airport style is traditionally boring, there I said it.

Walk into any airport and look out across the departures hall and you'll generally see 50 shades of grey (and not in a sexy way). 

No one really wears colourful clothing, but I've always thought, if you're going to the airport, you are lucky enough to be going somewhere so let that excitement be reflected in what you wear. 

Image: Supplied.

The easiest way to instantly elevate your look from just comfortable to comfortable and chic is with a trench coat.

A trench gives structure to a comfy outfit and the extra pockets come in handy if you are slightly over the carry on baggage limit (you didn't hear it from me). 

Shop the look:

• Next Sand Shower Resistant Trench Coat, $122.00

• Next Chocolate Brown Waterproof Trench Coat, $150.00

• Witchery Denim Trench Coat, AUD $149.95

• Delsey Chatelet Air 2 55cm 4 Double Wheel Cabin Trolley Suitcase in Angora, $347.00

In fear that I've just offended a large group of people who wear grey and black to the airport because they fly for work and necessity and not because it's a fashion show, here are a couple of dressier travel looks that you can wear from the airport to the office.

I work in the creative industries so I can flash a bit of a knee but if you don't, stick with relaxed tailoring.

Image: Supplied.

Shop the look:

• Feather & Noise Arlo Denim Shirt - Dark Blue, $79.95

• Feather & Noise Arlo Denim Pant - Dark Blue, $99.95

• Jac Cadeaux Cashmere & Wool French Racer Crewneck Sweater - BEIGE, $216.00

• Witchery Denim Tee Dress, $199.00

Rule 3. Choose practicality, always.

Frequent flyers generally have a repertoire of travel clothes that are practical and versatile so that they can go straight from the airport to a day of meetings.

That means choosing fabrics that are crease resistant and staying away from materials like linen. They opt for pants over dresses and skirts.

On the rare occasion that I wear a dress it will usually be made of weighted material or I'll throw a long trench over the top so that it doesn't fly up when walking across the tarmac. I also avoid wearing anything I can trip on while climbing the stairs to the aircraft. 

The kids these days are on about the fact that crossbody bags aren't cool anymore, you know what isn't cool? Losing your passport because you left your shoulder bag at the coffee stand.

I always incorporate a crossbody bag into my outfit so that I can secure my belongings and be hands free. 

Image: Supplied.

Shop the look:

• M&S Quilted Chain Strap Cross Body Shoulder Bag, $91.99

• M&S Faux Leather Cross Body Bag, $80.99

Layering is also super important. Last week I flew from the Sunshine Coast where it was 25 degrees at takeoff to Melbourne where it was 11 degrees and raining.

For this occasion I layered a tank with an oversized shirt and a water resistant trench coat with a hood so I was comfortable on both ends of the journey. 

Domestic travel outfits vs. what to wear on a long-haul flight.

Image: Supplied.

As a rule of thumb, I always dress up more for domestic flights than I do for international travel.

When it comes to long haul flights, loungewear is absolutely acceptable. At the moment, I'm loving wearing a knitted bomber as it helps elevate an otherwise casual pair of trackpants. 

You may say that trackpants are not appropriate to wear outside the house, even on a long-haul flight, but I'd argue that they are better than trying to secretly make a skirt out of a plane blanket when you're 14 hours in and can no longer button your jeans! 

Shop the look:

• Nimble Everyday Knit Bomber Jacket, $199.00

• Prene Air Luggage (SILVER) Original 24" Aluminium Suitcase, $499.00

• Nimble Me Time, $149.00

Feature Image: Supplied.

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