Whenever I’m headed to the airport, my outfit planning revolves around two key factors: comfort and convenience. Navigating fluctuating temperatures and security checkpoints means prioritising cosy, easy-to-remove pieces. Lightweight layers are ideal, and when it comes to footwear, slip-on styles have proven to be my ultimate travel companions.
Having perfected my airport ensemble over time, I can instantly spot an outfit that’s well-suited for travel—and one that might pose a few challenges along the way. This week, my radar for the latter went off when I spotted Charli XCX’s latest airport look.
Dressed in an effortlessly chic all-black ensemble, Charli’s outfit would have earned high praise in any other setting. She styled a layered skirt with a classic black T-shirt, a jumper draped over her shoulders and a generously sized handbag in tow. So far, so good. But it was her footwear choice that made me pause.
Instead of the slip-on styles I swear by for travel, Charli opted for knee-high black boots—elegant and elongating, yes, but undeniably impractical for security checks. No matter how stylish, knee-high boots are a faff to pull on and off, making them a questionable choice for a smooth airport experience.
However inconvenient her footwear choice might have been, one thing is for sure—she looked chic on arrival. While I wouldn't personally recommend wearing this shoe style for a flight, there are plenty of other instances where knee boots are absolutely the right choice.
On that note, scroll on to see my edit of the chicest knee-high boots on the market right now.
SHOP KNEE-HIGH BOOTS HERE:
Style with a sheer skirt and a simple black tee to get Charli's look.
While I love these in the classic black, these also come in a dark brown shade.
These feature a flexible technical foam insole to ensure lasting comfort.
Style with a structured miniskirt or pair with a swishy maxi.
The square-toe finish gives these a chic, elevated edge.
In my opinion, Sézane's footwear collection is highly underrated.
The pebble grain leather finish means that these boots less prone to scratches that smoother styles.
-
Ankle Boots With Dresses Are Out—This Is the Shoe Trend Those With Cool Style Are Wearing InsteadAlexa Chung is one of them.
-
Whenever I'm in Paris, I See This Boot Trend Styled With Minidresses in Every Vintage Shop and Local BistroSorry, ankle boots, but it's not you.
-
Everyone in Los Angeles Knows This Shoe Trend Makes Denim Shorts Look Way CoolerDenim shorts never looked so good.
-
Spotted at Wimbledon: The Anti-Summer Shoe Trend You Don't Usually See in the StandsNever too hot for these.
-
Kendall Jenner Wore Capris With the Only Shoe Trend Worse for Airport Security Than Flip-FlopsRisky but chic.
-
The Surprising Shoe Trend I Spotted Everywhere in European AirportsNow boarding: Open-toed sandals.
-
Stop With the Ankle Boots—Miniskirts Should Only Be Worn Like *This* in 2025Period.
-
FYI: These Are the Anti-Sandal Shoes NYC Girls Are Wearing With Miniskirts When They Go OutSummer shoes they are not.
