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I absolutely LOVE flying. Even more than donuts.
Later this year, my family and I are embarking on our first family vacation in years. Six family members are super excited to see NYC for the first time. One family member is super excited to curl up in her (coach) seat and nibble Hawaiian Airlines’ food offerings. Guess who that family member could be…
Aside from my airplane obsession, I am also very interested in fashion, and specifically, making fashion attainable and workable for everyday women. There are plenty of reasons for normal people (*ahem* not me) to hate flying. The airport is stressful, the seats keep shrinking, and the food is pretty abysmal. I get that. BUT I also think that by doing something as simple as carefully planning your travel outfits, it becomes possible to make even a stressful and cramped experience just a bit more enjoyable.
These are the items of clothing that I never wear when traveling. These items are either uncomfortable, impractical, or just annoying to manage. You have enough to worry about when you’re traveling, you don’t need to be worried about your outfit falling apart too.
Read on to find out what not to wear on a plane, and what to wear instead!
NO: jeans or sweatpants
Two opposite ends of the spectrum, and I avoid them both. It’s pretty obvious why I avoid jeans, skinny jeans especially. But sweatpants? True, there is nothing more comfortable than sweatpants. It’s like wearing a literal hug. But you’ll always feel just a little bit frumpy wearing them. That feeling is 10x worse when you land at your destination ready to make a great first impression, feeling like you just rolled out of bed. There is a happy medium, I promise.
yes: street leggings // I think the old adage, “Leggings are not pants,” is super outdated and I ignore it. However, I do think there is a right kind of legging to wear outside of the gym. Street leggings are basically leggings that are made from heavier weight fabrics, so there is no chance of them being see-through. They also often include some sort of design feature that makes them look less like tights sold in a cardboard sleeve, and more like actual pants. Moto leggings are a prime example of street leggings. Workout leggings that include pockets on the legs also work well.
yes: joggers // If you love your sweatpants, then joggers are the way to go. Some are made from a soft and comfy jersey material, while others are full-on sweatpants material, so you won’t be lacking in comfort. That little cuff at the ankle that makes joggers, well, joggers, makes even the comfiest of pants look so much better. The taper gives you your shape back, and most importantly, the hems don’t drag on the floor and get filthy. Joggers are a win-win.
SHOP MY FAVORITES
SPANX Faux Leather Moto Leggings
Old Navy High-Rise Moto 7/8 Length Street Leggings
GapFit Ribbed Joggers
Old Navy Mid-Rise Breathe ON Joggers
Gap Versatile Joggers
NO: flimsy sweaters
I used to think any sweater was great for a flight. As long as it’s soft and warm, it’s all good, right? It’s all fun and games until your favorite loose-knit sweater gets tangled in the armrest hinge and sadly doesn’t make it out alive. I now avoid any delicate pieces of clothing. These options replace those delicate sweaters, and then some.
yes: sweatshirts // Sweatshirts are basically indestructible. They can get pinched, snagged and stepped on and they’ll still wash up good as new.
yes: hoodies // Basically the same idea as a sweatshirt, but with an added zipper and/or hood, making them quite versatile. I like unzipping my hoodie and wearing it backwards like a blanket with the hood covering my face. If you are aggravated by the sight of people like I am, then this is great for making your flight a bit more peaceful.
SHOP MY FAVORITES
Adidas Originals Trefoil Hoodie
GapFit Full-Zip Hoodie in Brushed Tech Jersey
AE Ribbed Pullover Sweatshirt
Aerie Weekend Sweatshirt
NO: form-fitting tops
Is there anything more annoying than having your shirt digging into your armpits? Maybe, but you’re already feeling constricted when you’re squished into an airplane seat. You don’t need your armpits and chest feeling claustrophobic, too. Not to mention, snug tops are terrible for temperature regulation. You’ll either feel too warm or too cold, and neither of those are comfortable.
yes: breathable oversized t-shirts // Wearing an oversized cotton t-shirt gives you so many options that you can switch up depending on how you’re feeling. It’s easy to regulate your temperature when you have more room, plus you’ll feel free and un-constricted. I like to knot my shirt at my waist while I’m cruising the airport so I look more put together. After boarding, I simply release the knot and suddenly I feel like I’m wearing a cozy cocoon.
yes: lightweight button-ups // If t-shirts aren’t your thing, then perhaps go for a lightweight button-up. As long as you have room to move around, that’s a win for me.
SHOP MY FAVORITES
Everlane The Clean Silk Oversized Shirt
Everlane The Linen Notch Short-Sleeve Shirt
Aerie Tailgate Honda Goldwing T-Shirt
Universal Thread Meriweather Short Sleeve Crew Neck
NO: jumpsuits
I absolutely love jumpsuits for zipping around town. They’re essentially instant outfits. What’s not to love? Well, I don’t know about you, but I, for the life of all things holy, cannot keep my jumpsuit from dragging on the floor when I use the restroom. If anyone has any hacks, please help a lady out. It’s not a huge deal at home, or if I’m just going out for a quick errand and probably won’t need to use a public restroom. But on a plane, it’s a different story. And airplanes arguably hit the limit for just how disgusting a restroom can be while still being publicly acceptable, sorta.
yes: short-sleeve rompers // If you love the instant outfit, then rompers are the way to go- just make sure you have a blanket or sweatshirt to cover your legs if they get cold. A romper won’t drag on the floor, and a short sleeve version will keep you a bit warmer and feeling more secure than a tank top.
SHOP MY FAVORITES
Gap Print Wrap Front Romper
Gap Flutter Sleeve Romper
Wild Fable Short Sleeve Button Front Romper
Prologue Short Dolman Sleeve V-Neck Romper
NO: mini skirts
Honestly, I don’t know why women wear these anyway. I’m always so afraid of my skirt being tucked into my underwear or my butt just inexplicably being on display. But I digress. In addition to those horrors, do you really want to have your butt in direct contact with a seat that who-knows-what sat in before you?
yes: maxi or midi dresses // Dresses are quite comfortable when you feel secure in them. Maxi and midi dresses are my go-to dresses because I can walk around unworried about what’s going on behind me, or hunkering down whenever I feel a slight gust of wind. For travel, I try to choose dresses with non-floppy necklines. This way I can toss multiple bag straps over my shoulders and chest and not worry that my modesty is venturing into dangerous territory, if you know what I mean.
SHOP MY FAVORITES
Loft Floral Tie Waist Shirtdress
Banana Republic Linen-Blend Button-Front Dress
A New Day Striped Sleeveless Crewneck Knit Dress
Old Navy Tiered Fit & Flare Maxi Dress
NO: shoes with high-heels, open-toes, or elaborate closures
This is another one that you would think goes without saying. Yet every time I head to the airport, I get stuck in the security line behind people wearing ridiculous shoes. Why no open toes? Have you ever had someone roll their overweight suitcase over your foot? Because I have, and I’m *thrilled* that I was wearing covered shoes at the time, or that could have been tragic.
yes: sneakers // Sneakers are probably the most comfortable option you can find, so they are always my first choice. I loosen my laces ahead of time so that I can slip my sneakers on and off easily without fumbling with retying them. I simply kick them off when I reach the security belt, then grab them on the other side and slide them back on before the rest of my bags are even out of the machine. Who has time to waddle over to the overcrowded benches after security to tie their shoes? Not me.
yes: low-heeled ankle booties // For a more stylish option, ankle booties featuring low block heels (I’m talking less than 2 inches,) also work well. Just make sure they have an easy-to-operate zipper, or even better, no zipper at all. Ah, Chelsea boots, you really are the best.
SHOP MY FAVORITES
Nike Flex Experience 8 Running Shoe
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneaker
Clarks Edenvale Page Bootie
Cole Haan Newburg Waterproof Chelsea Boot
NO: heavy outerwear
Yes, I’ve heard it too: “Wear your heaviest clothing on the plane so you don’t need to pack it.” That’s great and all, but is having more space in your luggage really worth your own (dis)comfort? Heavy outerwear is an all-or-nothing deal. Either you wear it, or you take it off. You’re too warm, or you’re too cold. And even when you decide that off is the lesser of two evils, there’s no escaping your gigantic coat in your tiny airplane seat!
yes: light layers // I always wear several light layers to stay warm instead of one large jacket or coat. My formula typically includes two breathable shirts, followed by an oversized sweatshirt, and topped with a scarf. Any one of the layers can be removed easily, so you are covered in all situations. And the best part? These small items stow away neatly in your bag, or you can roll them up into dandy little pillows.
That’s all for today!
Like this post? You’ll love this one too >> Warm Weather Outfits || How To Layer When It’s Hot & Look Stylish
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Till next time ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
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