RDU → LAS: The Airport Outfit That Actually Works
There’s airport style… and then there’s real airport style.
The kind where you still look polished after a cross-country flight, your shoes survive three terminals, and you’re not overheating the second you land in Vegas.
For this trip from Raleigh-Durham to Las Vegas, I needed an outfit that could handle wildly different temperatures without feeling bulky, wrinkled, or overthought. RDU was cool. Vegas was 103°. The goal was simple: comfortable enough for the journey, polished enough for the destination.
This is the formula I keep coming back to.
The White Tee That Earned a Permanent Spot: Trendy Queen White Tee
A good white tee is one of those things that quietly makes everything look more elevated.
This one is thick enough not to feel flimsy, fitted without being restrictive, and structured enough to hold its shape through an entire travel day. That matters more than people think. Thin, stretched-out basics instantly make an outfit feel tired.
I love pairing a clean white tee with black leggings and sleek sneakers because it creates that effortless high-low balance that always feels put together.
And yes — this is one of those affordable pieces that genuinely performs above its price point. I do not put them in the dryer - I always hang them to dry. And to keep my white tees looking crisp, I add some OxiClean in the washing machine.
The Leggings I Reach For Constantly: Athleta Headlands Hybrid Legging
These are the leggings I wear when I want comfort without looking like I gave up and wore pajamas to the airport.
They smooth everything out, stay put while walking through terminals, and have enough structure to feel intentional. The pockets are also incredibly practical for travel days — earbuds, ID, lip balm, boarding pass, all within reach.
The biggest difference between elevated athleisure and sloppy athleisure is fabric and fit. These do both well.
The Sneakers That Go With Everything: Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers
I wear these constantly for travel.
They’re lightweight, comfortable enough for long airport walks, and slimmer than most athletic sneakers, which helps the entire outfit feel cleaner and more refined.
A lot of chunky sneakers can visually weigh down leggings. These don’t. They keep the silhouette sleek, minimal, and timeless.
They’re one of those pieces that quietly make an outfit feel more expensive without screaming for attention.
The Layer That Makes Airport Temperature Swings Bearable: SPANX Cinched Jacket
Every frequent traveler needs a lightweight layer.
Airports are unpredictable — freezing at the gate, warm on the plane, cold again during landing. I love a jacket that ties easily around the waist once I land somewhere hot instead of becoming annoying to carry.
This one keeps the outfit streamlined instead of bulky, which is key when you’re already carrying a tote, luggage, coffee, and half your life through TSA. Unfortunately, it’s not longer offered by Spanx, but always check Poshmark or other reseller sites! Or you can always substitute it with your own favorite lightweight black jacket!
Sunglasses are one of the fastest ways to make a casual travel outfit feel intentional.
A classic cat-eye shape instantly adds polish, especially with otherwise simple basics. These are timeless, flattering, and practical for that aggressive Vegas sun the second you step outside.
My Philosophy on Travel Style
I never travel in outfits that are overly trendy, overly complicated, or uncomfortable after hour two.
The pieces that work best are always:
comfortable
functional
easy to move in
lightweight
versatile
polished without trying too hard
That’s really the heart of Looks More Expensive.
Not buying things just because they’re expensive — but finding pieces that wear beautifully, function well, and make real life feel a little more elevated.
Because the best travel outfit is the one that still looks good at baggage claim. -LME
*I only share pieces I genuinely wear, use, and love. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Enjoyed this post? Join The Best of The Edit for favorite finds, practical tips, and the most-loved posts from Looks More Expensive.
