Ellie Goulding’s LAX Style: Why the Saint Laurent Court Classic Is the Ultimate Travel Sneaker

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Ellie Goulding’s travel wardrobe has long been a masterclass in balancing rock-and-roll edge with practical comfort. Arriving at LAX in December 2015, the “Delirium” singer showcased a timeless transit look.

Shifting focus from the stage to the terminal, she opted for a textural mix of suede and leather, anchored by high-end sneakers that prove designer footwear can be both a statement and a travel essential.

Ellie Goulding wears her blonde hair down as she arrives at Los Angeles International AirportEllie Goulding wears her blonde hair down as she arrives at Los Angeles International Airport on December 3, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Avalon)

The “Love Me Like You Do” singer, who was reportedly taking some time away from her relationship with Dougie Poynter due to their busy schedules, was in the city to promote her third studio album, “Delirium,” and to perform at KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball.

Ellie Goulding covers her eyes with a pair of dark sunglasses as she rolls her suitcase through LAXEllie Goulding covers her eyes with a pair of dark sunglasses as she rolls her suitcase through LAX

The singer showed off her styling prowess as she moved through the terminal in a pair of fitted black pants, a low-cut black tee, and a brown suede jacket with fringe detail.

Ellie Goulding keeps her airport look effortlessly cool in a fringe-trimmed suede jacket, sleek black separates, and Saint Laurent star-embroidered sneakers that add a subtle rock-chic finish to her travel styleEllie Goulding keeps her airport look effortlessly cool in a fringe-trimmed suede jacket, sleek black separates, and Saint Laurent star-embroidered sneakers that add a subtle rock-chic finish to her travel style

She accessorized with a long silver necklace and a couple of earrings, keeping her eyes hidden behind a pair of black sunglasses.

Ellie Goulding steps out in Saint Laurent’s white Court Classic SL/06 sneakers, featuring bold black star appliqués and a vintage-inspired rubber sole for effortless off-duty polishEllie Goulding steps out in Saint Laurent’s white Court Classic SL/06 sneakers, featuring bold black star appliqués and a vintage-inspired rubber sole for effortless off-duty polish

The Shoe: Saint Laurent Court Classic

Ellie grounded her airport look in one of Saint Laurent’s most enduring off-duty staples: the Star Embroidered sneakers from the house’s Court Classic SL/06 line. First popularized during Hedi Slimane’s tenure, the low-top silhouette fuses a vintage 1970s tennis profile with the grunge-luxe attitude that defined Saint Laurent’s mid-2010s revival.

The supple white calfskin leather keeps the shape clean and minimal, while metallic star patches stitched along the sides inject just enough rock-and-roll irreverence. Gold-foil branding on the tongue and a debossed heel tab provide subtle luxury cues, and the flat rubber sole preserves the authentic “court” feel.

Part of the sneaker’s appeal lies in its intentionally relaxed finish. Certain SL/06 versions arrive pre-distressed — slightly scuffed leather, gently yellowed soles, or broken-in canvas — a design choice that nods to Slimane’s undone aesthetic and makes them feel lived-in from the first wear.

Beyond their styling power, they remain a practical luxury investment. The model typically retails between $650 and $850 depending on fabrication and embellishment, and thanks to its perennial reissues, resale values stay relatively strong. Fit-wise, the silhouette runs slightly long and narrow, with many wearers opting to size down half a size for the best balance between structure and comfort — an important consideration for travel days like Goulding’s LAX arrival.

Effortlessly cool yet airport-appropriate, the SL/06 proves why Saint Laurent’s star sneaker remains one of the brand’s most recognizable modern classics.

Saint Laurent’s white Court Classic SL/06 sneakers feature bold black leather star appliqués and a creamy, lightly distressed rubber sole that channels the brand’s signature grunge-luxe attitudeSaint Laurent’s white Court Classic SL/06 sneakers feature bold black leather star appliqués and a creamy, lightly distressed rubber sole that channels the brand’s signature grunge-luxe attitude

A softer take on the SL/06, this white leather version showcases tonal stitched star patches with a contrasting black heel tab and vintage-inspired off-white sole for understated rock-chic appealA softer take on the SL/06, this white leather version showcases tonal stitched star patches with a contrasting black heel tab and vintage-inspired off-white sole for understated rock-chic appeal

Saint Laurent Star Embroidered SneakersSaint Laurent Star Embroidered Sneakers

More Saint Laurent Sneaker Style to Bookmark

Whether you’re drawn to the star-appliqué SL/06 or Saint Laurent’s sleek logo high-tops, the label’s court-inspired sneakers remain a go-to for polishing off travel-day looks with effortless cool—explore more standout sightings and styling inspiration below.

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