Over the past couple of decades, the airport has become a place where celebrities will almost certainly be photographed—especially at the likes of LAX or JFK. They’re all well aware of this, and many dress accordingly because their photos are inevitably going to be splashed across the photo agencies, and subsequently the internet, in a matter of hours.
The thing about calling an airport outfit “wild” or “controversial” is that they’re shocking for the airport, but not always for other occasions. Taking a long flight in something even remotely uncomfortable can feel like torture, but many celebrities travel in things like leather miniskirts and ultra-high platform heels, for example, like it’s nothing (although we shouldn’t be surprised if some of them change clothes before departing or upon arrival).
I find over-the-top celebrity airport outfits to be fascinating so I studied tons of past looks to bring you the 11 examples that can best be described as “wild” (again, for the airport). Scroll to see for yourself and to shop pieces that are a bit more practical for a flight.
Leave it to Lady Gaga to have the wildest outfit on this list, and I have many questions. Among them, did she wear this on a commercial flight? Was anyone seated next to her? Did she get stopped when going through security? Is that a hoop skirt?
I can’t imagine wearing strappy heels to the airport, let alone with a long silky dress over an athletic pullover. But if anyone can, it’s Kim Kardashian.
Beyoncé’s crisp suit and trench doesn’t look all that comfortable for a long-haul flight, but Beyoncé can do anything and wear anything.
Remember when Kendall Jenner wore “naked” pants to the airport? I do!
Wearing a tight leather jacket and little leather gloves with heels and a long, fitted dress to the airport is something that few could tolerate and pull off, but it’s no surprise that Mariah Carey can.
There’s no denying that J.Lo’s outfit is fun, but between the platform knee boots, the big hoops, and the fact that most of what she’s wearing is white makes it wild in my book.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looks great but looking this polished and put-together (and perfectly accessorized) for the airport is a rare, but beautiful, thing.
Always stylish Kate Bosworth has plenty of looks that have put her on the airport outfit map over the years. This one, comprised of a leather jacket and miniskirt with spikey boots, was particularly memorable. She looks cool, per usual, but I’m not sure how she made it through the flight in all leather.
Victoria Beckham is one of the chicest, most polished travelers there is. This tweed suit may or may not be comfortable, but it’s the very high platform Christian Louboutin shoes that made me do a double-take.
Taylor Swift looks very cute here, but a crop top, miniskirt, and sheer tights on an airplane would be my worst nightmare (relatively speaking).
Selena Gomez looks like she’s ready for a red carpet event. And if that’s where she’s coming from, I’m sorry you didn’t have time to change, Selena. You look cute though.
