6 Easy Winter Pant Trends Fashion People Are Wearing to the Airport Instead of Leggings

Firstly, please don’t DM me accusing me of being anti-leggings. Let me start by stating that I’ve brought you not one but two stories this month that have given leggings a moment. Firstly, I shared some surprisingly chic legging outfits that are trending this winter, and then I wrote this story all about the very specific legging trend that’s taking over my feed. I’m just as likely to be spotted around the city in my yoga gear as any other 30-something New Yorker, so if you think I’m here to shame you for wearing leggings to the airport, I promise this is not that.

As a fashion editor and a very frequent flyer who’s at JFK just about every month, I’m here to tell you that there are pant trends floating around this season that feel both cool and comfortable, and the fashion people on my feed (and in my Delta lounge) seem to agree. If you’re looking for a little travel outfit inspo this winter, dive into these six chic trouser trends that fashion people are wearing to the airport.

Sporty Stripes

Adidas is obviously the ruler of the side-stripe domain, but don’t sleep on the slew of cool and affordable options from Edikted, which is shoppable at Nordstrom.

Stretch Flares

If you were also a dancer in your youth or just an awkward teenager in the early 2000s, you will absolutely be familiar with this iconic style of black pants. Essentially, we’re talking about bootleg leggings, but it’s basically 2025, so let’s rebrand.

Leopard Print

Leopard print has made its presence felt all year long, and it was everywhere at Charles de Gaulle Airport last month, styled with bordering-on-boring elevated basics in that typically Parisian way. Wear it for a little injection of personality that lets the flight attendants know you’re not a regular passenger—you’re a fun passenger.

Soft Jeans

If the idea of wearing jeans in your airplane seat makes you uncomfortable just thinking about it (hi, it’s me), then this wave of ultra-soft denim-look pants currently on offer should make you very happy.

Cargo Pants

Speaking of throwback pant styles, cargo pants just keep on keeping on. There are loads of affordable options ideal if you’re a spiller, but Tibi’s navy Crispy Nylon style is my pick of the bunch.

Matching Sets

A moment for the chic people I spot at the airport wearing their polished, cozy matching sets. Whether they’re residing below a soft knit zip hoodie, a cozy turtleneck, or a slouchy sweatshirt, what we have here are basically socially acceptable pajamas ready for a long-haul flight.