Airport Style Was Incredible in the ’90s

People might not get dressed up to travel anymore, but we enjoy scoping out what they wear all the same. Indeed, sartorial decorum at the airport is something even US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has dedicated himself to correcting. But more often than not in 2026, sweats and slides have become the default uniform for those flying the friendly skies.

But looking back at the way our favorite celebrities dressed for a day of travel in the ’90s—a.k.a the decade millennials and fashion people can’t stop, won’t stop taking inspiration from—we have to say, they crushed it. It’s no surprise the era is finding new recruits among Gen Zers wanting to refine their personal style: these men had the attitude, the vintage denim, and the genre-mixing down. They carried themselves, their newspapers, and their garment bags with a nonchalant, pre-internet cool you just don’t see anymore. Or maybe that’s just the nostalgia talking.

In any case, it’s actually quite easy to replicate the ’90s airport-fit formula with items currently sitting in your closet. All you need is a good pair of jeans (corduroys and trousers work, too—but sweatpants or basketball shorts, less so), sturdy leather shoes (whether that be boots, loafers, or fisherman sandals), a solid jacket (in general, it’s smarter to wear a jacket on a plane since it takes up a lot of space in a bag and in-flight temperatures tend to fluctuate), and, the ultimate ’90s travel accessory, a trusty duffel bag or two. Add a dirtbag cap if you’re nasty. Bonus points for tucking a magazine or newspaper in the crook of your arm, and triple bonus points for carrying a garment bag.

Want more inspiration? We’ll let the photos take it from here.