Emma Pradella, MR PORTER

There is a moment, somewhere over the Atlantic, when the person in the pressed shirt and leather loafers in seat 3A reconsiders their sartorial choices. The shoes have come off and the collar is open. It’s not going entirely to plan, is it?

When it comes down to it, the airport is just a series of long waits with a gift shop. Sometimes they are waits in fancy lounges, sure. But the correct response to it isn’t a suit and hard shoes. It’s layers you can remove, shoes you can get on and off with ease, ideally without sitting on the floor. And trousers with enough give to survive six hours in a seat that wasn’t exactly designed with you in mind, even if you fly private.

Don’t take dressing down as an act of defeat – make it your strength. The best-travelled people in any airport look effortless precisely because they know airport style isn’t an aesthetic. It’s just a wise decision made before getting on the transfer.

But dressed down can still be elevated. Think luxurious Brunello Cucinelli cashmere sets that will keep you from needing the airline blanket. Or linen trousers that move with you (go for an elasticated waistband). Up top, layer a tank underneath a long sleeve. And always bring a hoodie or sweater that you can swap for either layer when needed.

For what it’s worth, I personally like to bring a massive scarf to wrap around myself when the AC gets too much. It’s about dressing smart. Picking layers that will keep serving you, even when you’re off the plane.

Sophie Robyn Watson, freelance fashion editor

Without sounding trite, the airport runway – not forgetting the check-in desk, lounge and the cabin – should, in my opinion, be treated like its fashion-week counterpart. Take a look at the undisputed sartorial heavyweights of yesteryear, say, Paul Newman, Muhammad Ali and Mick Jagger, and you can see a through-line in their jet-set style. Always put together, never sloppy and ready to get from A to B effortlessly. There’s invariably a suit involved, whether that’s a softly unstructured one, perhaps a tailored trouser and a relaxed mismatched blazer paired with a knit (a crucial item to keep the unavoidable aircraft AC at bay). Plus, a weather-proof trench and paparazzi-proof sunglasses, which all make for a look that’s legendary when stepping off the aircraft, onto the tarmac and onward to your next stop.

Fast forward to the present day, and there’s a new roster of Hollywood stars putting a modern spin on classic airport dressing while still looking fresh, intentional and, most importantly, comfortable on the move. Behold Jacob Elordi, he of Saltburn and Euphoria fame. The Australian actor favours generously pleated tailored trousers or expertly faded vintage jeans, box-fresh white T-shirts, Bottega Veneta’s most sought-after bags, leather loafers and a custom BODE canvas jacket, all topped off with his signature combo of a baseball cap and D-frame shades. It’s an ensemble that takes serious cues from American icons such as James Dean and Marlon Brando. When done right, it has that movie-star allure that will allow you to charm your way to an upgrade, without a tracksuit in sight.

So, next time you’re going long haul, heed my advice and ditch the sweats. Invest in crease-proof suit separates, soft-as-butter loafers (Saman Amel makes the best) and fresh packs of white T-shirts. Maybe even a merino knit or two to keep you cool or warm depending on the climate, thanks to the temperature-regulating properties of its wool fibres. A ludicrously capacious bag or cabin-friendly suitcase is also essential for an outfit change or a stash of extra layers needed mid-flight.