You have seen her by now. Daisy Edgar-Jones stepping off a plane at the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport ahead of the Cannes Film Festival, and the internet collectively paused. She was not in leggings. She was not in a sweatshirt. Instead, she wore a white midi dress with an oatmeal sweater draped over her shoulders, finished with minimalist black ballet flats. It looked effortless, polished, and surprisingly comfortable. This moment has sparked a new conversation around airport dress styling, shifting the look away from purely lounge-influenced outfits toward something more intentional. Here are five it-girl ways to embrace this approach for your next trip.
Swap Leggings for a Fitted and Flared Midi Dress
Why the shift matters
For years, the uniform for air travel has been built around maximum stretch. Leggings, joggers, and oversized sweatpants have dominated boarding gates. They prioritize softness over structure. The problem is that they often look rushed, as if the outfit was an afterthought chosen purely for the hours spent in a seat. The it-girl approach changes this entirely.
A midi dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt offers a completely different silhouette. Because the bodice is tailored rather than loose, your outfit reads as intentional from the moment you walk into the terminal. The flared skirt then provides the freedom of movement you actually need. You can walk at a brisk pace through a long concourse, bend to retrieve items from your carry-on, or shift positions during a flight without feeling constrained. It replaces the typical leggings-and-sweatshirt combo with an elegant line that photographs well and feels deliberate.
The specific dress worn by Edgar-Jones is a white midi that is fitted at the bodice with a flared midi skirt. This structure is what makes airport dress styling work for women who want sophistication without stiffness. The skirt portion allows your legs to move freely, while the fitted top keeps the overall shape clean and defined.
Practical concerns addressed
Some travelers worry that a dress will ride up or require constant adjustment during a flight. A midi length eliminates that problem. The hem falls below the knee, typically landing around the calf, so there is no risk of it shifting awkwardly when you sit down. Fabrics with a bit of weight, such as cotton poplin or linen blends, drape well and resist creasing. If you choose a dress with a smocked back or a ruched bodice, you also get gentle stretch at the waist, which accommodates a meal or a long layover without pressure.
For those who cannot imagine wearing a dress on a plane, consider starting with a knit midi dress. Knit fabrics offer the same ease as leggings but in a flared or A-line cut. You retain the cozy feel while gaining the structured, put-together shape that defines this trend.
Drape a Sweater Over Your Shoulders
More than a style choice
The element that gives this look its signature polish is the oatmeal sweater draped loosely over the shoulders. It is not worn as a top. It is worn as a layered accessory, and it serves two critical functions. First, it introduces a preppy, refined note that makes the entire outfit look considered rather than thrown together. Second, it provides immediate access to warmth without requiring you to carry an extra layer in your hand.
Airplane cabins are notoriously cold, with temperatures often dropping to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit during cruising altitude. Having a sweater draped and ready means you can pull it on in seconds. The oatmeal color in particular works as a neutral that complements a white dress without creating a stark contrast. It softens the overall look and adds texture.
The draped sweater gave the entire look an elegantly preppy feel. That preppy aesthetic signals a level of care that is rare in airport fashion. It tells the world that you considered your outfit as a whole, not just as separate pieces thrown into a bag.
How to keep it in place
A common frustration with this styling trick is that the sweater slips off. The solution is surprisingly simple. Secure the sleeves by crossing them over your chest and tucking the ends under the opposite armhole of the dress. Alternatively, use a small safety pin on the inside of the sweater to attach it to the dress strap or the neckline. This keeps the sweater positioned perfectly without altering the visual effect.
If you prefer a no-pin method, choose a sweater with slightly heavier knit weight. A lightweight cashmere blend will drape beautifully but may slide more easily. A thicker cotton or merino wool crewneck has more friction against fabric and stays put naturally. Either way, the key is to keep the sweater loose across your shoulders, not pulled tight around your neck.
Choose Ballet Flats Over Sneakers
Comfort without the athletic look
Sneakers have dominated airport footwear for good reason. They cushion your feet for long walks and provide arch support during hours of standing in security lines. However, they also lean heavily into a casual aesthetic that can clash with a midi dress. The it-girl alternative is a soft-leather ballet flat.
Edgar-Jones paired her white dress with minimalist black ballet flats made from soft leather. These are described as supremely walkable, which is exactly what you need in an airport. The difference between a cheap ballet flat and a well-made one is significant. Look for flats with a padded insole, a low but present heel (about a quarter-inch is enough to support the arch), and a flexible outsole. Soft leather molds to your foot over time, preventing the blisters that come from rigid synthetic materials. The result is a shoe that looks polished, fits inside a small personal item bag, and keeps you comfortable through a cross-country itinerary.
Why not sneakers
Sneakers add bulk to the ankle area, which can shorten the visual line of a midi dress. Ballet flats, on the other hand, keep the ankle exposed and create a continuous line from the hem of the dress to your toes. This elongation effect is what makes the outfit feel elegant rather than sporty. If you absolutely need more support than a flat provides, consider a sleek leather loafer with a low block heel. It preserves the polished look while offering a bit more structure for the arch.
For travelers who will be on their feet for six hours or more, bring a pair of foldable ballet flats in your carry-on. Change into them after security, and your feet will thank you.
Accessorize With a Structured Mini Bag
The bag that completes the look
In the original outfit, a Miu Miu Solitaire Shiny Leather Bag in black accompanies the dress and flats. The price tag is steep, but the concept is accessible. A structured mini bag in a solid color, preferably black, brown, or cream, adds a deliberate finishing touch to airport dress styling. It keeps your essentials close without overwhelming the silhouette.
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A mini bag forces you to travel light, which is a practical advantage. You carry only your phone, passport, wallet, lip balm, and keys. This reduces the weight on your shoulder and the clutter in your seat area on the plane. The structured shape of the bag also contrasts nicely with the soft drape of the dress and sweater, creating visual interest through texture.
Budget-friendly alternatives
A structured mini bag does not have to cost thousands. Many contemporary brands offer similar shapes in pebbled leather or vegan leather for under $200. Look for a top-handle style with a removable crossbody strap. You can carry it by the handle for a polished look in the terminal, then clip on the strap for hands-free convenience when you are managing your boarding pass and coffee. The color should be a neutral that works with multiple outfits, so you can use it beyond the airport.
Here is where it gets interesting. The bag you choose for the airport can double as an evening clutch once you reach your destination. A structured mini bag transitions seamlessly from the boarding gate to a dinner reservation, which means you pack one less item.
Keep the Silhouette Intentional, Not Complicated
Why simplicity wins
The final it-girl way to approach airport dress styling is to resist the urge to overcomplicate. The entire outfit consists of just four pieces: a dress, a sweater, flats, and a bag. There are no statement belts, no chunky jewelry, no patterned scarves. The power comes from proportion and texture, not from layers of accessories.
A white midi dress provides a clean canvas. The oatmeal sweater adds warmth and a soft, tactile contrast. Black flats ground the look with a neutral, minimalist base. That simplicity is what makes the outfit feel intentional. Every piece has a clear role. Nothing is there for decoration alone.
Can this work for non-fashionistas
Absolutely. The specific dress and sweater combination is approachable and adjustable. If you prefer a darker palette, choose a black or navy midi dress with a camel or gray sweater. If you are traveling somewhere cold, swap the midi dress for a knit midi dress in a heavier gauge fabric. The principles remain the same. Keep the fit tailored at the top and relaxed at the hem. Drape a layer you can actually use for warmth. Wear shoes that let you move quickly. Carry only what you need in a compact bag.
The goal is not to look like you are walking a runway. It is to look like you have thought about your comfort and your appearance equally. That balance is what defines modern airport dress styling. It rejects the idea that you must choose between looking put-together and feeling at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the midi dress feels too dressy for a casual trip? How can I adapt it?
You can adapt the outfit by choosing a midi dress in a more casual fabric, such as cotton jersey, chambray, or a soft knit. These materials have a relaxed feel that reads as everyday rather than formal. A dress in a subdued color like heather gray, olive, or navy also tones down the dressy factor. You can then skip the draped sweater and instead wear a denim jacket tied around your waist for a more casual silhouette.
How do I keep the sweater from slipping off my shoulders during the flight?
Use a small safety pin on the inside of the sweater to attach it to the strap or seam of your dress. This holds the sweater in place without being visible. Another method is to cross the sleeves over your chest and tuck them under the opposite armhole of the dress. For a quick no-pin solution, choose a sweater with a heavier knit weight, as the texture grips the dress fabric better than a lightweight knit.
Is there a way to add more pockets to this outfit without ruining the silhouette?
Yes, look for a midi dress that features side seam pockets or a hidden slip pocket in the front skirt panel. Many A-line and flared midi dresses include pockets without adding bulk because the skirt shape naturally conceals them. If your dress lacks pockets, carry your phone and lip balm in your structured mini bag, and keep your passport in a slim travel wallet that fits inside the bag as well.
