1972
Here, Rod is modeling tight pants and good jacket with his at-the-time girlfriend, Dee Harrington, who is wearing several items that seem like they'd be annoying on a plane.
1973
I believe this is still Dee, in a new outfit, but Rod is carrying the same blazer as in the previous slide! Was that perhaps his Airport Blazer? I must confess: In thumbnail, this photo looked like Rod was wearing tiny tiny hotpants. I am pleased to report that they are just regular pants that are so snug that I mistook a wrinkle for a seam.
1974
My photo service has this dated as the next year, but these are the EXACT same outfits as the previous slide, yes? It must be the same occasion....unless they're very superstitious about their flying outfit. Color...does not improve Rod's ensemble. At all. (Dee, on the other hand, looks like the original Cher Horowitz!)
1976
Informative Caption tells us that "Rod Stewart dressed in a cloak and dark glasses and his actress girlfriend Britt Ekland walk through Heathrow airport on their way to Paris." Rod looks both glamorously cozy and like a person who just had his eyes checked for glaucoma. Britt may be wearing culottes. (Her Wiki is also quite a read. Fun fact: These two were introduced by Joan Collins!)
1977
Britt Ekland could wear this outfit today (without the fur, obviously); this is the beginning of Rod's Jumpsuit Period, which was LENGTHY. He also loves that little carry-on, as he had it in the previous slide as well.
1978
Informative Caption swoops into to explain that we're seeing "pop superstars Rod Stewart (l) and Elton John, who was wearing contact lenses instead of his usual flamboyant glasses, at London's Heathrow Airport when they flew in after holidaying in Rio de Janeiro." I need someone to explain to me what on earth Rod thinks he's belting.
1978
This might be the same belt, more accurately deployed. Here, he's moved onto Alana Hamilton, whom Informative Caption explains is "the estranged wife of american singer, George Hamilton." First of all, sic. Second, in what world is George Hamilton a singer? He is an actor and a tanning enthusiast! (Did Informative Caption get George Hamilton and George HARRISON confused? FWIW, Alana -- whose Wiki has taught me that she is MAGA -- was with Hamilton, not Harrison.)
1980
That's tiny bebe Kimberly Stewart there in Alana's arms. Rod looks relatively normal here.
1980
This has a real "I just bought a place in Cannes" vibe. I think it's the hat.
1980
YES THIS MAN IS WEARING A LEATHER JUMPSUIT ON THE PLANE. Did he think they might make him fly it? During a war?
1984
We've entered a period of extreme gel consumption and popped collars. And a new girlfriend: Kelly Emberg, who looks slightly like she just went on a fashion safari. Her Wiki is a bit of a mess and whoever wrote it is low-key unimpressed with Rod.
1997
Enter Rachel Hunter, also low-key unimpressed with Rod, whose whole outfit looks like he bought it at Chico's.
2014
ENTER THE MODERN ERA! I think I myself once owned those same trousers.
2015
This is relaxed, more low key, very Man of the Manor. I miss the leather jumpsuit!
2014
Snazzy, but we seem to be heading back into the old Wild Outfit For Flying Direction...
2018
And we're back! PHEW. Nature has healed.